What is a Hermitage?

The idea of a Hermitage has been largely lost in contemporary Christian culture. It is time to reclaim it. A Hermitage is a place of retreat for the purpose of encountering God. For hundreds of years people have traveled to such places of seclusion and tranquility. In the Hermitage, people spend time thinking about their lives and make decisions to change what is necessary to bring about a more fulfilling spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and relational life.

What are the goals of the Parish Hermitage?

The goals are:

• to allow each person to have a "safe" place to share experiences, hurts, and pains from his or her journey in and through life;
• to foster an understanding of the "life" Jesus came to offer and to practice the behaviors and attitudes to attain it;
• to model and direct married couples into "being one" in heart, mind, and soul;
• to learn and practice behaviors and attitudes that people can take back into their daily lives and pass on to others in their church, work, home, family, and community;
• to practically recreate and develop enduring intimacies with God, self, your spouse, and your family;
• to help and guide each guest to live life more fully in their heart, mind, soul, emotions, and body as we were designed by God and given through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Who may I bring with me?

If you are married, we encourage your spouse to attend with you. If you seek retreat and therapy for your family, please bring them. And, of course, you are welcome to come alone.

What will I do there?

The schedule is flexibly structured. Time may be spent in therapy, reading, journaling, spiritual guidance, being in nature on the property and trails, possibly physical work, being still and rest. Most of the evening meals will be eaten with the Parish family and other guests in the Parishes home. Spending time alone in silence and solitude both in nature and in your residence enhances both personal reflection and prayer which is also an essential part of your experience.

What are the facilities like?

The Parish Hermitage rests on 24 secluded acres in St. Amant, Louisiana, about 20 miles south of Baton Rouge and 40 miles north of New Orleans. Twenty acres are wooded wetland with nature trails, a boardwalk through the swamp and over the slough. There are two private and modestly appointed lodging areas to choose from. Both contain a separate bedroom, fireplace, sitting area, bathroom, and kitchen. Most evenings during your stay you will be invited to join us in the main house for meals and fellowship or to explore the library.

What about check in and check out?

You can generally check in by 2:00 pm on the day of your arrival and departure is usually by 11:00 am. Changes in your arrival and departure times due to travel circumstances can be negotiated in advance by communicating with Eddie Parish

Who runs the Parish Hermitage?

The staff consists of Dr. Eddie Parish and his wife Judy. Eddie earned his Masters and doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has taught in Ohio at Bowling Green State University and Abilene Christian University in Texas. He has served as a Youth Minister in Tucson, Arizona and as a Family Minister in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Eddie has performed many marriage seminars around the country and currently is an Adjunct Professor at Abilene Christian University.

Judy Parish has taught public school in Texas, Florida, Ohio, and in a private Montessori School in Louisiana. Besides their professional training, God has been preparing Eddie and Judy for many years to work with people through the many seasons of life.

What about travel arrangements?

You may travel by your own vehicle and park in front of your guesthouse. If you travel by plane you can fly into New Orleans or Baton Rouge. Both locations are about equal distance to the Parish Hermitage while flying into New Orleans results in an easier and more relaxing ride to the Hermitage. Upon arrival you can either rent a vehicle to drive yourself or arrangements can be made for us to pick you up. There is a $50 roundtrip fee for us to pick you up at the airport.

Who else will be present?

Eddie and Judy Parish and their children reside on the property. Otherwise, the facilities will handle no more that two couples or families at a time. This ensures personal and specific attention to your concerns.

How much does it cost? How long will I stay?

For a list of what we are offering go to Services, Accommodations & Prices.