Facts Vs. Misconceptions: Understanding Monastic Life at St. Mary & St. Moses Abbey
St. Mary & St. Moses Abbey operates an active retreat ministry, welcoming hundreds of visitors every year. Pilgrims arrive from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and beyond to step away from corporate burnout. Staying on the abbey grounds, however, requires adherence to strict communal standards.
The abbey guest house provides simple, clean lodging separated strictly by gender, alongside dedicated sections for visiting families. Those seeking lodging must register weeks or months in advance through official diocesan channels. Unannounced arrivals are turned away to safeguard the monastery's daily prayer life.
Retreat guidelines emphasize modesty and decorum. Visitors must wear loose-fitting, non-revealing clothing; shorts, sleeveless shirts, and gym apparel are strictly prohibited. The monastery expects guests to attend major services, maintain quiet on monastery paths, and limit digital device use. Guests participate in communal meals served in silence or accompanied by recorded spiritual readings, clearing their own dishes and cleaning their quarters before departure.