Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont
Friday, June 28-Sunday, June 30, 2024
Update: March 25, 2024; we have reached capacity!
Never fear--we have a waiting list and it's entirely possible that you'll still be able to attend. But DO fill out this information as soon as possible; if space opens up, we'll contact folks in the order in which their waiting list request was received.
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For many years, St. Stephen’s parishioners of all ages, individuals, couples, and families, have gathered for a weekend together at Shrine Mont, the diocesan camp and conference center in western Shenandoah County. This is a time for rest and relaxation, reflection and reconnection with God and one another.
This is a wholly intergenerational event—all ages welcome!
The weekend begins Friday evening and continues with Saturday morning formation for adults, youth, and children facilitated by St. Stephen’s clergy and staff. Friday evening and Saturday afternoon and evening will offer an abundance of time for fellowship, conversation, play, and rest individually or in small groups. The special time together concludes Sunday morning with Eucharist in the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration.
Focus for our 2024 weekend
Embodying Christ, Encountering Christ:
Transformation through relationship
In her famous call to discipleship, St. Teresa of Avila wrote that Christ has no hands or feet in this world but our own. For centuries these words have inspired the faithful, including the people of St. Stephen’s Church, to serve those in our community and far beyond.
But when we serve others we are not the only ones embodying Christ; Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25 that he is fully alive in those who are hungry or thirsty, naked or in prison, sick or estranged. So when we reach out in love to those living on the margins, we not only embody Christ, we also encounter Christ. As we give, we receive. Our own lives are transformed through the power of relationship.
Join the Rev. John Rohrs for an exploration of these themes as we reflect on how to love and serve our neighbors—to be the hands and feet of Jesus—in ways that open our hearts to new life.
In addition to this time for adults, activities are planned for children and youth.
Costs and registration
Rates including program, lodging, and meals:
- Double occupancy: $230/person
- Single occupancy: $290/person
- Children ages 4-13: $125/person
- Children ages 0-3: no charge
- Family Maximum: $835
What is Shrine Mont?
Shrine Mont is the home of the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration—the cathedral of the Diocese of Virginia. It is “a place where people give thanks to God for his creation — from the beauty of the streams, flowers and wildlife which are at home here, to the people who come to this place to celebrate being part of the family of God,” as beautifully stated on Shrine Mont’s Web site. St. Stephen’s annual parish weekend at Shrine Mont is designed to bring us together through fellowship, recreation, reflection, worship and song, all in a lovely setting featuring wildlife, fresh air, blue skies, springs, and friendly people.
The property features a spring-fed swimming pool; hiking trails for various skill levels; tennis courts; large fields for soccer, volleyball, softball, etc.; and plenty of porches with rocking chairs.
Who should come to Shrine Mont?
Shrine Mont is a special place for all people–individuals, couples and families. It is a restful place apart from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Once you arrive, everything is taken care of, and you can do as much or as little as you desire. Activities are organized for Friday night, after dinner, and Saturday morning. After lunch Saturday, various leisure activities are available: hikes, tennis, swimming, reading, napping, conversation. Saturday evening activities bring everyone together. Our Sunday morning worship service is held at the outdoor cathedral, a natural setting where God’s presence can easily be felt.
Those who experience Shrine Mont enjoy treasured memories. With a church the size of St. Stephen’s, attending the parish weekend at Shrine Mont helps both new people and longtime members connect and reconnect, forming relationships that last.
To learn more about Shrine Mont, visit the conference center's Web site.
A reflection on the parish weekend at Shrine Mont
Valerie Abbott, a St. Stephen's parishioner who has attended the parish retreat for many years, gave this reflection during the Celtic service at St. Stephen's Church on Sunday, June 25, 2023, just after returning from the 2023 retreat.
Questions
Caroline Harris // 804.288.2867