“Laity” comes from a Greek word that means “the people of God,” and in common parlance is meant to designate those in a church’s congregation who are not clergy.
All meals, programs, and lodging are included.
Laity Lodge consists of three different guest room buildings: the Lodge, Black Bluff, and Cedar Brake. Each offers something slightly unique while maintaining a consistent level of quality and price.
Our Registrar makes housing assignments based on program needs and availability. If you’ve been to a retreat before and have a preference, you can note that in the comments section of your registration.
Please indicate any special needs on your registration. ADA rooms are available. The kitchen will happily try to satisfy any dietary restrictions. Just let us know.
Unless otherwise indicated, retreats begin at 6:15 p.m. with a reception and conclude at noon on the last day of the retreat. Arrivals begin at 4:00 p.m.
This sample schedule represents the design of all Laity Lodge retreats. Every retreat is unique, however, and the official schedule for your retreat will be posted in Reception. Note: for 3-day retreats (Fri.-Sun.), simply substitute the Thursday schedule for Friday’s.
THURSDAY
6:00 | Reception
7:00 | Dinner
8:15 | Large group session
9:30 | Refreshments
FRIDAY
8:00 | Morning Prayer
8:30 | Breakfast
9:40 | Large group sessions and conversation
1:00 | Lunch
2:00 | Free Time (includes art and other activities)
6:30 | Dinner
7:45 | Session
SATURDAY
8:00 | Morning Prayer
8:30 | Breakfast
9:40 | Large group sessions and conversation
1:00 | Lunch
2:00 | Free Time (includes art and other activities)
6:30 | Dinner
7:45 | Concert
SUNDAY
8:30 | Continental Breakfast
9:30 | Large group session
11:00 | Brunch
12:00 | Departure
A relaxed pace allows time for developing new friendships, sharing in small groups, interacting with gifted resource people, or enjoying solitude. Afternoons afford a variety of recreational activities. Depending on one’s individual need, ample opportunities abound for canoeing, hiking, reading, study, a paddle-boat ride, kayaking, a set of tennis, arts/crafts, or simply a peaceful nap in a hammock. The Laity Lodge bookstore offers countless volumes of varied literature for hours of reading pleasure.
Mobile phones don’t work in the Canyon. There are no telephones, televisions, radios, or internet access in the rooms. Limited Wi-Fi is available in and around the Great Hall.
Call Reception at 830-291-8640. Our staff will relay the message promptly.
We hope that your experience at Laity Lodge is one filled with mutual care and respect for friend and neighbor; that you share in a place where we honor our time together. While Laity Lodge is an adult retreat center, high-school-aged children are welcome to attend a retreat for the same registration fee as an adult. Although we welcome registered service animals if they are needed to assist you during your stay, please leave your pets at home. Please leave your firearms at home as well. If you smoke, we ask that you refrain from doing so in rooms or on room porches and balconies. We trust you will be mindful of other guests in shared, common areas.
Laity Lodge sits on a 1,900-acre ranch purchased by Howard and Mary Holdsworth Butt in 1954. Howard was the president of the grocery company, which his mother started in Kerrville in 1905. In 1961, Laity Lodge took shape under the direction of their son, Howard Butt, Jr., and now the third generation, Deborah and David Rogers.
