Rules and Guidelines
Female groups of ten (10) or more are asked to make arrangements at minimum three (3) weeks in advance.
Convent Information, Rules and Guidelines
In addition to the Convent's guidelines listed below, please refer to the general rules and guidelines of St. Mary Convent that are expected of every female visitor.
Safety Rules
Individuals and church groups, spending an overnight retreat at the Convent, must make safety their first and highest priority. Retreatants are responsible for their own insurance, and, by signing the reservation agreement, waive all right of action against St. Mary Convent. A certificate of insurance is required to be presented to the Convent once the church group arrives.
Animals/Pets
Pets are not allowed on the Convent's premises.
Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol
The Convent is smoke-free, drug-free and alcohol-free facilities. Use of cigarettes, drugs and alcohol is strictly forbidden.
Cleaning
Retreatants are responsible for leaving the Convent facilities in the same condition (or better!) in which they were found. This includes the grounds, the rooms, including thoroughly cleaning the bathroom area and removing all trash. All materials that can be recycled, including cans, glass, plastic bottles and newsprint, must be cleaned and disposed of.
Chaperones
All church groups must have a minimum of two adult chaperones (or servants), one of which is the Retreat Coordinator, who communicates with the convent for the registration process. Female chaperones are required for the attending retreatants; and one (1) adult for every five (5) youth under age 18. Chaperones are required to stay in each building used. Chaperones are expected to maintain discipline of their group to ensure a safe retreat experience for everyone using the Convent.
Quiet Hours
The Convent observes quiet hours from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. During this time, no one is to be outside of assigned areas without an adult. Please respect the experience of others on the property.
Retreat Termination will occur and a fine will incur if your group:
- damages, defaces or removes any Convent property;
- fails to comply with the rules and guidelines of the Convent;
- disturbs other people and/or unoccupied buildings during your stay; and
- brings cigarettes, alcohol or drugs on property.
Permission Letter
A permission letter is required for individual and church retreats in order to take the blessing of staying overnight at the Convent. Please note that the registration will not be complete except if you have a permission letter from the individual's Confessor Father or the Church Priest sponsoring the overnight retreat at the Convent. Please refer to the appropriate registration page to view the requirements.
Non-Orthodox Visitors
Non-Orthodox visitors are welcome to visit and take the blessing of St. Mary Convent. Non-Orthodox denominations must believe in the statement of faith of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Such visitors will need to fill out the online suitable registration form—individual or church retreat—in order to request overnight stay at the Convent.
Conventions
If you are interested in holding a convention at the Convent, such as a Youth Convention, Kids Camp, Hymns Camp, Servants' Retreat, etc., please contact the Convent.