Hermitages

“Pope Francis would love to visit here to see how this gorgeous land is so well cared for and respected.  Thanks to your community for its generosity in making the decision to preserve and entrust it for future generations.” 
– Sister Sue Fortier, OSB (Duluth, MN)

Solitude and Reflection

The four hermitages provided by The Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes are intended for women and men who seek God within and who are pursuing comfort in the stillness, solitude, and quiet that can be found amidst nature.

To keep the spirit of solitude in focus, only one person occupies a hermitage at any given time. The hermitages are available year-round, and one hermitage is fully ADA-accessible.

Peaceful & Comfortable Amenities

Each hermitage is a studio-cottage situated in the midst of nature in a wooded area. Several flowing streams and walking trails grace the grounds. In this sacred setting, there is a sense of not being alone, but of being with the Sacred we call God who is within, around, and among us.

Explore the photo gallery

The hermitage is secure and furnished for complete yet simple independent short-term living. Sitting and sleeping areas, kitchenette, and full bath are included.

• Linens, kitchen utensils, supplies, and basic condiments are provided.
• Eucharistic liturgy is available at the CSA Motherhouse or at nearby parishes.
• Meals are not provided, but there are appliances for preparation of food you bring.
• Smoking is not permitted, and pets are not allowed.
• Bring any personal items you may need such as an alarm clock, CD player, CDs.
• Hermitages and public spaces in the motherhouse do not have access to Wi-Fi. Retreatants may utilize personal hotspots or access Wi-Fi from local restaurants and coffee shops. Please stop at the reception desk in the motherhouse if you need directions.
• Spiritual direction and massage therapy are available during your retreat for an additional fee. Costs are arranged when you make appointments with the spiritual director or massage therapist.
• Each hermitage is air conditioned and is available year round if needed.
• The fireplace pilot light is lit during the autumn and winter months. 

Women Set Apart

Each hermitage is named for a woman of faith

• Esther is located in the open, with windows facing southwest toward the golf course.
• Sarah is surrounded by trees and is the most secluded of the four hermitages.
• Judith is a handicap accessible hermitage that is open to all retreatants and is located in the open. The toilet is higher with bars on the side and the shower includes a shower seat and a slightly bigger footprint.
• Miryam is out in the open on a slight hill above the other hermitages. It is the closest to Hwy 23.

Reservation Details & Cancelation Policies

Reservations for the hermitages can be made up to six months in advance and for a maximum of 14 consecutive days. Reservations must be made at least 48-hours prior to your scheduled arrival time.

The maximum hold time is one week from the initial inquiry. If a completed form is not submitted, the hold is removed from the Hermitage online calendar, and it is made available to others who may be interested.

While there is no set charge for the use of the hermitages, a free-will donation is much appreciated. Please note that spiritual direction and massage services have separate fees that can be discussed at your first session/appointment.

There is no cancelation fee if you are unable to keep a scheduled reservation, but please notify Chelsea Koenigs by email at ckoenigs@csasisters.org or by phone at 920.907.2300 as soon as possible to allow other potential retreatants the opportunity to use the vacated space. 

For first-time retreatants

During your first retreat at CSA, you will receive an orientation from a sister upon your arrival. New Retreatant Orientation requires approximately 30-45 minutes and is available from 8-11:30 and 12:30-3 on weekdays; please plan your arrival time accordingly.

Availability 

Use the calendar below to confirm your requested hermitage is available, prior to submitting the request form. The hermitages are closed for the Christmas Holiday Season from December 23–January 2 annually.

Reservations are busiest from March through December, with more availability in the months of January and February.

I'm a brand new user of the CSA Hermitages: 

New Retreatant Request Form

I'm a returning retreatant:

Returning Retreatant Request Form

If you are unable to fill in the form electronically or have additional questions, call 920.907.2300 on Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., email ckoenigs@csasisters.org, or write:

Hermitage Liaison
Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes
320 County Road K
Fond du Lac, WI 54937

To eliminate the potential of double booking a hermitage for those mailing a form, please contact Chelsea by phone at 920.907.2300 before putting your form in the mail. 

Filtering the calendar

The calendar defaults to showing the schedule for all four hermitages. If you would like to view the schedule for only one hermitage at a time, click on the "Categories" button and use checkmarks to include or exclude specific hermitages.