How did Shalom Prayer Center receive its name?
After His Resurrection, “when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, in fear…, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Shalom, Peace be with you.’” (John 20: 19-20) These words of Jesus continue to inspire the mission and vision of Shalom Prayer Center.
In 1973, the vision of the founding mothers of Shalom Prayer Center, Sister Jill Aigner, Sister Antoinette Traeger, and Sister Eileen Kraemer, was to create a place where people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds would find and immerse themselves in Jesus’ peace and healing. Thus, they named the Benedictine Sisters’ retreat ministry with Jesus’ word of peace, “Shalom.” To greet someone with the word, Shalom, is to wish them total well being and wholeness.
What is the mission of the Shalom Prayer Center?
Shalom Prayer Center, a ministry of Queen of Angels Monastery, is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus as expressed in the tradition of Benedictine spirituality. The Center provides a peaceful environment where men and women of all faiths and cultural traditions are welcome to seek wholeness and deepen their relationship with God. Shalom, the Hebrew word meaning peace, inspires our mission which is the fostering of well bring in daily life and harmony with nature and ourselves. “Let peace be our quest and aim.” – Rule of St. Benedict
How much notice do I have to give to arrange a private retreat?
It is helpful for you to arrange your private retreat in advance. It depends on what other activities are happening in the Shalom Prayer Center, although most private retreats occur on week days. There are some weekends available throughout the year. When you have dates in mind for your private retreat, please call or email Christine to check the availability. shalom@mtangel.net - 503 845-6773.
What is the deposit for a private retreat?
There is a $25 deposit which will be deducted from the total cost of your retreat. Deposits are non-refundable and cannot be transferred.
The deposit may be paid by mailing a check to Shalom Prayer Center, 840 S. Main St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362. Please note the dates of your stay on your check, as well as your phone number and e-mail address on a separate piece of paper.
If you wish to use Visa, MasterCard or Discover, you may telephone the Shalom Prayer Center office at 503-845-6773 during office hours (M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Is spiritual 1direction available?
Spiritual direction is available upon request. Please let Christine know when you arrange your private retreat and she will give you instructions and contact information. The charge for spiritual direction is $55 per one hour. (Spiritual direction may not be available at very busy times.)
Does Shalom Prayer Center have dorm-like rooms?
Shalom Prayer Center has private rooms with one double bed or twin beds. There are a limited number of rooms with two twin beds.
Will I have to share a bathroom?
Yes, but the bathrooms are in close proximity to the bedrooms.
If I'm assigned a room with two twin beds, does this mean I'll be expected to share the room?
No, you are not expected to room with someone if you booked a single room. Families and friends are welcome to share rooms with two twin beds.
Do I need to bring my own bedding and towels?
Shalom Prayer Center provides bedding and towels. Please bring your own toiletries.
Is Shalom Prayer Center air-conditioned?
The dining room has ceiling fans. The guest rooms have small personal fans and opening windows. The monastery chapel is air conditioned.
What times are the meals?
Regular schedule:
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.
Lunch: noon.
Dinner: 5:30 p.m.
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Are all the meals in the Shalom Prayer Center?
When we have a large group of guests staying in Shalom Prayer Center, meals will be served in the Shalom Prayer Center dining room on the second floor. For smaller numbers, meals will be served in the monastery dining room.
I want to fast for part of my retreat. Do I still have to pay for meals? We can deduct the cost of meals as long as you notify us at the time of booking your retreat.
I'm on a special diet. May I bring my own food to supplement my diet?
Yes, you may bring your own food to supplement your diet. Guests may use the refrigerator and microwave on the second floor of the Shalom Prayer Center. We ask that guests put their names and the dates of their retreat on their food items. There are no cooking facilities for the use of retreatants.
Can we attend the prayer services with the monastic community?
Yes! Our guests are encouraged to attend the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharist with the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel. The times can be obtained from our receptionist.
How do I get to the Benedictine Sisters and Shalom Prayer Center?
Click here to get directions
Where do I park?
The parking is in front of the building or at the west parking lot.
Is there transportation from the train station and/or airport in Salem and/or Portland?
Please contact Christine for information regarding transportation to and from the Amtrak and Greyhound stations in Salem and the Hut Airport Shuttle and Greyhound stations in Woodburn.
Do you accept credit cards?
You may make payment over the phone using Visa, MasterCard and Discover as well as pay by check, money order and travelers check.
Rest, Renew, Pray and Learn at Shalom Prayer Center
Nourish and enrich your soul with the peace and serenity of Queen of Angels Monastery, the home of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel, Oregon. Queen of Angels Monastery and Shalom Prayer Center are surrounded by the beauty of the fertile Willamette Valley with views of the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and the snow-capped Mt. Hood. The Benedictine Sisters and Shalom Prayer Center staff members are dedi-cated to help you create a memorable, spiritual experience.
Shalom Prayer Center is the destination of many people wanting to get away from the busy, hectic world, to reconnect with God on a deeper and personal level, and to drink deeply from the well of spiritual renewal and monastic spirituality. Retreats, workshops and special events at Shalom Prayer Center bring together people of different cultures and backgrounds from all around the world.
Conference rooms of various sizes are found on both first and second floors. Also, available wireless internet access, reading and relaxing areas, prayer gardens, library, an indoor labyrinth, a meditation chapel, monastery historic building, gardens and orchards, and a 24-hour self-service coffee bar.
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Private Retreats
Reasons for making a private retreat
• To deepen one's relationship with God
• To reflect on spiritual matters
• To center your life on God
• To seek God's healing grace
• For spiritual renewal and regain harmony and silence in your life
• To study your faith
• To consider a serious or difficult decision
A private retreat usually lasts two or three days but may be as brief as an overnight stay. The Shalom Prayer Center office will do what is possible to accommodate your needs. Overnight lodging is available only for persons making a private retreat. A Private Retreat can be made individually or with a companion.
Spiritual direction is available upon request.
Please make reservations for your private retreat in advance. Please arrive by 4:15 p.m., Monday – Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Shalom Prayer Center organized and sponsored retreats
Shalom Prayer Center sponsors a number of top-quality retreats and workshops given throughout the year. Our retreats provide an opportunity for personal faith-renewal, spiritual reflection, renewal of heart and body, and friendship. Be sure to visit Shalom’s website www.benedictine-srs.org/shalom for an up-to-date list of retreats. If you wish you are welcome to receive the bi-annual Calendar of Retreats and Monthly Newsletter by email or postal mail. Please call or email Christine 503 845-6773 or shalom@mtangel.net to give your address. Costs related to making a Private Retreat
There is a $25 deposit which will be deducted from the total cost of your retreat. Deposits are non-refundable and cannot be transferred.
The deposit may be paid by mailing a check to Shalom Prayer Center, 840 S. Main St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362. Please note the dates of your stay on your check, as well as your phone number and e-mail address on a separate piece of paper.
If you wish to use Visa, MasterCard or Discover, you may telephone the Shalom Prayer Center office at 503-845-6773 during office hours (M-F 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)
Shalom Prayer Center
• Meals served buffet style with other guests
• Coffee and tea service at all times
• Private rooms with bathrooms (with shower) in close proximity
• Handicapped accessible
• Parking available
• Bedding and towels furnished
• Casual clothing is appropriate
• Shalom Gift Store located in the Shalom Prayer Center
• Library, labyrinth, prayer gardens, meditation chapel available
• Monastery chapel available for meditation and prayer
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