Notre Dame Spiritual Center

Notre Dame Spiritual Center
Alfred, Maine

Go Placidly
Amid the Noise
And Haste,
And Remember
What Peace There May Be
In Silence.

The Notre Dame Spiritual Center

PROVIDES an atmosphere of peace and relaxation where an individual can search for greater meaning in life.

ENCOURAGES groups to use its facilities and services for retreats, workshops, and days of reflection.

BELIEVES that the Spirit of God calls us to share in the love and concern of the Christian community as reflected in and through the Gospel imperatives.

Retreat Information

The following explanations are provided to assist you in making a selection of retreat programs at the Notre Dame Spiritual Center.  Please check to see the kind of retreat you are selecting before you register.

Preached Retreat

These retreats follow a more traditional format.  Usually twice each day the Director will give a presentation based on a specific theme.  The retreat may include silence, daily liturgy, and some free time.  A limited opportunity for private consultation is available.

Directed Retreat

In daily one-on-one meetings, each person attending the retreat is asked to reflect with a Director on the interior movements of personal prayer since their last meeting.  The only communal gathering during these silent retreats is the morning liturgy and the Liturgy of the Hours at 5 p.m.

Private Retreat

A number of private rooms are available for individuals who want to make a private retreat.  The participant of the retreat decides on each day’s schedule and necessary silence for reflection.  No Director is present but daily Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours are available.  The opportunity for the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation always exists.

Communal Retreat

These retreats develop a theme using teachings, quiet times, worksheets and various group dynamics.  The format may include group sharing,liturgy, reflection time, and communal prayer.  Emphasis is on faith, sharing, and prayer in community.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation is always available.

Charismatic Retreat

Teaching, praise, community and liturgy, generally in large groups characterize a charismatic retreat.  A distinctive feature is the emphasis on praise and the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in building community.  These retreats are typically weekend programs.