We offer silent retreats which foster in the person prayerful listening and responding to the Spirit of God within contemporary life. It is an invitation to “come aside and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31). Silence is a gift that we rarely experience in our hectic world.

A silent retreat is:

• A time away from one’s busy world, to push “pause” and reflect, not simply react.
• A time to re-evaluate priorities.
• A time of quiet, solitude and space to hear that still small voice inside.
• A time to listen and to grow. What is our “best self” telling us?

Our weekend silent retreats include presentations by a member of the retreat team on the theme chosen for the year, quiet time for reflection, meals in silence, morning and evening prayer with the Friars, celebration of the Eucharist (Mass) on Saturday and Sunday mornings, the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and the opportunity to meet with a member of the retreat team if there is something you wish to talk over or share.

There are two themes chosen each year – the first centers around an aspect of Christian spirituality. The second, our Serenity Retreats, focuses on the practices and spirituality of the 12 Step Programs for those in recovery from addictions or those who support them.

The facilities are simple. We have individual bedrooms with their own sink. A few of our rooms have two twin beds if you choose to share a room. Bathrooms are shared.

There is a non-lending library and a chapel that is open for your use. There is a small bookstore with titles relevant to prayer, spirituality, addiction recovery and the current retreat theme.

We have approximately 500 acres of property with some walking trails, two outdoor stations of the cross and a small chapel (a replica of the original St. Mary’s Parish in Cochrane). Plan to spend some time out-of-doors.

We invite retreatants to “unplug” as much as possible in order to experience the grace of the silence. The gift of silence allows what is deepest in one’s soul to find its voice.

You do not have to be Catholic or from any particular faith tradition to come on retreat. All are welcome.

The retreat centre is open during the week and you are welcome to come for a period of quiet. We recommend that you call ahead and we can let you know if there is a group or activity on site.

How to register: You may register for our regularly scheduled silent retreats by contacting one of the captains assigned to that retreat. Their contact information is included in the retreat schedule. Please indicate if you have any dietary restrictions.

If you wish to book a private retreat, attend one of our many Day-Away or Twilight Retreats, or book either the summer Preached or Directed Retreat, please contact the office to register: 403.932.2012 or email mtfrancis@shaw.ca.