- Rosary and The Way
- Pilgrim Adventures
- St Josephs By the Sea
St Josephs by the Sea
PATH 6 — SACRED PLACES CLOSER TO HOME
A silent retreat house by the ocean — where the waves become part of the prayer
I absolutely love the atmosphere of St. Joseph’s by the Sea. Not just its beautiful location on the beach with views that settle something in you — but the religious nuns that run the retreat house. From the moment you walk in the front door until you leave, their warm and welcoming hospitality is unlike anything I can easily put into words.
It is like having a slice of heaven on earth to retreat to. An escape from the hard-working days, the distractions of daily life, the noise that never quite stops. Beach views and quiet sitting places to reflect and meditate on God’s voice. Once you experience St. Joseph’s by the Sea, you will never forget it and will want more of it throughout the year.
 |
 |
 |
One word very important to remember
SILENCE
If the nuns hear you talking — well, it’s like old Catholic school.
St Josephs by the Sea
A PERSONAL WITNESS
My First Silent Week
Simple, quiet, peaceful — everything the room needs to be.
The first few days of my silent retreat were a real struggle as I wrestled with the spirit of my tongue. It is incredibly difficult to tame the urge to speak. It reminded me of my initial attempts at meditation, where my mind would relentlessly remind me of all the tasks I needed to accomplish, questioning why I was just sitting there.
But once I managed to surrender the urge to speak, I began to relax into the experience. It was as if a peacefulness washed over me — liberating and deeply refreshing. As I embraced the silence, I felt a profound presence of holiness around me. Renewed energy, mindfulness, awareness.
That week I was carrying a heavy burden — grappling with the decision of whether to stay in my current job. The week of silence provided me with the clarity I desperately needed. I realized that everything was in God’s hands, and my role was simply to let go, trust, and have faith.
By the end of the retreat, I had grown spiritually, gaining deeper understanding and wisdom. I felt ready to return to the chaotic world — transformed and equipped to make a clear decision about my future. The retreat had given me the peace and perspective I needed to move forward with confidence.
HONESTY ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
What Comes Up When You Go Quiet
The Ocean — speaks...
Let me be honest with you — a week of silence is not always peaceful and easy. There were moments during my retreats when I felt overwhelmed by emotions I did not expect. Sometimes tears would come out of nowhere while I was sitting by the ocean or praying in the chapel. Other times I felt restless, anxious, or even a little scared of the quiet.
During my second day I remember feeling angry about things that happened years ago. Sitting on the beach watching the waves, suddenly I was mad at my old boss, upset about a friendship that ended badly, worried about my family. It felt like my mind was playing a movie of everything I had tried not to think about at home.
The Sisters taught me that this is normal and actually part of the healing process. When we are always busy and talking, we push these feelings down deep inside. The silence gives them space to come up and be healed. I learned to just let the tears come. I would sit by the ocean and cry, and somehow the sound of the waves made it feel okay.
When anxiety crept in — and it did — I walked on the beach. There is something about the rhythm of the waves that calms anxious thoughts. I would walk and pray the Rosary, letting each Hail Mary match my footsteps in the sand.
If you feel lonely during your retreat, remember that Jesus often went away by himself to pray. You are following his example. The loneliness is temporary — but the peace you find will last much longer. The sisters always say that God often speaks loudest when we feel most vulnerable.
The beautiful thing about St. Joseph’s by the Sea is that you are not alone in these feelings. The Sisters of St. Lucy Filippini who run this retreat house have been guiding people through these emotional waters for years. They understand that when we finally stop talking and get quiet, our hearts often have a lot to say.
THE BEST TIME TO GO
The Gift of September at the Shore
There's something magical about being at St. Joseph's by the Sea in September. The summer crowds have packed up and gone home, leaving the beach peaceful and quiet—perfect for a silent retreat. The weather is still warm enough to sit outside comfortably, but there's a gentle coolness in the evening air that feels refreshing after a day of prayer and reflection.
The ocean in September has a different personality than it does in July. It's calmer, more thoughtful somehow. The waves seem to whisper instead of shout, which matches perfectly with the silence you're keeping. I love watching the sunrise over the water during morning prayer, knowing that very few people get to experience this peaceful time of year at the shore.
 |
 |
 |
Before You Go
How to Prepare for a Silent Retreat
My advice — if you have a chance, book a silent retreat. You will not regret it. But go prepared. The preparation matters as much as the packing.
What to Bring
◇ Pack lightly — no electronic devices. No phone, computer, or tablet.
◇ Bring spiritual reading — books, your Bible. No magazines.
◇ Bring a journal and a good writing pen.
◇ Comfortable shoes for walking or simply sitting by the water.
◇ If you enjoy photography, limit it. The camera can become a distraction from why you came — much like pilgrimage.
◇ Spend time in prayer at least a week before — ask God for guidance, direction, and the will to stay quiet.
◇ Mostly, bring yourself. You deserve this experience.
Prepare Your Spirit
These pages on RosarySeeds can help you prepare in the weeks before your retreat:
A QUIET GALLERY
Let the Photos Do the Talking
Imagine standing on a pristine beach, where the rhythm of the waves creates a calming backdrop and the horizon stretches infinitely — blending seamlessly with the sky.
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
There is so much to take in here. The sisters are so loving and hospitable — you never go hungry. Three meals a day, beautifully prepared. And the silence holds everything together.
Sacred Places Closer to Home
Other Sacred Places Nearby
Pilgrimage takes whatever shape God gives it. These sacred places in New Jersey each offer something different — and each one is worth the trip.
Also in New Jersey
Our Lady of Mount Virgin
An outdoor Stations of the Cross garden where every bench, every statue, and every stone is a memorial to someone loved.
Visit →Also in New Jersey
Shrine of Saint Joseph
Sterling, NJ — a shrine with church, rosary garden, silent garden, the Oratory, and a gift shop worth the drive on its own.
Visit →Path 6
All Pilgrimages
From a silent retreat by the sea to the grotto at Lourdes — every sacred place on this path begins with the same willingness to show up.
All Pilgrimages →