Programs and Retreats at the OSH Convent in Vails Gate NY

Street Address:

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 426
Vails Gate NY 12584

Telephone: 845-562-0592
Fax: 845-569-7051 (call first)
Email: VailsGateConvent@osh.org

Reservations and donations

In Jim Marion’s down-to-earth and out-of-this-world autobiography, Putting on the Mind of Christ, Marion states that church’s purpose is to assist people in evolving through ever-deepening stages of consciousness. We will read Marion’s book and discuss our own participation in and anticipation of these stages of life. Read the introduction prior to our first gathering.

Suggested donation $50; payable in $5 increments if necessary.

Difficult emotional states such as anger, fear and depression produce acute stress that can lead to illness of body, mind and spirit. Our Christian tradition provides images of safety and refuge, dwelling places where we might say, "The Lord is at my side, therefore I will not fear." This workshop’s intent is to lift up "mind-states that heal" from the deep well of traditional Christian spirituality and teach participants how to train the heart and mind to dwell in them.

$225 includes program, lodging, and all meals.

In the style of a Benedictine experience, join us for four days of quiet retreat – for praying together and alone and for working together and alone. Several sisters will guide you in the experience, and you will have plenty of space for silence, reflection and stillness, for working together and alone (indoors or out), surrounded by the Fall color and beauty of Vails Gate. Program flyer

$200 includes program, lodging and all meals.

Knitting has been described as a meditative act. Studies show that during knitting our breathing and heart rates drop. Best of all, this craft provides us the rare opportunity to slow down. Lee has been knitting for 50 years and has taught lace, cable, color and continental knitting. Carol coordinates the Prayer Shawl ministry at her church in Manhattan.

Come unwind, reflect and create in the beauty of the convent surroundings as we explore spiritual aspects of knitting. . Bring your current project or start a new one during this silent get-away. [Beginning knitters may come from 1-5 pm on Friday for knitting lessons; patterns provided.]

$225 includes program, lodging, and all meals..

Whatever the seeming opposites – mother and child, divine and human – “in Christ” all things hold together. Come experience the integrating practices of breathwork, incubation, emotional welcoming, and tonglen in the wintery-warm womb of the convent and your heart.

$225 includes program, lodging, and all meals.

$225 includes program, lodging and meals.

Stressed out? Burned out? Calling all clergy, professionals and the generally burned out! This could be the weekend for you! Come and relax; learn a few new things about the God who loves you so much; the world God creates and enjoys; and yourself, Beloved Child of the Beloved One.

The Vails Gate sisters welcome our Georgia sister, Carol Andrew. Many of you in the northeast have been asking for this – to again be with Carol Andrew on retreat. Ask and you shall receive! A favorite retreat leader through the years, Wisdom flows through Carol Andrew and lands in people’s hearts in gentle, humorous, and healing ways. A healer herself, Carol Andrew looks forward to sharing with you a warm experience in the midst of winter.

$225 includes program, lodging and meals.

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Daily Schedule and Worship

Weekdays:
7:00 a.m. Matins; 7:30 a.m. Eucharist; 8:00 a.m. Breakfast
Noon Diurnum; 12:30 p.m. Lunch
5:00 p.m. Vespers; 6:30 p.m. Supper; 7:30 p.m. Compline

No services or served meals on Mondays

Saturday and Sunday: as above, except 7:30 Matins, Eucharist and Breakfast to follow; no Compline on Sunday.

If you need a place to write, get thee to the convent!

I'm a writer, and a distracted Mom. I have escaped to the convent on two occasions, and have plans to go back on a regular basis. The first weekend I was there, I re-wrote the entire final draft of my memoir. The second weekend, I mostly slept all day and night, but managed to make it downstairs for the fabulous meals. When I'm at Saint Helena's, I feel I can be, and do, what I like. The building, surrounding property of woods, and sweeping lawns, transport you to a little haven for creativity and rest. I had my own simple, and spotlessly clean bedroom, with a view of the mountains framed by trees and birdsong, and was free to roam where ever I liked. Best of all I didn't have to cook, or clean, a thing. I have not found a more reasonable rate for so much, anywhere.

I am a happily lapsed Catholic, and was invited to join in, or stay out of, the on-going Religious activities within the convent. You are treated and respected as a welcome house guest. I did make it to Vespers for some personal meditation, and to an inspiring Summer Solstice celebration, that included poetry and spirited singing, but on the whole I behaved like a complete heathen, gobbling down seconds of dessert, and stalking wild turkey in the woods, when I wasn't writing or sleeping. There are colorful birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and other little beasties all over the place. It's enchanting!

The nuns are not what I expected. (Perhaps I have watched too many Hollywood movies?) They're much more worldly and witty than your average bear, and I was frankly in awe of them all. I really enjoyed chatting to them, and to the other guest writers at meal times. Some meals are silent. It is understood that many people are in need of silent contemplation, and there are many quiet areas on the property. Writing is taken seriously, and there are many pleasing nooks to hide away in with your lap top. (They have wireless internet.)

If you tire yourself out, treat yourself to an hour of Reiki and Healing Touch with Sister Linda. If you feel scrambled, take a hike. If you're feeling social, join a bunch of like minded friends on the beautiful patio, and have a laugh. Men, women, and couples (married or not), Episcopal, Atheists, Agnostics, and other faiths/cultures are all welcome. You can stay for one night, or several weeks. This is the most wonderful place that I have found to write, and the best part is that you don't have to fill out a whole load of silly application forms, or pass a panel of judges to be allowed visit. Just phone the Sisters!

Registration Policy:

For programs and individual or group retreats, register in advance by contacting our office at VailsGateConvent@osh.org or 845 562 0592 ext. 220. $75 per day is the charge for lodging and meals. The guest sister can provide you with further information. We look forward to your visit!

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