Bethany Retreat House

OVERVIEW

Bethany Retreat House is conducted by the Religious of Jesus and Mary, a Congregation founded by Saint Claudine Thevenet, in Lyons, France, shortly after the French Revolution. It is the privileged mission of the RJM's to extend Claudine's experience of the goodness of God to those living within the context of today's situation.

Located at the foot of the Catskills, 50 mills northwest of New York City, the property borders on a lake, and abounds in beauties of nature conducive to seeking the Lord in prayerful reflection and openness to the Spirit of Love.

Bethany is a member of Retreats International and Jesuit Retreat and Renewal Ministries.

In addition to the scheduled retreats, arrangements can be made for:
- Directed and private retreats.
- Sabbaticals or prolonged period of renewal. Although there is no formal program, several possibilities for spiritual enrichment are considered, through dialogue, to meet individual needs.
- Group events for adults of any religious denomination that wish to come for retreats, institutes, workshops, or other types of programs.

Staff members are generally availabale to conduct days or weekends for groups who desire a leader or director.

Bethany can accommodate up to 60 for day retreats.
30 bedrooms are available for overnight retreats, with bed linens and towels provided.
For a special taste of solitude, Bethany has a small cottage and two hermitages overlooking beautiful, peaceful Lake Cromwell.
Part of the terrain is wooded, and the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunity for long walks. In season, gardens abound.
Boating and swimming in Lake Cromwell are possible at certain times of the year, at the person's own risk.
A new screened in gazebo has been installed on the shore of the lake.
Bethany provides excellent meals, and recently, has expanded and air-conditioned the retreatants' dining room.
There is an up-to-date spiritual library, an earth care library, and a card and book shop.
Ordinarily, the community has daily Eucharistic Liturgy, as well as Morning and Evening Prayer. All guests are welcome to participate in these.
Some financial aid is available. Please contact Sr. Catherine.

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE, BODYWORK, & REIKI

Therapeutic Massage, Bodywork, and Reiki are available during all directed retreats and week-long programs.

While focusing on the use of touch, Reiki embraces the whole person: body, mind and spirit. The practitioner places her hand gently on the recipient in various areas of the body as a means of channeling God's healing energy and love, and activating the body's natural ability to heal itself. For additional information call and ask for a Reiki brochure.

Reiki Practitioner: Sr. Doris Bissonnette, R.J.M. Cost: $40 per session.

Jana Murrell-Maxfield is a graduate of both the Shiatsu Therapist and Massage Therapist Programs of the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy. Jana is a New York State licensed massage therapist, a member of the AMTA, and also the Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association. Cost: $50 per session

DIRECTED RETREATS

Directed Retreats are available at Bethany throughout the yearand some, as below are already schedule. Directed Retreats provide time for prayer, solitude, and guidance from a personal director, adapted to the specific needs of each retreatant. You may request a particular director, or ask to have one assigned to you. See website at www.rc.net/newyork/bethany for a list of Retreats and Directors. Retreats are offered throughout the Year by individual arrangement