Monastery of Our Lady and St. Bernard

Brownshill, Stroud GL6 8AL

Bernardine Cistercian Sisters

Situated in the Cotswold 'Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty', the Monastery of Our Lady and St Bernard was founded by the Bernardine Cistercian Order in August 2006.

The 7 Sisters in the Community follow the Rule of St Benedict and are part of the wider Cistercian family.

The monastery is surrounded by a pleasant garden. There are wonderful views of the Cotswold valleys and hills, and plenty of good walks. This enhances the peace and quiet of the monastery and is conducive to prayer.

We welcome individuals and groups of all denominations, and none, for retreats or 'quiet days', either with their own leader or guided by a Sister.

Guests are also welcome to spend time just being peaceful.

FOR RESIDENTIAL STAYS: there are fourteen bedrooms, five of which are twin. Self catering is possible for two of these rooms.

FOR DAY GROUPS: We can welcome up to 30 with either cooked lunch or packed lunch.

Facilities include: a welcoming reception area, a comfortable lounge, a library, a large conference room, several tea/coffee points.

ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS

Enquiries may be made in writing to the Bookings Secretary (please send a SAE), by phone 01453 883084 or by e-mail to brownshillbookings@bernardine.org  It is helpful if enquiries by phone are made before 7:45 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays. 

All bookings should be confirmed in writing and sent with the deposit. These will be acknowledged on receipt of a S.A.E.
We ask for £20 non-returnable deposit per individual and £50 for a day group booking (£20 for a small group).  Cheques should be made payable to Bernardine Sisters.

We would not want anyone to be deprived of a retreat or quiet time for financial reasons.  For those who are able, we suggest the following donations for 2011:

• £80 for an advertised weekend led by a sister.
• £35 full board per 24 hours.
• £ 20 self-catering per 24 hours.
• £12 for day with cooked lunch provided.
• £7 for day for those bringing packed lunch.

An extra contribution is appreciated if we provide a sister as a speaker for a group or to accompany an individual. 

 (Reg Charity: 241743)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

On booking: Please indicate your time of arrival (a.m. or p.m.) and let us know if you have any dietary requirements or special needs - we can cater for most but not all diets.

Sturdy footwear and suitable clothing are desirable if you enjoy walking. 

We are unable to accept pets.

We operate a strict no smoking policy throughout the building.

There is no wireless network in the guest areas - if you need access to the internet please bring the necessary equipment. The mobile phone signal is strong.

Meals in silence can be offered on request at the time of booking.

By prior arrangement, and outside the community times of prayer, groups are welcome to hold their own services in the Chapel.

Please bring soap and towel.

We ask resident guests to help with the washing-up and table laying. 

DAILY TIMETABLE

You are most welcome to join the community in chapel for the celebration of the Divine Office (Prayer of the Church). 

The usual timetable is:

Monday-Saturday
Lauds                         6:30 a.m.
Terce                          8:20 a.m.
Mass                           8:30 a.m.
Midday Office            12:30 p.m.
Vespers                     4:45 p.m.
Vigils                          8:15 p.m.

Sunday
As above except
Lauds                         7:15 a.m.
Terce                         9:00 a.m.
Mass follows immediately after Terce.
           

Meals:

Breakfast:      Self service
Lunch: 12.45 p.m. (main meal of the day)
Supper            6.30 p.m.

Tea and coffee making facilities are available.