Preparing for Your Retreat

  • We kindly ask that you arrive no more than 30 minutes before or 60 minutes after your retreat start time. If you must arrive outside of this window, please contact us ahead of time.
  • Parking is available in the back part of our campus. Upon arrival, please head to the library for check-in.
  • At check-in you will be given a schedule and a journal. Please keep these items with you throughout your stay.
  • Conferences and Mass are held in the Chapel.
  • Meals are served buffet-style in the Retreatants Dining Room. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please contact us in advance so we can prepare a comfortable stay for you.
  • Snacks and a filtered water tap will be available in the kitchenette. If you have special dietary foods or medicines that require refrigeration, you may store them (labeled with your name and date) in the kitchenette refrigerator if there is room.
  • Towels, bed linens, and soap are provided. There is also a Bible in each room.
  • Please pack: a rosary, a pen or pencil, comfortable and quiet shoes, modest casual clothing (please no tank tops or shorts, even in the summer,) a sweater (air conditioning can be strong,) and any personal items or toiletries you’ll need.
  • If you forget something, basic hygiene items are available at the library counter.
  • There are no clocks in the rooms, but the wake-up bell rings 1 hour before morning prayer.
  • Smoking is not allowed anywhere on our campus.
  • All rooms are pre-assigned. If you require special medical accommodations or have roommate requests, please contact us in advance.
  • We are unable to provide any transportation to or from the retreat house.
  • Regarding cell phones: you may use your cell phone as a prayer aid, but please turn off the ringer and the vibrate function, as both can break the silence and stillness we aim to create.  Unless necessary, we ask that you refrain from using your phone in order to better enter into the physical and mental space of your retreat.
  • Silence is a beautiful and powerful part of the retreat experience and it is expected of all who attend, even if you are sharing a double room.
  • Please note that the Sacred Heart Retreat House is the Motherhouse for the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. For our privacy and safety, not all areas are accessible to retreatants.  We thank you for your understanding.
  • Even if you’re sure you won’t need to cancel, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with our Cancellation Policy just in case.

Location

Sacred Heart Retreat House is located at:
   920 E Alhambra Rd.
   Alhambra, California 91801