Archive of Past Events at
Shalom Place
Online Weekend Morning Retreat!
Shalom Place Offers
An Advent Day Retreat
This is a longer than usual notice about a Shalom Place program but I wanted to give you an idea of what is planned and the reason for choosing this format, so I hope you’ll take the time to read it.
The genesis for this silent day retreat began with a column by Fr Ron Rolheiser. In the column a young monk comes to a desert father and asks for a word. The old man responds, “Go, sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.” In another column Rolheiser writes of the practice of the Quakers to sit together as a community in silence because waiting together for God gave them a unity they could not give themselves. And then in Caroline Oakes’ book “Practice the Pause” Ms Oakes tells of a time she asked John-Julian, an Episcopalian monk, “What do we have to do if we want a deeper spiritual life?” He responded, “If you want a deeper spiritual life, you have to find time to be alone, in quiet, with God.” Alone. In quiet. With God. Now this was included in the chapter on Lectio Divina. And that’s when the light bulb lit. What if we had a silent day retreat where people could come together in community to be quiet in the presence of God’s word?
And so, on Saturday November 29 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM you are invited to attend a silent day retreat at Shalom Place at 90 Ontario Avenue (the former Mount St Joseph College) to spend time reflecting on the readings of the four Sundays of Advent using Lectio Divina.
The reaction to Lectio Divina is one of three (that I can think of):
1. I do that already and it is great.
2. Been there, done that, not sure I want to again. It’s old hat.
3. Ooh, those are Latin words and it is either hard to do or more spiritual than I can handle.
Well, it is great, it’s not really old hat and it is not hard. It’s for everyone. We’ll give a brief presentation that will help you begin, see it anew and confirm you of its value. And then you will have a day alone (in community), in quiet, with God to prepare for Advent.
Couldn’t I do this at home or couldn’t you offer it on Zoom? Yes to both but it probably wouldn’t be as effective. Taking the time to be in a place where this is the sole focus will allow you to go deeper. We will take care of lunch and make sure the coffee and tea are always ready so that those distractions are eliminated. No phones. Nobody dropping in. Nobody asking you to do anything but be present to God and God’s word.
To register: email shalomssm@shaw.ca, visit our website www.shalomplace.ca or phone 705-254-4690.
YOU Feed Them!
Let’s reach out to those in need!
New Fall Online Program!
Photo by Skyler Ewing on Unsplash
See below for additional information!
We have all seen the news coverage of starving people around the world, especially in war-torn areas. Let us take these words of Jesus to heart.
Shalom Place is offering a 4-week online program that will provide an opportunity to donate money to help feed the hungry. Each week will focus on a Scripture passage that calls people to feed others.
Dates: Wednesdays, September 10, 17, 24, & October 1
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Facilitated by: Patricia Frederick & Stephanie Romiti
Register: shalomssm@shaw.ca (705)254-4690 www.shalomplace.ca/contact-us
Register by: September 8, 2025
Donation: We are asking participants to make a monetary donation to a reputable charity that is helping the poor. We are providing one possibility each for Canadian and American participants:
🇨🇦 https://devp.org/en/make-a-donation/
🇺🇸 donate.wck.org
Need a little more incentive? Check out this music video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8&list=RDb_RjndG0IX8&start_radio=1
Additional information!
To provide a little more clarity, the purpose of this program is two-fold:
1. To raise money for those in greatest hunger - via your contributions DIRECTLY to one of the organizations listed, or one of your choice; and
2. To “nourish” our spirits with some reflection on Scripture using the gentle practice of “Lectio Divina.”
And please note that each evening is independent of the others in case you can’t participate in all four. Just register for the ones that you can make and we'll ensure that you get the Zom link.
And for those who want to make a donation but are unable to participate, you can always do that, too! As much as it would be nice to know the total amount we raise, we will not be asking for that information. Again, donations are to be made directly to the charity of your choice. We are not asking anything for Shalom with this program.
Please also note that the session scheduled for October 1 will be held on October 8 instead.
Blessings!
Stephanie
Our Summer Silent Retreat is back!!!
July 22-29, 2025
“Come to the Water”
Two Amazing Options
Person-directed retreat*: $685 Includes private room, meals, and daily individual meeting with a spiritual director.
OR
Video input with Margaret Silf**: $400 Includes private room, meals, and daily video input session with reflection material from Margaret Silf, used with her express permission. These sessions are from a prior retreat she gave entitled, “Discovering Your Wisdom Years.”
St. Joseph’s Motherhouse,
North Bay, Ontario
Limited space for each option, so register soon!
Don’t forget to indicate which retreat option you prefer!
shalomssm@shaw.ca 705-254-4690 https://www.shalomplace.ca/contact-us
*What is a person-directed retreat? This retreat option provides retreatants a daily session with a qualified spiritual director. This person will personalize the retreat for each retreatant based on their needs and desires, providing suggestions and materials to pray with. For this retreat, we have three in-person directors with a fourth available by zoom (assistance will be provided, if needed).
The video option with **Margaret Silf will include a pre-recorded session each day with reflection materials provided for use between sessions. Margaret has graciously allowed us to offer this opportunity, in order to accommodate more people interested in making this retreat.
For anyone who has not been to St. Joseph’s Motherhouse in North Bay, it is located on the shores of Lake Nipissing. It provides a prayerful atmosphere both inside and out. There are two chapels to pray in, private dining room for retreatants, therapeutic swimming pool, large outdoor labyrinth, zen garden, Cosmic walk, and nature trails to explore. North Bay’s main waterfront is close by with ample walking.
Consider giving yourself the gift of a retreat!
Shalom Place presents an in-person day retreat – Heading for the Homestretch – on Saturday April 5 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Shalom Place in the Mount St Joseph Education Centre facilitated by Sr Mary Jo Radey.
Take a day to really be in touch with your Lenten Journey. Give yourself the space to listen to how God may be directing you to the Easter experience for your life. There will input and reflection material followed by periods of quiet reflection. Join us for some Shalom time…to pause, to reflect and to grow in awareness.
See poster for details.
In-person
Lenten Retreat Day
Happy Feast of St. Joseph!
Check out this great reflection: https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/josephs-yokes/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Living%20Lent%20Daily%3A%20Solemnity%20of%20Saint%20Joseph&utm_campaign=living-lent-daily-yoc25-week2-9551-yoc-mar19#
Parking and Main Entry at 100 Ontario Ave.
Overflow parking & breezeway entry off Alworth.
Call 705-254-4690
re: wheelchair/walker accessibility
and for breezeway entry!
2024 In-Person
Advent Retreat!
See below for details!
Doors will open at 8:30 AM. Lunch will be provided.
NEW Journaling Program!
NEW Journaling Program!
Are you interested in starting
– or RESTARTING –
a journaling practice?
TO REGISTER:
Call: 705-254-4690
Email: shalomssm@shaw.ca
Contact page: https://www.shalomplace.ca/contact-us
