White House retreats are silent retreats. This practice helps each retreatant be totally available to the Lord and be free from distractions.
We are located on Christopher Drive, approximately 2.3 miles from Telegraph Rd. A map can be found on the "CONTACT" page of this website. When you get to the main entrance of White House follow these directions:
Upon arrival you may drop off your luggage and passengers at the registration area of Snyder Hall. (Largest Building on right of circle drive)
A staff member will explain everything you need to know in the dining room following the first meal to make you feel at home, and they can answer any questions you might have.
At check-in you will be given a schedule of events and little blue prayer book. Keep these two items on you throughout your stay.
Conferences, Scripture services and Mass are held in the Chapel.
Meals are served in Monaghan Hall Dining Room. If you have medical restrictions, please contact the White House office prior to your retreat.
Please, no electronic devices, i.e., cell phones, radios, or anything that might distract you or a fellow retreatant. In the event of an emergency a telephone is available.
White House provides towels, bed linens and soap. Each person has a private room with lavatory/shower. There is a Bible in each room.
You'll want to be prepared for outside weather -- walking between buildings as well as around the grounds. Bring walking shoes. Also bring your rosary and a pen/pencil to take notes.
Items you may have forgotten (comb, toothpaste, etc.) are available for purchase in the bookstore.
Dress is generally casual (no tank tops or short shorts).
The wake-up bell rings 30 minutes before morning prayer. There are no clocks in the rooms, so you may wish to bring an alarm clock for your own personal use.
Please be prompt to all conferences and meals.
If you wish to skip any events on the schedule to allow yourself more personal time, that perfectly ok!
No smoking is permitted inside any of the buildings at White House or in common areas.
All rooms are pre-assigned. If you require any special accommodations, please contact our office in advance so that we may best suit your needs. Call (314) 416-6400.
Silence is a big part of the White House Retreat tradition and it is expected that all who attend respect this rule. Silence begins after the first meal. There is an optional "fellowship hour" each night immediately following dinner for those who want to visit.
There is no set fee or "suggested donation" to attend a retreat at White House. We operate on a free-will offering basis. On the final day of your retreat you will be given an envelope. We simply ask that you give what you can afford. The only thing we do require is a $50 deposit to reserve a room for you. If you are coming with a parish group, this fee is waved.
White House has a small fitness room with two treadmills and an upright bike available to anyone here on retreat.
We have a .8 mile walking trail on our property that stretches into the woods. This is a gravel trail that includes hills and stairs. The trail goes in a loop that begins/ends at our Grotto. This trail is not lit up at night, so you will not want to begin walking the trail close to dark.
THE FOLLOWING VIDEO WILL EXPLAIN WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVE AT WHITE HOUSE
“The most quiet, peaceful and happy days of my life.”