Code of Conduct
Quiet hours: 10:00 pm - 8:00 am
Social Etiquette for Lay Retreaters with Religious and Ordained Guests
- If you see Priests or religious retreaters, know that they are on retreat too, needing their own silence to remain recollected in God. They are not necessarily avalible to everyone to answer questions or have conversations. When Priests and Religious are available, a schedule will be posted in the green house of the Saint Joseph Chapel.
Health, Safety, and Respect
- No alcohol, illegal drugs, firearms or weapons
- No smoking or vaping
- No pornography, profanity, or using God’s name in vain.
- Do not trespass outside of property boundaries
- Stay on the Saint Joseph Preserve Property, observing the boundary signs. Neighbors consider it trespassing
- No trespassing into the cattle pasture.
- No protestors or activists allowed on the premises.
- Unruly behavior or dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.
We reserve the right to ask people to leave if rules aren’t followed or call the local police if necessary.
- Campfires allowed only in provided fire rings. No fires if fire danger is high as rated by the National Weather Service.
- Check current weather conditions as needed and any warnings issued by the National Weather Service
- Helmets are recommended for all mountain bikers.
- Plan to bring weather appropriate clothing (see Packing List)
- Plan to bring your own bug spray, sunscreen, and personal products.
- Do not throw trash or feminine hygiene items in porta potty. Use trash cans.
Appropriate Attire Etiquette
Since this is a Catholic retreat, guests will be expected to dress modestly. Modest dress is defined as following:
- In hot weather, men are asked to keep their shirts on unless they are participating in a water sport. All guests are asked to cover their shoulders and wear shorts that cover the tops of their legs at least to the tips of their fingers when arms are extended fully towards the ground while standing.
- All guests to Saint Joseph Chapel must be wearing appropriate attire and are encouraged to wear church clothing, if possible, such as button up shirts for men and boys and dresses or skirts for women and girls.
- Men’s Swim trunks must cover private areas and extend almost to the knees (as described above for shorts). Swim shirts and shorts are recommended.
- Women’s Swimsuits must fully and securely cover the midriff and private areas. Thongs, excessively high-cut bottoms, and transparent or overly revealing swimwear are prohibited. Swim shirts and shorts are recommended.
- Modest Attire in Public Areas: For shared spaces, dining rooms, or when walking to and from the beach, swimsuits must be covered by appropriate clothing, such as a T-shirt, shorts, or a cover-up.
Follow all Rules on the Signs at the Waterfront
- All boaters must wear life jackets.
- Water shoes are recommended for beach and boating
- Never swim alone. Recommended to have observers watching swimmers
- No diving from docks. Warning, it is too shallow for diving.