Monastery of the Holy Spirit - Conyers, Ga.

(Observer photo/www.trappist.net)

Destination: If you head to the southeast, plan a stop at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Ga. Trappist monks from Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky set out in 1944 to find a place for a new abbey.
Masses in the Abbey Church (above) are Sunday, 7:30 a.m., community Mass; Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. with Lauds (Morning Prayer).
Why to go: A visit to the monastery can provide a glimpse into the lives of the monks. You can see the Abbey Church that took the founding monks 15 years to build. You can also learn about the many occupations of the monks who live there, including their bakery and stained glass studio. You can follow the Prayer Walk to learn about Cistercian saints and feed the ducks at the Monastery Lakes.
Trappist monks are members of the Cistercian order, which began as part of a general 11th century movement toward reform, characterized by the desire to detach from worldly entanglements to free the soul for the life of contemplation. They follow the Benedictine Order.

Photos: Left, exterior of the chapel; right, a sample of stained glass from the monastery

(Observer photo/www.trappist.net)

Amenities: If you come with a group of at least 12 (and provide four days notice), you can get a box lunch while you’re visiting. Parking and admission are free, but donations are accepted. A monastery shop sells a variety of gifts, including some foods made at the monastery.
Hours: The Monastery Visitor Center is open Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The monastery is open daily except on New Year’s, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the day after Christmas. The Center closes at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course.
Info: Address — Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212 SW, Conyers, GA 30094
Phone — 770/483-8705
Website — https://www.trappist.net/

Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story.
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org