April 28, 2014
After a long, cold winter, spending some time in retreat surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains may be just the ticket to warm your soul. St. Mary’s on the Lake on Lake George in upstate New York, provides the scenery and serenity to reconnect with God…and yourself.
“For years, St. Mary’s on the Lake has been a wonderful resource for the Paulist Fathers: a place for us to get away, enjoy each others’ company, and seek rest and renewal,” said Father Larry Rice, director of St. Mary’s. “We’re delighted to be able to share that resource with individuals and groups seeking that rest and renewal. This summer we’re offering a variety of retreats; hopefully folks will find one that meets their spiritual needs.”
And then there is the history of the place – Paulist history, of course! In the early days of the community, Paulist Founder, Servant of God Father Isaac Hecker and his companions would camp at Lake George in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. In the early 1870s the Paulists, thanks to the generosity of the O’Connor family, became the owners of a large portion of lakefront property at the southern end of the lake and five islands further north. A summerhouse was constructed followed by a building to house Paulist students. A larger chapel, boathouse, refectory and library were added later as well as a cabin and chapel on the islands.
“I’ve been amazed at the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, especially the abundant wildlife,” Father Rice said. “In the past, I got great photos of deer, snapping turtles, a barred owl and probably a million chipmunks. And of course, there are few experiences as enthralling as watching a scarlet sunset across the lake, from a chair on our porch.”
All retreats include accommodations and home-cooked meals. To register for any of the retreats, visit stmaryslakegeorge.com.
Praying Your Life: June 15-20
Join Father Vinny McKiernan, CSP, for a five-day inner journey, reflecting on the role of prayer in the Christian life. This retreat offers times for centering prayer, Eucharist and group conferences.
$500 per person all inclusive.
Come Apart for a While: June 22-27
Join Father Vinny McKiernan, CSP for five days of reflective silence. With Father McKiernan as your director and guide, extended silence offers the opportunity to pray deeply, and to come to a new appreciation for simplicity and mindfulness.
$500 per person all inclusive.
Becoming More Fully Alive: July 20-25
Father Tom Ryan, CSP, will lead, “Becoming More Fully Alive: Living Your Life as Spiritual Practice.” A healthy spirituality encompasses every aspect of our lives and orients us towards “life to the full” across the entire range of human experience. Participants will look at the various activities that make up our lives with an eye towards how everything in our day can become part of our spiritual practice.
$500 per person all inclusive.
Letting Go of a Grudge: July 26-Aug. 1
Led by Father Frank Desiderio, participants will explore ways to strengthen the experience of God’s love and mercy, and thus follow the way of Jesus Christ. Retreat presentations will be supplemented by Father Desiderio’s new book, “Can You Let Go of a Grudge?”
$500 per person all inclusive.
Paulist Plunge: Aug. 3-8
For men ages 20-40 who are interested in exploring a religious vocation, particularly with the Paulist Fathers, the Paulist Plunge is an opportunity to spend some relaxing time with the Paulists at their summer home. Join the Paulists for morning and evening prayer, daily Mass, and a daily conference on vocational discernment, Paulist ministries and an introduction to Paulist formation and spirituality. In addition there will be plenty of time to enjoy Lake George and its environs. If you’re interested in attending, please contact the Paulist Director of Vocations Father Larry Rice at [email protected]. Visit paulist.org/vocations for more information on becoming a Paulist.
Paulist Associates: Aug. 24-29
This special week for Paulist Associates will be an opportunity to re-connect with Associates from all over the world, and to deepen your commitment to the Associates movement in an atmosphere steeped in Paulist history. This week will feature regular times of prayer, liturgy and daily conferences of special interest to Paulist Associates. In between there will be ample time to relax, enjoy Lake George and spend a little time away from life’s ordinary cares and routines. Please note that this retreat is open only to Paulist Associates, although spouses are welcome, of course.
All retreats include accommodations and home-cooked meals. To register for any of the above retreats, visit stmaryslakegeorge.com.