Retreat Centers

The retreat house began nearly 100 years ago in a simple Victorian house, purchased as a vacation home for the Redemptorist community. But from the beginning retreat guests were always welcome. In September of 1925 the first formal retreat was conducted on the site. The next year, 240 retreatants came to the retreat house. By 1927 it was up to 398. Today over 12,000 retreatants come to San Alfonso each year.

Additions were added over the years to accommodate the growth, with additional purchases of property in 1932. The original prayer garden was added in 1939 and has been renovated several times since then. After World War II the retreat movement in the United States grew greatly and, as a result, beginning the 1950's the Victorian buildings were gone and over the ensuing years the structures seen in the picture below became today's retreat center. More recently, we have had a major reconstruction of our shoreline and prayer garden, because of destruction from Superstorm Sandy. 

The recent shore and garden reconstruction is being followed now by room upgrades and improvements to our meeting and reflection areas. Retreat houses are part of a long-standing tradition and charism of the Redemptorists in spreading the Gospel and ministering to the needs of the faithful. In his time, St. Alphonsus insisted that the houses of the Redemptorists should always include rooms that would be available to lay people who wanted to make the "spiritual exercises" under the guidance of one of the members of the community. In the U.S. and throughout the world, Redemptorists also feed the spiritual hunger of pilgrims who visit their shrines and holy places.
 

San Alfonso Retreat House is the perfect spot for an individual private retreat or large group retreat. Come away to pray, relax, and enjoy the food and hospitality. To book your next stay, call us at 732-222-2731 or email us at [email protected].
Upcoming RetreatsSan Alfonso Retreat House Website

In 1967 the Redemptorists opened Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua, NY. The Redemptorist Congregation is a congregation of preachers and retreat ministry is a part of their charism. In the beginning, retreats were given to men in the Diocese of Rochester by Redemptorist priests and a Sister of St. Joseph from Rochester, NY. In the late 1970s, the retreat ministry expanded to offering retreat weekends to women and in the early 2000s, couple retreat weekends were added to the mix.  In 2023, the Redemptorists withdrew a permanent staff from the retreat house and a grou of committed lay persons have assumed responsibliity for the running of the retreat house.  Redemptorists assist on occasion with the retreats.

While the preached retreat weekends are the focus at the retreat house, we are delighted to have religious communities, educational institutions, pastoral staffs, various denominations, and nonprofit organizations utilize our facility to gather for spiritual growth and training sessions. Whether you are strolling the vast grounds, sitting, and capturing the panoramic view of the lake, or praying in the beautiful chapel, God’s presence is felt here. This picturesque setting on top of the hill offers the ideal location to spend time away from life’s distractions.

Notre Dame Retreat House is the perfect spot for an individual private retreat or large group retreat. Come away to pray, relax, and enjoy the food and hospitality. To book your next stay, call us at 585-394-5700 or email us at [email protected].
Notre Dame Retreat House Website