Rules & Guidelines
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.”
(Colossians 3:15)
- Registration: All Liturgy visits and Retreats require prior approval. Visitors must be 18+ Or accompanied by a parent/guardian/servant.
- Hours: Visits Wednesdays 8AM–Sundays 2PM. Closed Mondays–Tuesdays and after 2 PM Sundays.
- Men’s Visits: Only for Divine Liturgies.
- Dress Code: Modest attire required; no shorts for men, women, boys, or girls.
- Conduct: Walk slowly, speak softly, and act modestly in reverence for God’s House. Children must stay with their guardian at all times.
- Facilities: Do not flush toilet paper or hygiene products. Keep place clean.
- Belongings: Visitors are responsible for their own items.
- Prohibited: No pets, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, vapes, or similar items on convent grounds. No video, pictures, or audio recordings. No leaving the premises without permission.
Guidelines for Overnight Retreaters
Things to know prior to retreat
- Bring: Bible, Agpeya, spiritual book(s), veil (veils are available in the bookstore after Liturgy if needed), bed sheet, pillowcase, towel, and toothbrush.
- Consider bringing a jacket, as nights can get cold.
- Each room includes: a bed per person (5 per room), bathroom with shower, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, blankets, and cleaning supplies.
- Note: These items must remain in the room.
- Each room MUST have at least 1 servant/parent/guardian (4:1 ratio).
Upon Arrival
- Arrive at your approved arrival time.
- The latest permitted arrival time is 6:00 – 6:30 PM.
- You will be greeted by the responsible monastic for retreats, who will provide:
- A brief orientation
- The key(s) to your room(s)
During Your Stay
- You may not leave the convent premises during their stay without permission.
- Leaving without permission is not allowed during the retreat period and doing so without permission will result in the retreat being terminated.
- For the sake of peace and order, everyone is to retire to their rooms by 9:00 PM.
- Roaming the premises or any gatherings after this time is not permitted.
- You are responsible for cleanliness of your room, eating areas, work areas, and the church.
- Refrain from sleeping on the beds without sheets and pillow cases.
- You will be given obediences/duties to share in the blessing of the Convent’s services.
- Please respect these duties; if unable to continue, you may kindly let the responsible monastic know.
- There will be times for:
- Quiet reflection
- Q&A/discussion with a monastic
- Any free time outside the schedule may be used at your discretion, but please:
- Maintain respectful silence
- Keep noise levels low in reverence for the Convent’s environment
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we mean by cleaning?
Rooms: Make bed, clean bathroom/shower, take out trash, sweep/mop, close windows, lock doors.
Dining area: Clear leftovers, wipe tables, clean spills.
Church: Pick up tissues/papers/bottles, take belongings, keep tidy.
How can I support the convent? What are the convent needs?
First through prayer.
Wishlist items are available (click here).
Donations: check (to St. Katherine of Alex & St. Verena Convent) or cash in the church donation box.
Where can I find the Convent Schedule?
On the Schedule Page (click here).
Also, emailed after registration approval.