Benedictine Blackout Eclipse Events April 7-8, 2024
On Monday, April 8, Erie will be in the path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse. Join us at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery and Glinodo Center to celebrate this incredible celestial event and to view the total eclipse as it passes over Erie.
Opportunities to share this event with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie on Sunday, April 7 and Monday April 8 are listed below. Learn more about the solar eclipse itself here. PLEASE NOTE all guest rooms at the monastery for the weekend of April 7-8 are reserved.
What to Expect
Glinodo Center (6270 E Lake Road, across the street from the monastery) will be open to the public for eclipse viewing from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8. The open field of this lakefront space offers an unobstructed view of the heavens and the Timberlodge building will provide shelter in case of cold or wet weather. The Benedictine Sisters have free ISO-approved solar eclipse glasses for guests on the property.
Parking is free and available on a first-come basis. We strongly suggest carpooling as much as possible so that we can accommodate more guests. WE CANNOT ACCOMMODATE large trucks, buses, campers, or RVs. Walk-on or cycling guests are not limited. Come early, bring your packed lunch, enjoy the beautiful natural space and the company of others also drawn to this incredible event. We will have light snacks and water available for guests in the Timberlodge. This will be an alcohol-free viewing space, please leave your alcoholic beverages and your pets at home.
Frequently asked questions here. Please contact Michelle Scully ([email protected] OR (814) 899-0614 Ext. 2507) with additional questions.
Schedule of Events
Sunday, April 7
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer with the Benedictine Sisters in the monastery chapel.
Followed by a tour of the monastery that concludes with cookies in the monastery dining room. Chapter 57 gift shop will be open. There is no charge for the evening. Donations are appreciated.
Please register below so we know how many cookies to bake!
Monday, April 8
RETREAT ONLY SOLD OUT
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
“Between the Dark and the Daylight" retreat at the monastery. A spiritual experience based on Sister Joan Chittister’s book Between the Dark and the Daylight. Join us on Monday, April 8, the morning of the Eclipse, for this meditative spiritual experience. Sisters Anne McCarthy, Colleen Leathley, and Ann Muczynski will guide attendees through listening, discussion, and reflection on Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life (book not included). Space is limited, pre-registration required. Cost is $40 and includes lunch. Download a brochure here.
9:00 a.m. Glinodo grounds open to the public. There is no fee to join us at Glinodo for the day but because parking is limited we'd like to have an idea of how many persons plan to join us. We encourage you to use the form below to let us know if you you plan to drive your car/pickup truck/regular-size van and park at Glinodo.
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Activities at Glinodo Center.
If you come for the day, be sure to PACK YOUR LUNCH including your non-alcoholic beverages preferably in reusable bottles. We will have art opportunities and environmental activities, a storybook trail along the creek, and yard games (weather pending). We will have popcorn and light beverages for all guests.
Bring your camp chairs, there is no seating at Glinodo. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather as indoor space in Timberlodge is limited. In case of colder weather, it will be a "warm-up" station. Plan on spending periods of time walking the grounds or sitting outside. In case of very cold or wet weather, you may not want to come as early but do allow time for parking and getting settled. Bathrooms are available.
3:16 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. Solar Eclipse totality
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Post-eclipse Happy Hour at Tekakwitha House at Glinodo.
TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL 4 PM FRIDAY APRIL 5
Following the eclipse, we will host a happy hour at Glinodo Center with hors d’oeuvres and drinks, including Nostrovia Brewing Co’s signature eclipse beer, wine, and soda. Please purchase your tickets in advance – tickets may be available at the door, but this is not guaranteed. Tickets are $25 and include two drink tickets (beer or wine), soda (free refills), a Benedictine Blackout commemorative logo cup, and light hors d'oeuvres.
Registration Form
Please scroll up for description of events.
