"I listened to God's deep dream for me and felt a longing to respond."

​Mary Ward
January 1585 - January 1645

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"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
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​2025 Retreats and Events

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​SILENT RETREATS:

Directed Silent Retreats
Take time for yourself in this beautiful sacred space on Lake Simcoe to rest, rejuvenate and receive the gifts of silence waiting for you, restoring and renewing your mind, body & spirit.
Private room, home-cooked meals, and spiritual direction are offered as part of these days.
Register for our retreats by emailing:  [email protected]

3-Day Silent Retreats:
September 30-October 2
November 4-6
$395 pp, private room
Arrival Tuesday from 10am  for Opening Gathering 11:30am - Departure Thursday 1pm after lunch
Includes home-cooked meals, spiritual direction 


6-Day Silent Retreats:
July 8-13 - Full, waitlist available
July 17-22
October 21-26
Arrival from 3pm for Opening Gathering 5:30pm, Departure 1pm after lunch
$875 Ensuite, $800 Standard (private rooms)
*For a bedroom with ensuite washroom - add $75
Includes home-cooked meals, spiritual direction 


8-Day Silent Retreat:
July 25-August 1
Arrival from 3pm for Opening Gathering 5:30pm, Departure 1pm after lunch
$1185 Ensuite, $1085 Standard (private rooms)
*For a bedroom with ensuite washroom - add $100
Includes home-cooked meals, spiritual direction 


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THEMED RETREATS:

Themed (Guided) Retreats
A themed retreat may be one day, a weekend, or several days. A facilitator will present a particular theme, offer some content, and make suggestions for personal prayer and reflection. There will be periods of silence as well as time for shared conversation. Facilitators may offer to meet with retreatants individually to address insights that have arisen. 
Register for our retreats by emailing:  [email protected]

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
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Releasing Grief with Gentle Yoga Retreat:
4-day Retreat  October 30-November 2
Arrival from 3pm for Opening Gathering 5:30pm, Departure 1pm after lunch
$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 and prayer. We will place ourselves amidst all creation waiting for the Light and Hope of the world. We’ll 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


Winter Solstice Gathering and Ritual
Saturday, December 20, 4:00pm
Suggested minimum: $20/person

Gather with community as we enter the longest night of the year. A telling of the Universe Story around the fire will start us off. As the sun sets, we will have time for personal reflection on the challenges and gifts of the past year and voice our hopes for the coming year. A simple, hearty winter supper in our main house will warm us up and round out the evening.
Dress warmly to be outdoors for the ritual, weather permitting. Will be held indoors if weather is too fierce. All ages welcome.

Registration not required but very helpful to the dinner planning. Supper will be vegetarian; lactose-intolerant and gluten-free options available. Contributions requested to cover cost of supper and materials. Suggested minimum: $20/person
Overnight accommodations available for additional fee; must be reserved in advance.

*Because Solstice is technically at 10:03am on Dec. 21, and the nights of Dec 20 and 21 will be the same length we have elected to honour the solstice at its start, in the midst of the weekend rather than the night before many people’s work-week begins.


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More retreats & events to be added to our website soon - stay tuned!

To register please email [email protected]
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Private Retreats
A private retreat, minimum 2 nights, may be booked throughout the year, depending on availability of accommodation. You are responsible for your own meals. You will set your agenda & schedule and maintain a posture of silence & prayer throughout your stay. If the experience of a private retreat is new for you, we suggest that you meet with a spiritual director at least once during your stay. 

Register for private retreats by emailing:  [email protected]



2025 Events________________

Garden Volunteers
Tuesday mornings from May 6 - September 23, 10am - noon
Volunteers play an important role in our many projects & special events. So many of our lovely gardens are the results of volunteer participation and are admired by our many guests. If you'd like to help, come Tuesday mornings from May - September and spend some time between 10am-noon. Please bring your own gloves, hat, water bottle, sunscreen & bug spray. Students needing community service hours are welcome. Call ahead if possible, or just come!
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Sunset Tai Chi
​Sunday Summer Evenings: July 6th - September 28th
In June/July: 8-9pm, In August: 7:30-8:30pm, In September: 7-8pm
Join Tony Lin as he leads free outdoor Tai Chi sessions on our west grounds on Sunday evenings throughout July, August & September, weather permitting. Tony currently leads free sessions in Georgina and has offered his services here for us.  Come breathe the fresh air as you stretch under the silent setting summer sun… 
No registration needed, please no pets.
​Quiet is appreciated during the sessions and especially upon arrival/departure out of respect for guests here on retreat. 
​Check Tony Lin’s FB page for updates/cancellations.

Winter Solstice Gathering and Ritual
Saturday, December 20, 4:00pm
Suggested minimum: $20/person

Gather with community as we enter the longest night of the year. A telling of the Universe Story around the fire will start us off. As the sun sets, we will have time for personal reflection on the challenges and gifts of the past year and voice our hopes for the coming year. A simple, hearty winter supper in our main house will warm us up and round out the evening.
Dress warmly to be outdoors for the ritual, weather permitting. Will be held indoors if weather is too fierce. All ages welcome.

Registration not required but very helpful for the dinner planning. Supper will be vegetarian; lactose-intolerant and gluten-free options available. Contributions requested to cover cost of supper and materials. Suggested minimum: $20/person
Overnight accommodations available for additional fee; must be reserved in advance.

*Because Solstice occurs at 10:03am on Dec. 21 and the nights of Dec 20 and 21 will be the same length, we elected to honour the solstice at its start, in the midst of the weekend rather than the night before many people’s work-week begins.

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​Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre
CANCELLATION POLICY

If you need to cancel a booking, the following terms apply:
​
Individual Private Personal Retreats & Day Use Groups:
●     Cancellations made one month or more before arrival: 
●     Full refund, minus a $75 administration fee.
●     Cancellations made less than one month before arrival: 
●     A credit (valid for 12 months), minus a $75 administration fee.
Overnight Groups:
●     Cancellations made four months or more before arrival: 
●     Full deposit refund, minus a $75 administration fee.
●     Cancellations made less than four months before arrival: 
●     50% deposit refund, minus a $75 administration fee.
●     If another group books your canceled date(s), 
●     we will gladly refund your deposit, minus a $75 administration fee.
Loretto Maryholme Retreat & Program Registrations:
●     Cancellations made one month or more before arrival: 
●     Full refund, minus a $75 administration fee.
●     Cancellations made less than one month before arrival: 
●     A credit (valid for 12 months), minus the food portion of the registration fee (calculated per retreat) and a $75 administration fee.


Payment may be made by e-Transfer, Credit/Debit card or by Cheque