The continuous and time-consuming — a year-and-a-half and counting — COVID-19 pandemic has made the need for spiritual retreat more important than ever.

The need for retreat never greater

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Given the mental and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society over the past year-and-a-half, for many, spiritual retreat may be more essential than ever.

Fr. Stephan Kappler, president and chief psychologist at Southdown, said the pandemic has allowed Southdown to re-examine the ways it offers its services to the community.

Southdown opens doors wider

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By embracing the opportunity found in challenges brought about by COVID-19, Southdown Institute is expanding mental health services to reach even more people of faith.

St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre has begun welcoming back its community members.

Retreat centres acclimatize to new normal

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Through prayers and dreams, Angie Carboni has counted on God to help her navigate through the six months since COVID-19 emerged in Canada.

The statue of St. Ignatius leans over the garden at the retreat centre in Guelph, Ont.

Caring for the Earth and its people

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The retreat master’s job is all about the big reveal — showing people what’s already there. For Jesuit spiritual director Fr. Greg Kennedy the job is a delight, a joy and at the same time a humbling experience.

Loyola House in Guelph, Ont., has been offering retreats since 1964. The 600-acre property includes the Ignatius Old-Growth Forest, a 220-acre farm and the retreat house and training centre.

Retreats offer a helping hand in crisis

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The sign on the door may read “Closed until further notice” at Loyola House Ignatius Jesuit Centre and other retreat centres around the country, but that doesn’t mean spiritual life needs to take a break.

Henri Nouwen believed in quiet time to fully open yourself to listening for God.

Nouwen sets example of ‘emptying our lives’

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A little quiet time — away from work and the constant interruptions of daily life — ought to be just what the doctor ordered for those seeking more spiritual focus in their lives.

Phil Fontaine, former Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, front row left, takes part in a Star of the North reconciliation event.

Healing is key at Star of the North

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ST. ALBERT, Alta. -- Star of the North Retreat Centre is making healing and reconciliation between Indigenous people and Canadian settlers a major element of its retreat ministry.

Cedarcrest Conference Centre in Belfountain, Ont., north of Toronto, hosts retreats guided by Opus Dei priests. Below, the oratory with original paintings and marble altarpieces.

A silence that is truly golden

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I rarely shut up. I also have a loud voice, though most of the time I am not aware how loud I am.

Fr. Matthew Robbertz, above, said that only a decade ago the Regina Mundi Centre in Queensville, Ont., was faced with the choice of closing or persevering in its mission due to a burgeoning debt. The latter option was chosen and the faith community came through to keep the centre open and thriving.

Regina Mundi Centre enjoying strong revival

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In 2008, Regina Mundi Centre was on the brink of closure. 

Entrance to the Loyola House in Guelph.

Jesuit centre's spiritual exercises retreat is workout for the soul

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Fr. Roger Yaworski says Loyola House can’t guarantee people will like its Full Spiritual Exercises Experience. The retreat director might not be to their liking, the retreat itself might not meet their expectations, even the food might not tantalize their taste buds.

Every year, the Huver family recharges and reconnects at Family Foundations Family Camp.

Summer camp offers quality family time

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It’s a family tradition.

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