What to bring for a monastery weekend

A monastery weekend needs practical supplies for shared meals, quiet reflection and a simple group programme. Plan food and drinks around the number of participants and the length of the stay, then confirm what the monastery already provides before buying equipment. Coffee, tea, serving items and kitchen basics are easy to overlook when attention is focused on the programme. This shopping list helps you check the essentials before arrival, including items for meals, room setup and group sessions.

The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.

Tips

Confirm the monastery’s kitchen inventory at least 7 days before arrival. Check whether plates, mugs, cutlery, pots, pans, kettles and coffee machines are included before transporting duplicates.
Plan drinks by session rather than by meal: provide coffee and tea at arrival, breakfast and breaks, with at least 1 mug and 2 drinking glasses per participant available across the day.
Buy food only after collecting dietary requirements and finalising registrations. Keep a written count of vegetarian, vegan, allergy-free and other meal needs so the group shop matches the confirmed list.
Pack serving equipment separately from groceries. Serving spoons, trays, platters, cutting boards and knives are often needed immediately when meals arrive, before anyone has time to unpack the rest.
Test presentation equipment and power supplies before leaving. Allow 30 minutes to check the projector, screen, speakers, microphone, extension cords and power strips in the room where the programme will take place.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a monastery weekend?: Plan each meal and break for the confirmed participant list, including dietary requirements. For a two-day programme, count breakfast, lunch, dinner and at least two drink breaks per day, then add a small reserve for late arrivals.
How many mugs and glasses should I bring for a retreat weekend?: Allow at least 1 mug and 2 drinking glasses per participant, plus 10% spare. If wine is served with a meal, count 1 wine glass per participant and keep extras available for breakage.
When should I buy groceries for a monastery weekend?: Finalise registrations and dietary requirements 5 to 7 days before arrival, then do the main shop 1 to 2 days beforehand. Buy fresh bread, fruit and other short-life items on the day of departure when possible.
What kitchen equipment should I check before the weekend?: Check the kitchen inventory at least 7 days in advance, including cooking pots, frying pans, baking dishes, mixing bowls, measuring cups, kettles, coffee machines, coolers and serving items. Test any electrical equipment before loading it.