St. Benedict Retreat Center

About St. Benedict Lodge

St. Benedict Lodge is a Dominican retreat and conference center on 70 forested acres along the Wild and Scenic McKenzie River in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, about 50 miles east of Eugene at the edge of the Willamette National Forest. A ministry of the Western Dominican Province, the Lodge hosts group retreats, private retreats, conferences, and serves as a quiet spiritual sanctuary.

History

The Lodge property was established in 1938 by Kenyon and Patricia Reynolds. The Western Dominican Province took over stewardship in 1955, and Archbishop Edward D. Howard of Portland dedicated the chapel on September 2, 1956. Historic photographs — a rope bridge over the McKenzie, Mass in B Lodge before the chapel was built, the chapel and tower in 1956 — are preserved in the Lodge gallery.

• 1938 — Lodge property founded by Kenyon and Patricia Reynolds
• 1955 — Western Dominican Province arrives on the McKenzie River
• September 2, 1956 — Chapel dedicated by Archbishop Edward D. Howard
• 2013 — 75th anniversary celebration; Bede House cabin dedicated to the Reynolds family

Chapel and Liturgical Schedule

The serene chapel is the heart of the Lodge. Mass is celebrated daily, with Sunday Mass at 9:30 AM, Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00 PM, and weekday Mass Monday–Friday at 9:00 AM. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer are prayed at 8:30 AM in the Friar's Chapel, with Matins and Lauds at 7:30 AM and Vespers at 5:10 PM.

• Sunday Mass — 9:30 AM
• Saturday Vigil Mass — 5:00 PM
• Weekday Mass (M–F) — 9:00 AM
• Office of Readings & Morning Prayer — 8:30 AM (Friar's Chapel)
• Confessions — Sat 4:15–4:45 PM; Sun 8:45–9:15 AM
• Winter note (Nov 1–Mar 22): weekday Mass and Saturday Vigil/Confessions move to the Friar's Chapel

Retreats — Group and Private

The Lodge offers group retreats for high schools, colleges, corporations, parishes, creative-writing and art workshops, and 12-step recovery communities, alongside private retreat options for individuals seeking quiet. Accommodations include cabins, shared bunkhouses, and private rooms.

• Group retreats (catered to many group types)
• Private retreats (individuals, couples, small parties)
• Special retreats: Iconography Retreat with Lynne Bissonnette-Pitre, M.D.; Women's Retreat; Men's Retreat

Accommodations and Facilities

Overnight options include the Bede House, Salmon House, and Library cabins (2 bedrooms, kitchens, linens) for $200/night for up to 2 guests, and the River Room and Cascade Room (private rooms with access to a downstairs kitchen) at $85/night (1 guest) or $145/night (2 guests). Day visitors are $25/person; tents $30; RVs $40; fireplace $65/group/day.

• Bede House, Salmon House, Library — cabins with full kitchens (~$200/night, up to 2 guests)
• River Room, Cascade Room — private rooms with kitchen access (~$85–$145/night)
• Children under 12 free with parents
• Communal dining area, meditation spaces, hiking trails
• No pets (service animals allowed)

News and Upcoming Events

The Lodge runs an ongoing calendar of retreats open to the public. Mass is open to anyone; reservations are required for retreats and personal stays. The Lodge can also host groups bringing their own retreat program.

• Iconography Retreat — Friday, Aug 28 – Sunday, Aug 30 (Lynne Bissonnette-Pitre, M.D.)
• Women's Retreat — September 11–13
• Men's Retreat — September 18–20
• Fr. Charles — recent visit/blessing event featured on the News page

Dominican Stewardship and Staff

St. Benedict Lodge is staffed by Dominican friars of the Western Dominican Province (Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus). A resident chaplain/Director leads the community, prays the Liturgy of the Hours publicly with retreatants, and offers pastoral care. Friars historically associated with the Lodge include Fr. Kieran Healy, O.P. (Director, 2011 and 2016 listings), Fr. Thomas DeMan (Director, 2013), Fr. David Geib, O.P. (chaplain, deceased), and most recently Fr. Augustine Hilander, O.P., who announced his move to the Lodge as chaplain in early 2025.

FAQs

Common questions about the Lodge, drawn from the official FAQs page, cover location, retreat types, hosting your own retreat, amenities, Wi-Fi and cell reception, dietary needs, pets, the cancellation policy, and the best time of year to visit.

• Where is the Lodge? — Just off McKenzie Highway (Route 126) in McKenzie Bridge
• What retreats are offered? — Group, private, and large/small parties
• Can I host my own retreat? — Yes, individuals, groups, and organizations may host their own retreat
• Amenities — Communal dining, meditation spaces, hiking trails
• Wi-Fi & cell — Limited Wi-Fi in common areas; cell reception varies by carrier
• Pets — Not allowed (service animals permitted)
• Meals — Most groups provide their own cook