"I love coming here, it feels like a second home. It's warm, inviting, & the sense of love is everywhere here, like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Thank you for providing this beautiful centre for relaxation, healing & regeneration."
~Guest comment from recent February 4-Day Silent Retreat
~Guest comment from recent February 4-Day Silent Retreat
_____________
2025 Retreats and Events
SILENT RETREATS:
3-Day Silent Retreats:
September 30-October 2
November 4-6
$395 pp, private room
Includes home-cooked meals, spiritual direction
6-Day Silent Retreats:
July 8-13 - Full, waitlist available
July 17-22
October 21-26
$895 Ensuite, $800 Standard private rooms
Includes home-cooked meals, spiritual direction
8-Day Silent Retreat:
July 25-August 1
$1195 Ensuite, $1085 Standard private rooms
Includes home-cooked meals, spiritual direction
THEMED RETREATS:
Bountiful Earth! A Harvest Retreat:
A 5-day silent retreat, September 19-23
Arrival from 3pm for Opening Gathering 5:30pm, Departure 1pm after lunch
$685 private, $545 shared, $465 commuter
Includes home-cooked meals and workshop supplies
Come away to the quiet and peace along the shores of Lake Simcoe and savour the abundance of
Autumn. A session each morning will offer reflections to aid in listening to the wisdom
embedded in Creation. A period of each day can be spent harvesting apples or making apple
cider vinegar; while some may prefer to contemplate more passively. This silent, guided retreat
offers rest amidst the rich autumn colours, birdsong and gentle waves of the lake; and deeper
communion with Mother Earth who feeds and heals us.
“All prayer or contemplation is about trying to come into presence, and I believe that
landscape never leaves it. When you truly are present in a landscape, you know afterwards
that something has shifted within you, or some burden has fallen.” – John O’Donohue
Facilitator: Yvonne Prowse
Morning sessions will draw on teachings from varied spiritual traditions and science that can
enlighten the wisdom in Creation. The retreat falls at the Autumn equinox, when length of day
and night are balanced. Each day… and night… will offer spacious time to reflect on our own
experiences, recent and longer past, and personal journeys in/with nature. We’ll listen, too, for
what the Spirit is offering each of us in this Autumn season. The harvest-retreat yield: lightened
and refreshed spirits, renewed gratitude for the gifts of Earth, and some treats from the apple
orchard… all to be savoured over the coming months.
About the facilitator: Yvonne Prowse is not only Loretto Maryholme’s Director but a lover of
Earth who has learned first-hand the deep healing on offer in nature. In her previous retreat house
position, she led the work of integrating ecology and spirituality. For years she has been fed by
being present in nature, and by praying with and studying nature poets; naturalist-writers;
mystics who knew our one-ness with nature; ecological theologians; scientists; and those who’ve
bridged science, cosmology and spirituality. Yvonne rarely leads a retreat without quoting Mary
Oliver and hopes to soon offer a retreat entirely on the spirituality of John O’Donohue. (For more
about Yvonne go to: https://www.lorettomaryholme.ca/spiritual-directors-at-loretto-maryholme.html
Releasing Grief with Gentle Yoga Retreat:
4-day Retreat October 30-November 2
$595 private, $495 shared, $395 commuter
Includes home-cooked meals
This mostly-silent retreat is designed to support participants in getting free of long-held or recent
grief. We carry grief until it has a means to move through us. Whether we haven't felt safe
enough to explore these feelings, or we've been too busy to give them time, grief is stored until
we release it. (Time alone does not heal all wounds.)
In Maryholme’s beauty and a calm environment of trust, gentle yoga and other safe practices will
enable us to access emotion that is ready to surface. Our spirit can become lighter. Clarity and
freedom are possible. Renewed energy and hope are available.
Grief has many sources, not just death of a loved one, all of which are welcome in this retreat.
Facilitator: Vivian Palin
Vivian returns to Maryholme by popular demand. Participants last March asked about yoga for
grief… and a longer retreat. Others have simply asked about grief retreats. With only eight
spaces, this retreat is bound to fill quickly.
Grief is a normal, appropriate response to loss. Grief has many sources, all of which are welcome
in this retreat. Among grief’s varied sources: death or other loss of a person or other being, a
transition out of a life-path –whether desired or not, a deep longing unrealized, the ambiguous
loss of someone dear with dementia, material losses, loss of a special place, climate-
loss/destruction, injury or harm experienced to self or a loved one….
The yoga practices will be slow-paced and gentle (yin), suitable for all levels or no experience
with yoga. You will have spacious time between sessions to enjoy the beautiful land and lake,
rest by the fireplace, nap, and re-connect with yourself and Spirit.
About the facilitator: Vivian Palin is a widely experienced gentle-flow Yogini (yoga master) also
trained in restorative yoga. A Christian who also belongs to an ashram, Vivian brings a depth of
spirituality to her yoga practice and life. She is a gentle guide who has taught in varied settings
from fitness center to private homes to retreat center to her own yoga studio.
Spiritual Memoir and Journaling Retreat:
November 14-16
$495 private, $400 shared, $325 commuter
Includes home-cooked meals
“Invariably spiritual memoir places one’s life in relationship to something
greater, whether that something be God or oneness or the earth…”*
“What is the source of my existence? What makes me tick? What gives me breath, hope, or
inspiration?”* Spiritual memoir and journaling take up the subject of your own life to explore
such questions. A variety of exercises will be offered for whichever purpose you choose for your
writing. In addition, we will explore some foundational information for spiritual writing,
including aids for potential challenges. This gently paced weekend will have some guided
sessions and spacious time for personal reflection and writing.
Facilitator: Stephanie Romiti
*quotes from Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew
Back by popular demand: Stephanie Romiti is returning for a second writing retreat this autumn.
Writing as Spiritual Practice, sold out last May and participants eagerly asked for more, with some attention to memoir-writing. This is a silent retreat, with widely-spaced sessions of input and guidance.
Stephanie is a woman of faith with a passion for companioning others as they search for more meaning in their lives. She offers Spiritual Direction and other programs for people from various Christian backgrounds as well as those who have little or no prior religious or faith experience. She is a retired elementary school teacher and has a varsity of creative interests, including photography, music and crafting.
Comments from retreatants in May:
"I came to find a closer connection to Creator /Spirit and I found that including the connection to spirit within myself. The writing as a spiritual practice has given me new resources and tools but much more compassion for myself. I am deeply grateful to have spent this time in community, with Creator and on sacred land. Held by incredible facilitators." May, 2025
"Wasn't sure what to expect from the program and was delighted in the many ways it touched and encouraged me. Created space for God to work in me and that's such a gift. Thanks to LMH staff, Stephanie and Mona & Jim"." May, 2025
"My overall experience was incredible. I always thought of myself as spiritual, however realizing saying prayers is not necessarily spiritual - learning to feel and listen to me made the feel more spiritual. I would also compliment Stephanie! She made this experience to understanding spirituality and I will never forget it or her." May, 2025
…and the Soul Felt its Worth Advent Retreat:
December 5-7
$495 private, $400 shared, $325 commuter
Includes home-cooked meals
Facilitator: Yvonne Prowse
Advent: a time of waiting, hoping, sometimes too busy with preparing. Join us for slow-Advent-time: time to listen, time for presence. A few brief presentations, enfolded in silence, will offer reflections to guide your listening, your movements into depth of soul. We’ll place ourselves amidst all creation waiting for the Light and Hope of the world. We will answer the invitation of the darker days and longer nights …to listen to the hope and longing stirring within our souls …and hear the Holy Mystery, speaking the truth of our worth and –as Mary Oliver says– our place in the family things.
Facilitator: Yvonne Prowse
More retreats & events to be added to our website soon - stay tuned!
To register please email [email protected]
2025 Retreats and Events
SILENT RETREATS:
3-Day Silent Retreats:
September 30-October 2
November 4-6
$395 pp, private room
Includes home-cooked meals, spiritual direction
6-Day Silent Retreats:
July 8-13 - Full, waitlist available
July 17-22
October 21-26
$895 Ensuite, $800 Standard private rooms
Includes home-cooked meals, spiritual direction
8-Day Silent Retreat:
July 25-August 1
$1195 Ensuite, $1085 Standard private rooms
Includes home-cooked meals, spiritual direction
THEMED RETREATS:
Bountiful Earth! A Harvest Retreat:
A 5-day silent retreat, September 19-23
Arrival from 3pm for Opening Gathering 5:30pm, Departure 1pm after lunch
$685 private, $545 shared, $465 commuter
Includes home-cooked meals and workshop supplies
Come away to the quiet and peace along the shores of Lake Simcoe and savour the abundance of
Autumn. A session each morning will offer reflections to aid in listening to the wisdom
embedded in Creation. A period of each day can be spent harvesting apples or making apple
cider vinegar; while some may prefer to contemplate more passively. This silent, guided retreat
offers rest amidst the rich autumn colours, birdsong and gentle waves of the lake; and deeper
communion with Mother Earth who feeds and heals us.
“All prayer or contemplation is about trying to come into presence, and I believe that
landscape never leaves it. When you truly are present in a landscape, you know afterwards
that something has shifted within you, or some burden has fallen.” – John O’Donohue
Facilitator: Yvonne Prowse
Morning sessions will draw on teachings from varied spiritual traditions and science that can
enlighten the wisdom in Creation. The retreat falls at the Autumn equinox, when length of day
and night are balanced. Each day… and night… will offer spacious time to reflect on our own
experiences, recent and longer past, and personal journeys in/with nature. We’ll listen, too, for
what the Spirit is offering each of us in this Autumn season. The harvest-retreat yield: lightened
and refreshed spirits, renewed gratitude for the gifts of Earth, and some treats from the apple
orchard… all to be savoured over the coming months.
About the facilitator: Yvonne Prowse is not only Loretto Maryholme’s Director but a lover of
Earth who has learned first-hand the deep healing on offer in nature. In her previous retreat house
position, she led the work of integrating ecology and spirituality. For years she has been fed by
being present in nature, and by praying with and studying nature poets; naturalist-writers;
mystics who knew our one-ness with nature; ecological theologians; scientists; and those who’ve
bridged science, cosmology and spirituality. Yvonne rarely leads a retreat without quoting Mary
Oliver and hopes to soon offer a retreat entirely on the spirituality of John O’Donohue. (For more
about Yvonne go to: https://www.lorettomaryholme.ca/spiritual-directors-at-loretto-maryholme.html
Releasing Grief with Gentle Yoga Retreat:
4-day Retreat October 30-November 2
$595 private, $495 shared, $395 commuter
Includes home-cooked meals
This mostly-silent retreat is designed to support participants in getting free of long-held or recent
grief. We carry grief until it has a means to move through us. Whether we haven't felt safe
enough to explore these feelings, or we've been too busy to give them time, grief is stored until
we release it. (Time alone does not heal all wounds.)
In Maryholme’s beauty and a calm environment of trust, gentle yoga and other safe practices will
enable us to access emotion that is ready to surface. Our spirit can become lighter. Clarity and
freedom are possible. Renewed energy and hope are available.
Grief has many sources, not just death of a loved one, all of which are welcome in this retreat.
Facilitator: Vivian Palin
Vivian returns to Maryholme by popular demand. Participants last March asked about yoga for
grief… and a longer retreat. Others have simply asked about grief retreats. With only eight
spaces, this retreat is bound to fill quickly.
Grief is a normal, appropriate response to loss. Grief has many sources, all of which are welcome
in this retreat. Among grief’s varied sources: death or other loss of a person or other being, a
transition out of a life-path –whether desired or not, a deep longing unrealized, the ambiguous
loss of someone dear with dementia, material losses, loss of a special place, climate-
loss/destruction, injury or harm experienced to self or a loved one….
The yoga practices will be slow-paced and gentle (yin), suitable for all levels or no experience
with yoga. You will have spacious time between sessions to enjoy the beautiful land and lake,
rest by the fireplace, nap, and re-connect with yourself and Spirit.
About the facilitator: Vivian Palin is a widely experienced gentle-flow Yogini (yoga master) also
trained in restorative yoga. A Christian who also belongs to an ashram, Vivian brings a depth of
spirituality to her yoga practice and life. She is a gentle guide who has taught in varied settings
from fitness center to private homes to retreat center to her own yoga studio.
Spiritual Memoir and Journaling Retreat:
November 14-16
$495 private, $400 shared, $325 commuter
Includes home-cooked meals
“Invariably spiritual memoir places one’s life in relationship to something
greater, whether that something be God or oneness or the earth…”*
“What is the source of my existence? What makes me tick? What gives me breath, hope, or
inspiration?”* Spiritual memoir and journaling take up the subject of your own life to explore
such questions. A variety of exercises will be offered for whichever purpose you choose for your
writing. In addition, we will explore some foundational information for spiritual writing,
including aids for potential challenges. This gently paced weekend will have some guided
sessions and spacious time for personal reflection and writing.
Facilitator: Stephanie Romiti
*quotes from Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew
Back by popular demand: Stephanie Romiti is returning for a second writing retreat this autumn.
Writing as Spiritual Practice, sold out last May and participants eagerly asked for more, with some attention to memoir-writing. This is a silent retreat, with widely-spaced sessions of input and guidance.
Stephanie is a woman of faith with a passion for companioning others as they search for more meaning in their lives. She offers Spiritual Direction and other programs for people from various Christian backgrounds as well as those who have little or no prior religious or faith experience. She is a retired elementary school teacher and has a varsity of creative interests, including photography, music and crafting.
Comments from retreatants in May:
"I came to find a closer connection to Creator /Spirit and I found that including the connection to spirit within myself. The writing as a spiritual practice has given me new resources and tools but much more compassion for myself. I am deeply grateful to have spent this time in community, with Creator and on sacred land. Held by incredible facilitators." May, 2025
"Wasn't sure what to expect from the program and was delighted in the many ways it touched and encouraged me. Created space for God to work in me and that's such a gift. Thanks to LMH staff, Stephanie and Mona & Jim"." May, 2025
"My overall experience was incredible. I always thought of myself as spiritual, however realizing saying prayers is not necessarily spiritual - learning to feel and listen to me made the feel more spiritual. I would also compliment Stephanie! She made this experience to understanding spirituality and I will never forget it or her." May, 2025
…and the Soul Felt its Worth Advent Retreat:
December 5-7
$495 private, $400 shared, $325 commuter
Includes home-cooked meals
Facilitator: Yvonne Prowse
Advent: a time of waiting, hoping, sometimes too busy with preparing. Join us for slow-Advent-time: time to listen, time for presence. A few brief presentations, enfolded in silence, will offer reflections to guide your listening, your movements into depth of soul. We’ll place ourselves amidst all creation waiting for the Light and Hope of the world. We will answer the invitation of the darker days and longer nights …to listen to the hope and longing stirring within our souls …and hear the Holy Mystery, speaking the truth of our worth and –as Mary Oliver says– our place in the family things.
Facilitator: Yvonne Prowse
More retreats & events to be added to our website soon - stay tuned!
To register please email [email protected]
Video of Loretto Maryholme!
Follow the drone to new heights as it captures amazing footage of Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre from the skies. Enjoy the view that reaches from the stunning vistas of Loretto Maryholme over the village of Roches Point & Maryholme's shoreline in Cook's Bay to Fox & Snake Islands in the waters of Lake Simcoe... wow!
