Retreats The monks operate a self-sustaining retreat for people who wish to seek a religious retreat. On the premises and adjoining the church is their dormitory-style retreat house where separate floors for men and women accommodate individual and groups of guests for retreats scheduled almost year-round. Classes and retreats are offered on religious topics, and food is served to the guests. Lay associates The Lay Associate movement began with a small group of people associated with the Monastery of the Holy Spirit and led by Fr. Anthony Delisi, former abbot and current prior. These groups are composed of lay people who form a prayerful community that forms its members in Cistercian spiritualty. These groups make annual retreats to the Monastery. The Monastery of the Holy Spirit is now motherhouse to five different groups of Lay Cistercians. There are Lay Cistercians worldwide who are affiliated with monasteries near their groups. Monastery businesses The monks of Holy Spirit follow the Rule of St. Benedict, precept of self-sustainment by operating several businesses. These include a bonsai garden store and an online store for bonsai supplies as well as stained glass production and sales through an online store. They also operate a green cemetery located on the monastery property. In addition, the monks produce fruitcakes and fudge which are sold through their religious store and through Honey Baked Ham stores. Visitor Center New visitor center The monastery began construction in January 2010 on a new public gathering place and Visitor Center, which was built in the barn where the monks first lived when they began the monastery. The Visitor Center features a museum that showcases the history and work of the monastery. It was opened to the public in May 2011. Additional images See also Cistercians Catholic Church Rule of Benedict References Portraits of Grace: Images and Words from the Monastery of the Holy Spirit by James Stephen Behrens, OCSO External links Holy Spirit Monastery's website (trappist.net) Holy Spirit Monastery online Garden Center Holy Spirit Monastery Gifts PATH Trail Map at Monastery of the Holy Spirit Christian organizations established in 1944 Trappist monasteries in the United States Catholic Church in Georgia (U.S. state) Buildings and structures in Rockdale County, Georgia Tourist attractions in Rockdale County, Georgia