Hello and welcome to the Serenity Retreat League website.

At our Serenity Retreats all Twelve-Steppers feel at home no matter what particular one of the many Twelve-Step programs they follow, because the principles of the steps apply to us all. Retreats are a great way to enhance our programs because we leave behind our every day lives (retreat!) and concentrate on spiritual growth (increasing our "conscious contact").

We encourage you to look through our list of retreats and schedule a weekend for yourself during which you can spend some time with your Higher Power. You will be with other like-minded retreatants, all concentrating on moving in a positive direction. This guiding force of 'working the steps' is enhanced by our trained retreat leaders who provide us with inspiring talks to facilitate our growth.

Retreatants often find that a weekend retreat is like a vitamin shot that puts an energy boost into their program. Come and join us!

From "The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous,” page 89: "Many of us like the experience of an occasional retreat from the outside world where we can quiet down for an undisturbed day or so of self-overhaul and meditation.”

A Serenity Retreat is a sharing of experience, problems, strength, solutions and hope. Emphasis is on turning one's will and life over to the care of God and on improving one’s conscious contact with God. Dogmatic debates and doctrinal discussions are NOT part of these retreats. Serenity Retreat prayers have been compiled from the literature of many spiritual traditions. Our retreats attract people of all faiths, and all are welcome. A Serenity Retreat is usually held in a retreat house; however, resort hotels, camps and college facilities have also been used. Between scheduled conferences or talks, there is time for sharing and for spiritual search.

While a "spirit of silence" is encouraged, retreatants also feel free to share ideas and inspiration with one another. The basic therapy of this new way of life is sharing. Discussion groups form after some of the retreat conferences. Small groups analyze the talk, and develop it more thoroughly to help make it meaningful to each participant. Private sessions with the retreat leader are often available on an optional basis.

Serenity Retreats are nondenominational, ecumenical and spiritual rather than specifically religious. The leaders may be Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, ministers or laypersons. Only spiritual leaders familiar with Twelve Step programs lead Serenity Retreats.