Bethany Retreat House

These words of Jesus are an invitation to spend time with Him, both in quiet personal prayer and in company with others. Knowing exactly what they need, the Lord calls his friends apart to a lovely and peaceful atmosphere of retreat.

In a culture that is fast paced and filled with pressures of many kinds, it is not only important but necessary to be mindful of God’s presence; to take time to listen to Him, talk with Him; to come to know Him and to know ourselves. If we are to grow in our relationship with the Lord, a relationship which He Himself initiates and deeply desires, it is essential that we accept his invitation to “come away.”

In the spirit of St. Dominic, and seeking to promote the Church’s mission of the New Evangelization, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation wish to make available just such a “place apart”, through a retreat facility designed to fill the spiritual needs of those desiring to “come away for awhile” – whether laity, clergy or religious.

The sisters seek to provide an atmosphere conducive to a deepening relationship with God, so that retreatants might be more open to his grace in personal prayer, reception of the sacraments, spiritual conferences and quiet time for rest. Thus refreshed in body and soul, the faithful are better able to become a leaven within their families, in their workplaces, and in the communities where they live.

Construction of Bethany Retreat House was made possible by a gift of Gayle and Tom Benson of New Orleans, LA. The addition of Our Mother of Perpetual of Help Chapel and wing was realized through the major gift of an anonymous donor and contributions of many other generous benefactors. It is located about 40 miles west of Nashville on 112 acres of land in Dickson, Tennessee. The retreat house, completed in three phases, has 36 individual guest rooms, a large beautiful gathering space for reflection, and a new chapel that seats about 120.

Bethany Retreat House, owned and operated by St. Cecilia Congregation, plays an integral role in the community’s apostolate of Christian education and its efforts in the New Evangelization. Bethany provides an atmosphere in which retreatants are able to reflect on their faith, on the presence of God in their personal lives, and on growth in their relationship with the Lord as they seek to live their vocations in the Church. Retreats are scheduled for parents, faculty, and staff of schools where the sisters serve, as well as for other groups sponsored by parishes or Catholic organizations known to the sisters. Additionally, the sisters themselves come to Bethany for ongoing formation retreats and days of renewal.

We are told in the Gospel that the Lord Jesus Himself went apart to Bethany for times of spiritual refreshment and rest. At Bethany Retreat House his friends may do the same, meeting Him there in silence, prayer, reflection, and especially in his sacramental presence.

"Come away by yourselves,” He invites us,“ … and rest a while" (Mark 6:31).

RETREATS FOR WOMEN / MEN September 2026 through May 2027
BETHANY RETREAT HOUSE
2002 GARNERS CREEK ROAD
DICKSON, TN. 37055

Below is a list of the Bethany Retreat House Women’s/Men’s Retreats offered through May, 2027.

Registration is offered through e-mail sent from Bethany Retreat House.  If you are not already on the e-mail list and wish to be added to it, please send an e-mail request to bethanyretreat@op-tn.org.

The cost for a WEEKEND RETREAT (Friday evening - 4:30 p.m. – Sunday morning - 11:30 a.m.) is $240 per person.  (For on-line registrations an additional $5.00 is charged for electronic transfer and administration fees.)

If an organization is sponsoring a DAY RETREAT at Bethany the cost may vary.  Contact the organization sponsoring the day retreat for specifics.

RETREATS FOR WOMEN/MEN

September 25-27, 2026   Women’s Silent Retreat: “Growing in Beauty, Truth, & Goodness”
          Every woman longs for beauty, and yet a beauty lacking in truth and goodness can leave her feeling empty. God the Father knows our hearts and that our longing for beauty goes beyond mere appearances. Join us in this retreat to allow the Holy Spirit to beautify your heart and allow it to rest in the heart Our Lord Jesus Christ, He who is beauty, truth, and goodness incarnate.
          This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Gabriella Yi, O.P. will offer the conferences.   Space is available for 36 retreatants.  
          Registration will begin August 4, 2026.  

 Oct 2-4, 2026   Women’s Silent Retreat:   “The Key to the Whole Spiritual Life: Surrender”
          Description:  Surrender is not doing nothing nor is it trying to do everything. Surrender is accepting the will of God and actively participating in God's plans for our lives.  Surrender is good for us on every level of our being—physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Surrender is the way to peace and joy.
          This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Jane Dominic Laurel, O.P. will offer Conferences at this retreat. Space is available for 36 retreatants.  
          Registration will begin August 4, 2026.

 October 9-11, 2026   Women’s Silent Retreat: “Fourth Place at the Table: Entering Trinitarian Love”   
          Description:   By Baptism we are made participants in the inner life of the Trinity.  In this Scripturally-based retreat, we will explore how to grow deeper in love with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and therefore find the answer to our deepest longing.
          This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Mary Madeline Todd, O.P. will offer the conferences.   Space is available for 36 retreatants.  
          Registration will begin August 4, 2026.  

 October 16-18, 2026   Women’s Silent Retreat:  “Following the Little Way of St. Therese of Lisieux”   
          Description:  Do you ever feel as though the path to sanctity is beyond reach? St. Thérèse did, too, until she discovered what she called her "little way" of having unshakeable confidence in God and doing small things with great love. Join us in this retreat as we follow the path to sanctity of this "greatest saint of modern times."
          This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Gabriella Yi, O.P. will offer the conferences.   Space is available for 36 retreatants.  
          Registration will begin August 4, 2026.  

October 30-November 1, 2026   Women’s Silent Retreat:  “Finding Peace in the Storm”      
          Where do our emotions of agitation and unrest come from?  Are they sinful?  Or, do they play a role in our human and spiritual life?  How can we find peace in the storms of life with the help of the Lord?  How can we even grow in our spiritual lives through the storms?  Join us on this retreat as we consider together these aspects of the human and spiritual life.
          This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Jane Dominic Laurel, O.P. will offer Conferences at this retreat. Space is available for 36 retreatants.  
          Registration will begin August 4, 2026.

Jan. 29-31, 2027   Women’s Silent Retreat:  “Fourth Place at the Table: Entering Trinitarian Love” 
          Description: By Baptism we are made participants in the inner life of the Trinity. In this Scripturally-based retreat, we will explore how to grow deeper in love with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and therefore find the answer to our deepest longing.
          This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Mary Madeline Todd, O.P. will offer the conferences. Space is available for 36 retreatants.  
          Registration will begin December 7, 2026.  

February 12-14, 2027 Men’s Silent Retreat: Theme to be determined by the Retreat Master
          This retreat, only for men, is an opportunity for single or married men to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and confessions. Space is available for 36 retreatants.  Retreat Master: Father Cornelius Avaritt, O.P. 
          Registration will begin December 7, 2026.

February 19-21, 2027 Women’s Silent Retreat:   “Growing in Beauty, Truth, & Goodness”   
          Every woman longs for beauty, and yet a beauty lacking in truth and goodness can leave her feeling empty. God the Father knows our hearts and that our longing for beauty goes beyond mere appearances. Join us in this retreat to allow the Holy Spirit to beautify your heart and allow it to rest in the heart Our Lord Jesus Christ, He who is beauty, truth, and goodness incarnate.
          This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Gabriella Yi, O.P. will offer conferences Space is available for 36 retreatants.  
          Registrations will begin December 7, 2026.  

February 26-28, 2027  Women’s Silent Retreat:  “Finding Peace in the Storm”  
          Where do our emotions of agitation and unrest come from? Are they sinful? Or, do they play a role in our human and spiritual life?  How can we find peace in the storms of life with the help of the Lord?  How can we even grow in our spiritual lives through the storms? Join us on this retreat as we consider together these aspects of the human and spiritual life.
          This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Jane Dominic Laurel, O.P. will offer Conferences at this retreat. 
          Registration will begin December 7, 2026. 

March 12-14, 2027   Women’s Silent Retreat:  “Following the Little Way of St. Therese of Lisieux” 
          Description: Do you ever feel as though the path to sanctity is beyond reach? St. Thérèse did, too, until she discovered what she called her "little way" of having unshakeable confidence in God and doing small things with great love. Join us in this retreat as we follow the path to sanctity of this "greatest saint of modern times."
          This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Gabriella Yi, O.P. will offer the conferences. Space is available for 36 retreatants. 
          Registration will begin December 7, 2027.  

March 19-21, 2027  Men’s Silent Retreat: Theme to be determined by the Retreat Master  
          This retreat, only for men, is an opportunity for single or married men to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and confessions. Space is available for 36 retreatants. Retreat Master: Father Bede Marcy, OSB. 
          Registration will begin December 7, 2026.

April 2-4, 2027 Women’s Silent Retreat:  “The Key to the Whole Spiritual Life: Surrender” 
          Description:  Surrender is not doing nothing nor is it trying to do everything. Surrender is accepting the will of God and actively participating in God's plans for our lives. Surrender is good for us on every level of our being—physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Surrender is the way to peace and joy.
          This retreat, only for women, is an opportunity for single or married women to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Sister Jane Dominic Laurel, O.P. will offer conferences at this retreat. Space is available for 36 retreatants.  
          Registration will begin December 7, 2027.

 April 16-18, 2027  Men’s Silent Retreat: Theme to be determined by the Retreat Master 
          This retreat, only for men, is an opportunity for single or married men to have a weekend apart for conferences, silent reflection, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and confessions. Space is available for 36 retreatants.  Retreat Master Father Pachomius Walker, O.P.   
          Registration will begin December 7, 2026.

For more information about Bethany Retreat House or the retreats available for your consideration, contact Sister John Paul at
bethanyretreat@op-tn.org.