The Saint Laurence Campus

 

The Benedictine Fellowship of Saint Laurence, a Colorado not-for-profit corporation, owns the 600-acre property where the monasteries reside, in return for hosting the retreat and guest ministry of the Fellowship.

 

The property is bounded by scenic public lands, which are accessible for hiking. Tallahassee Creek runs through the length of the property, flowing some 8 miles to the southeast until it empties into the Arkansas River. Wildlife abounds, with deer, elk, wild turkeys, bobcats, foxes, bears, eagles, and a variety of other bird species.

 

The central campus features three main buildings:

 

St.Herman’s Lodge, our primary guest facility, is a two-story log cabin. The first floor, which is surrounded on three sides by a spacious veranda, contains the main Kitchen and Refectory (Dining Room), a cozy sitting area with books and a big-screen TV and DVD Player that are available to guests, a half-bath, and a guest bedroom. The upper floor has two guest rooms with double beds, one with two twin beds, a dormitory containing eight bunk beds, two bathrooms, and a large balcony.

 

The monastic building has three levels. On the main level are the Oratory (Chapel) of Saint Laurence, which can accommodate 60 people for services or retreat talks, a handicapped accessible restroom, the St. Jerome Book Nook, and the Sacristy: this level is surrounded by a covered cloister (walkway) suitable for processions or summer-time outdoor sleeping. The upper level contains the Abbot's office, space for small meetings, a guest bedroom, and a spacious balcony overlooking the eastern meadow and mountains. The lower level contains the monastic cells and library, guestrooms fitted with twin, double, or bunk beds, a small kitchen and dining area, an office, laundry facilities, storage, and mechanical equipment.

 

St. Audrey’s Cottage contains additional guest accommodations.

 

Guests

 

The Saint Laurence Center can accommodate individual, family, or group retreats. The number of guests we can house varies according to the make-up of a group (men, women, couples, etc.).

 

Individuals

 

In keeping with Orthodox monastic tradition, there is no set fee for individuals wishing to stay as a guest. Those who are with us for more than two days are normally expected to assist with one or another aspect of the day to day work of maintaining and developing the campus and communities. Additionally, donations to help cover the cost of meals and utilities are very much welcomed; alternately, there are other “in kind” donations that may be very helpful to us.

Normally, individual guests are expected to follow the monastic schedule, take their meals with the monastics, and attend the scheduled daily services.

 

Groups

 

We welcome Christian churches, groups, or organizations to hold retreats, conferences, or events at the St. Laurence Center. We are a great location for small youth or young adult groups, prayer groups, parish councils, training sessions, receptions, and more.

 

Indoor, overnight accommodations are limited to approximately 25 people, depending on the configuration of the group. It is possible, in good weather, to accommodate outdoor sleeping for those who bring air mattresses and sleeping bags. We also permit tents and RV’s on the grounds. Single-day events may be attended by larger numbers.

 

Groups have the option of providing their own food and using the main kitchen for preparation or having the monastics provide and prepare meals, which may be planned in consultation with the group leaders. Outdoor grills are available.

 

Information on the rates for group retreats is available by clicking HERE.

 

Directions

 

PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS to the campus may be obtained by clicking HERE.

 

From Cañon City Colorado:

 

Go west on Highway 50, through Cañon City past the Royal Gorge turnoff

Turn right (north) at the Guffey, Hartsel turn (Highway 9)

Continue north on Highway 9 for approximately 10 ¾ miles (There are mile markers)

Turn left (west) onto Tallahassee Road (County Road 2)

Continue on Tallahassee Road approximately five miles to where

Tallahassee Road becomes County Road 21 (DO NOT turn right onto County Road 2)

Continue on CR 21 a little over 2 miles to the Y in the road (mailboxes and trees in center island)

Veer left to take County Road 21A

Follow 21A four miles to the green gate

After entering through the gate and passing the Caretaker’s fenced residence keep to the left at the fork in the road. 
 
The combination for the lockbox at the gate is 9570, which gives access to the key for the padlock. Please note that you must relock the gate after passing through. Please, do not post the combination for the lock-box anywhere on the box or gate!