5.0
Verified
Retreat
Program was excellent. Monks were hospitable
Men's Outdoor Retreat: Beyond These Four Walls-Experiencing God in the Books of Scripture and Nature
Men's Outdoor Retreat: Beyond These Four Walls-Experiencing God in the Books of Scripture and Nature
4.8644 reviews
3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA, USA
October 16 - 19, 2026
About this Retreat
Father Gilbert Heater, O.S.B., is presently serving as parochial vicar at Mary Queen of Saints Parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. An alumnus of Saint Vincent Seminary, he was ordained to the priesthood in May of 2025 after earning the Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary that same year. He also holds the Master of Arts degree in Catholic Philosophical Studies from Saint Vincent Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science degree in music composition from Lancaster Bible College. A convert to Catholicism, he received the Demetrius R. Dumm Award in Sacred Scripture from the Seminary. He has co-directed the retreat program’s outdoor retreat for the past several years.
Details of this retreat
In our modern world, it is all too easy to be distracted and disconnected from the reality of God’s presence in our hearts, in others, and in the world around us. This four-day retreat amid the natural beauty of Raccoon Creek State Park invites you into the incarnational wonder of God’s love and the profoundly human way in which he encounters us in body, mind, and soul. Our fellowship will be centered around outdoor recreation, small group sharing, liturgy, and lectio divina, an ancient practice of reading and reflecting on Scripture. Free from the disturbance of technology and hectic agendas, this time of holy leisure will provide an opportunity to receive the graces of contemplation and experience the gifts of God’s creation at Raccoon Creek State Park.
Raccoon Creek State Park is a 7,572-acre Pennsylvania state park on Raccoon Creek in Hanover and Independence townships in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The park is about 30 miles from the city of Pittsburgh, near Hookstown. The park address is 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050.
Raccoon Creek State Park is a 7,572-acre Pennsylvania state park on Raccoon Creek in Hanover and Independence townships in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The park is about 30 miles from the city of Pittsburgh, near Hookstown. The park address is 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050.
Getting Here
Saint Vincents Retreats, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA, USA
Accommodation
Program Price
Customer Reviews
Verified
5.0
Verified
Dipping the Toes into the Ocean of Silence
The retreat was very good. The retreat master (Fr. Shawn Anderson) led us to a better understanding of contemplative prayer based on Ancient Church practices, and provided time for much needed practice (including feedback). Focused on how to properly deal with distractions that occur in any form of prayer, and even our daily walk. I highly recommend this retreat.
5.0
Verified
Wonderful Experience
I recently attended a weekend retreat at Saint Vincent College, and I could not recommend it enough. The combination of prayer, daily conferences, and fellowship made the experience enlightening, meditative, and spiritually positive. I will certainly attend again in the future.
5.0
Verified
Silet Prayer Retreat, 7/31-8/2
The Silent Prayer Retreat was an excellent and serene experience. Father Shawn provided detailed background, astute guidance and ample room for personal reflection, meditation and prayer. The Benedictine brothers provide a welcoming and graceful environment full of grace. The food and accomodations were fantastic. It was wonderful.
5.0
Verified
Silent retreat, August 2026
Father Shawn Anderson was outstanding. Once again a great retreat. Having the opportunity to go to confession with Father Donald.Raila was also a blessing. Thank you for these retreats. I look forward to doing at least one per year. The accommodations were very good.
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