Summer Personal Retreat
August 14-16 and August 21-23
at the Virginia Mae Center
New dates added!
On the church calendar, the languid days of summer fall within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, a season that invites us to discover the sacred in everyday life. This August, embrace that invitation through a self-guided summer retreat at the Cathedral’s inspiring Virginia Mae Center.
Details
Dates:
August 14-16 (Sold Out)
August 21-23
This overnight, self-guided retreat features a seasonal spirituality package curated by Terri Lynn Simpson, MTS, DMin, Program Manager for the Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. The material includes guided meditations, reflection questions, and a contemplative walk through the Cathedral grounds inspired by the poetry of Mary Oliver.
During your stay, settle into a cozy chair in the library to read or journal, or spend time in quiet prayer and reflection in the Virginia Mae Center’s Augustine of Canterbury Chapel (open throughout your retreat). Whether walking, reading, writing, or simply resting in silence, you’ll find space to encounter the divine presence in the ordinary rhythms of summer.
In addition to the Virginia Mae Center spaces, participants will have access to the Cathedral during posted sightseeing hours. Participants are also welcome to attend scheduled worship services.
Accommodations
The Virginia Mae Center is located steps from the Cathedral and provides tranquil accommodations, featuring stunning gothic architecture elements, premium bedding, and en-suite marble bathrooms. Coffee, tea, and water is available throughout your stay. See photos and virtually tour rooms and other spaces at the Virginia Mae Center here.
Fees & Registration
Please note, this is an overnight personal retreat with a minimum 2-night stay. Extended stays are available; please inquire when filling out the form below. Fees vary by room type, and include accommodation and all day coffee/tea service. Rooms are single occupancy. Due to our limited capacity, full payment is required seven (7) days prior to arrival. All payments are non-refundable.
- Standard Twin Guest Room (one twin bed): $165/night + $25 retreat fee (SOLD OUT)
- Standard/Loft Room (one full bed): $185/night + $25 retreat fee (Current availability for Aug. 21-23)
- Premium Guest Room (two full beds – single occupancy): $235/night +$25 retreat fee (Current availability for Aug. 21-23)
Ready to register? Complete inquiry form below. Still have questions? Jump to the FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Retreat Guide, including on-demand, digital guided meditations with reflection questions, curated by Terri Lynn Simpson, MTS, DMin, Program Manager for the Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage
- Opportunity to join Cathedral worship offerings
- Access to the Cathedral during posted sightseeing hours
- Access to Virginia Mae Center spaces such as the library, chapel, cloisters, courtyard and more (note: quiet hours are daily from 8pm to 8am)
- Coffee, tea, and water throughout your stay
Open City, the Cathedral’s cafe partner, is located on the Cathedral Close near the Bishop’s Garden and is open from 7am to 6pm daily. They offer an assortment of coffee-based and other beverages, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups and sweet treats. The Cathedral Heights neighborhood offers many eateries a few minutes walk away, as well as Giant and Wegmans grocery stores. Guests have access to the Virginia Mae Center’s kitchenette with microwave for food reheating needs.
Check-in is between 3 and 10 pm on the day of your arrival. Check-out is by 1 pm on the day of your departure.
Due to our limited capacity, full payment is required seven (7) days prior to arrival. All payments are non-refundable.
Centrally located within the tranquility of the Cathedral grounds, the Virginia Mae Center is a place of learning, pilgrimage and spiritual renewal, a safe venue for difficult conversations, and a healing space for all who enter its doors. Learn more about the Virginia Mae Center ->
Three airports are conveniently located in the DC metro area: Reagan National (DCA), Washington Dulles (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington (BWI). The closest airport to the Cathedral is National (DCA). Train transit is available via DC’s Union Station.
Please refer to this page for details on the Cathedral’s location and local public transit information.
For those driving, paid parking is available in the Cathedral’s underground garage.