Guidelines for our guests...

The Rivendell Community, appointed by the society’s Board of Directors to steward its life, is a Christian community, rooted in the gospel values of prayer, silence, simplicity and hospitality. In their role as hosts they endeavour to provide a sacred place for individuals and groups who seek spiritual renewal, and who wish to deepen their spiritual lives.  The principles and policies that reflect this intention are as follows:

•  A peaceful ambiance is encouraged at all times, and there are quiet hours throughout the building from 10 pm to 7 am.

•  Rivendell’s sacred time is from 5-6 pm each day. An atmosphere of quiet should prevail throughout the building in this hour. We ask that groups provide opportunity for any individuals from the group to attend the community planned sacred time at 5pm each day should they so desire. Rivendell Community members are happy to work with group leadership in helping to create these sacred events.

• Rivendell gives priority in all its space bookings to group and personal residential retreatants, with a maximum of 15 of the 18 rooms given to group retreatants. The intended activities of groups need to be respectful of individuals on retreat, and vice versa.

• The recommended minimum retreat stay at Rivendell is two nights. Exceptions to this are made from time to time. Retreats of three or more night duration are ideal.

•  We encourage groups to have some significant time of quiet reflection incorporated into the programme for their members so they can take advantage of the quiet atmosphere of Rivendell. Times for teaching, training, visioning and meeting are permitted, but groups are encouraged to minimize these in favour of opportunities for quiet.

• Spiritual direction may be a part of any retreat group’s activities. The Rivendell Community offers spiritual accompaniment to personal retreatants who need a listening ear or seek assistance with their retreat experience.

•  Cleaning before leaving is an essential & sacred part of respecting the space. We ask groups to allow enough time and intent for this part of their program.

•  We continue to give preferential option to disadvantaged and not-for-profit groups. Our principle of accessibility invites each retreatant, whether on group or personal retreat, to simply pay what they can afford for their stay. Income tax receipts are offered for amounts contributed over $50 per person per day.

•  We ask that retreatants refrain from the use of all phones and computers on line while with us unless there is an urgent requirement.  Alcoholic beverages should only be used sparingly with meals, with prior arrangements made with the Rivendell Community. 

•  In order to live by the ideal space arrangements, we prefer all participants and leaders to be in residence.

• Rivendell retreat encourages single occupancy as the ideal retreat experience.

• Retreats at Rivendell may normally begin by 3pm on the first day and finish by noonday on the final morning.

• All groups desiring to have group retreats are expected to send the community a letter of intent indicating both their understanding of these guidelines and the intended purposes of their retreat. This should also include a copy of the group’s retreat programme.

• With few exceptions, groups may only book one retreat at a time.