Frequently asked questions about eclipse events
1. Where are you located? Right on the shore of Lake Erie!
Mount Saint Benedict Monastery is located at 6101 East Lake Road in Erie. The Sunday evening prayer and monastery tour and the Monday morning retreat experience will all take place at the monastery. Glinodo Center is located across the street at 6270 East Lake Road. This is where the Monday eclipse activities, viewing, and happy hour will take place. PLEASE NOTE all guest rooms at the monastery for the weekend of April 7-8 are reserved.
2. Can I walk from Glinodo to the monastery? Yes!
Glinodo Center is diagonally across East Lake Road from the monastery. It is a 10-minute walk to the monastery once you have parked at Glinodo. The monastery entrance is closed from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for noon prayer and the sisters' lunch. Otherwise, there is someone at the front door to greet you. If you have never been to the monastery, you can visit. Chapter 57, the monastery gift shop, will be open. The shop at the monastery does accept credit cards.
3. Will there be parking available? Yes!
Beginning at 9:00 a.m. parking is free with limited availability on a first-come basis both at Glinodo Center and the monastery. Eclipse totality is from 3:16 to 3:20 p.m. with the partial eclipse from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. We recommend giving yourself ample time to park and settle in. If you plan on joining us for eclipse viewing on April 8, please let us know using the form here. This will help us prepare and anticipate the number of guests. If parking is full when you arrive, you can park on the shoulder of East Lake Road. No cars will be allowed to enter Glinodo Center before 9:00 a.m. Only those registered for the Beyond the Dark and Daylight retreat will be able to park at the monastery before 9:00 a.m.
4. Do you have eclipse glasses for those who come to view the eclipse at Glinodo Center? Yes!
It is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized, certified eye protection. Event to view the partial phases of the solar eclipse, you must look through eclipse glasses (NOT sunglasses) or safe solar viewers. (Read more here.) We have 600 pair of ISO-approved solar eclipse glasses available for our viewing guests.
5. Is there a cost to attend this event? Depends...
The prayer and tour at the monastery on April 7 and the eclipse viewing events on April 8 are free, although we are asking you to sign up to help us prepare. The retreat and happy hour on April 8 have a cost and you will need to register for them. When you make your payment you will receive confirmation and/or tickets for the happy hour. If you wish to attend either the morning retreat “Between the Dark and the Daylight” and/or post-eclipse happy hour, please pre-register and/or pay here.
6. Will there be food and drink available? Not much!
We encourage you to pack your own lunch and snacks and bring non-alcoholic beverages in reusable drink bottles. We will have popcorn and light beverages available. If you pre-register for the morning retreat, lunch is included in that fee. If you are attending the ticketed post-eclipse happy hour, the fee includes drinks and light hors d'oeuvres.
7. Will monastery gift shop be open? Yes!
Chapter 57 gift shop at the monastery will be open. You can make your purchase with cash or check. A ticket for the happy hour also includes a commemorative logo cup. If you would like to visit the gift shop at the monastery, see description in the answer to question #2 above.
8. What should I bring? Chairs, snacks...
Please bring weather-appropriate clothing, a folding or camp chair or blanket, and your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Please do not bring pets to this gathering.
9. What if we’re experiencing bad weather? It will still happen!
If we experience an overcast or rainy day on April 8, each stage of the eclipse will not be as visible, however we will still experience total darkness and the response of nature to the eclipse during the time of totality. The heated Timberlodge building will be open throughout the viewing time. If the weather is cold, this will provide an opportunity to warm up. If there is April snow on the ground, parking will be more limited.
