Fellowship of the Spirit West
Fellowship of the Spirit West is a gathering of alcoholics, addicts, and Al-Anons who come together to celebrate recovery from alcoholism and addiction and to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous as set forth in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. Our primary purpose is to show others precisely how we have recovered and to invite those who still suffer to begin their own journey. Founded in 2001, Fellowship of the Spirit West has met annually to provide an opportunity for people from around the world to come together in a shared solution. We currently meet in Sierra Madre on Labor Day weekend as a Big Book based retreat to recommit ourselves to the work of recovery, renew our high resolve, and strengthen one another through the sharing of experience, strength, and hope. The retreat presents speakers who have had direct and personal experience with the work outlined in the Big Book. These speakers share practical examples of how the Twelve Steps are applied in daily life, offering clear demonstrations of recovery so that others may be encouraged to take the Steps themselves. In this spirit, we also welcome the experience of Al-Anon members whose participation reflects the wider healing found in families and relationships touched by alcoholism.
Fellowship of the Spirit West is grounded in the spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. We believe that freedom from alcohol and addiction depends upon a continuing willingness to abandon ourselves to a Power greater than ourselves and to grow through repeated application of the Twelve Steps in all our affairs. This retreat is defined by joy, gratitude, and fellowship. Each morning we gather for shared meditation and yoga, creating space for reflection, connection, and renewal. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the foothills, we experience both the restorative power of nature and the deep fellowship that supports our recovery. Our lives as recovered people depend upon carrying this message to those who still suffer. This retreat exists to strengthen our commitment to that responsibility and to help ensure that the message of recovery is available to anyone who seeks it. We recognize that we belong to a spiritual fellowship, a family, born of our shared experience in the Twelve Steps. This Fellowship of the Spirit is celebrated in our annual gathering and practiced throughout the year as we live these principles day by day.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Asked, We Answered
When is the retreat?
The retreat is annually held on Labor Day weekend with registration opening at 3pm Friday and concluding 12pm Sunday.
Where is the retreat?
The retreat is located in Sierra Madre, CA at the Mater Dolorosa Monastery.
Where can I register?
Just click the link above for the year you want to attend. On this site, we take Paypal and all majors credit cards.
What is included in registration?
The retreat includes all meetings and workshops, your room with it’s own bathroom, all meals, coffee and tea, and a nifty badge.
Can I register for a single day?
No, this is full all-inclusive weekend, there are no day passes. We asked everyone to be there no later than 7:30pm Friday night. Since this is a monastery, later check-ins are more challenging.
When should I get there?
The Registration table at the retreat will open at 3pm on Friday. This is where, after having Pre-Registered, you will pick up your retreat packet (which will include a badge, a program, and some other fun things).
Will there be activities other than meetings and workshops?
Yes, there will be a few extra-curricular activities including fellowship, guided meditations and yoga. The rest you’ll have to see when you get there.
What should I bring with me?
Your Big Book, maybe a yoga mat if you're planning to do yoga, a small blanket (for breath work and sound bath), notebook, writing utensils and an open mind.
Also please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions, we are providing food and would not want there to be any issues.
