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January 2015
Greetings! 


 

Winter is upon us and we are cloaked in a blanket of snow, 
enjoying the quiet beauty that this season brings  -  with sounds
of ice-covered branches brushing together and sightings
of animal tracks in the woods, we are ever-aware of sacred life
all around us, and we are blessed.

And so this is the perfect time to wish our friends
of Loretto Maryholme a very Happy and Blessed New Year. 
May this year bring you peace, joy, good health
and many blessings. 




 
Our Hope for You in This New Year ...

That the single, most significant dimension of life is your relationship
with the Source of Goodness who never ceases
 to sing love songs to your soul.
 
That you find meaning, purpose, and vitality in what you do daily.
 
That you treasure your loved ones and let them know
how dear they are to you.
 
That you make choices and decisions that reflect you truest self.
 
That you look in the mirror at least once a day
and smile in happy amazement.
 
That you remember relationships are what count above all else
 - more than work or money, or the material things
we spend so much time tending.
 
That you live in an uncluttered manner,
enjoying the freedom to be content.
 
That you keep your sense of humour 
when things don't go the way you want.
 
That you find adventure in each new day and marvel
 at the wonders of creation which constantly present themselves to you.
 
That you never give up on yourself when others turn away
or do not understand.
 
That you are attentive to the health of your body, mind, and spirit.
 
That you take risks and accept the growth-full challenges
 that come to you.
 
That you draw on your inner strength and resiliency
 when you are in need.
 
That you carry peace within yourself, and encourage it 
to slip into the hearts of others, so our planet
 becomes a place where violence, division, and war are no more.
 
Out of the Ordinary, Joyce Rupp


 
 

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"I wonder if the snow loves and trees and fields,
that it kisses them so gently? ...
covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt ...
till summer comes again."
 
Lewis Carroll (Through the Looking Glass)



Maryholme Winter Events & Retreats

The Lenten Journey
5 Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Feb. 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18 & 25
 
During these 40 days,
we are called to spiritual renewal 
through the practice of prayer,
fasting and almsgiving.
Soup and crackers are served from 6:00-7:00pm.
Prayer is one hour of music, quiet, and scripture
at 7:00 pm.
Alsmgiving: Donation for Loretto Missions
in India or items for the Georgina Food Pantry.
No registration necessary.

  ______

The Joy of The Gospel
5 Thursdays 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Apr. 9
 
Here's an opportunity to taste the enthusiasm
of Pope Francis. Sr. Mary is offering a 5 week reading/discussion group starting Mar. 5 
at Our Lady of The Lake Parish from 7:00-8:30 pm.
His book, "The Joy of The Gospel" is thought-provoking, wide-ranging, and challenging
to every person of faith.
Freewill offering for Namaste Fund*
 
Register by Feb. 18th & order your book ($20).
Call Kim at  905-476-0097
or drop by the Parish Office 9-3pm weekdays
at Our Lady of The Lake Parish, 129 Metro Road N., Keswick.
 
 
*The Namaste Fund provides financial assistance for those who would not able to experience Maryholme.


Check out the new programs & retreats in our  2015 schedule 
which include a Writing Retreat, 5-Day Silent Retreat, 8-Day Silent Retreat,  
Women's Holiday and an Art Retreat - reserve your spot now!
At Maryholme ...
 
This month we remember Mary Ward
who founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM)
as a community of women free from the confines of cloister
to meet the needs of their time.

Today IBVM commit themselves to promoting dignity
and liberation for all, especially women and children;
challenging unjust systems and structures,
standing with those on the fringes of society;
and showing reverent care for the earth and all of creation.


 

"The true children of this company shall accustom themselves
to act not out of fear but solely from love,
because we are called by God to a vocation of love."
Mary Ward






Mary Ward
 January 1585 - January 1645

From the Staff ...

One of the first things people see when they walk in the front door,
is a basket filled with hand-knit slippers ... an invitation 
to get cozy!

Our slipper supply is dwindling, due to being so well-used!
If anyone would like to knit slippers for us, 
we would be so grateful - and so would our guests!



Around the World ...

World Day for Migrants and Refugees 2015

On Sunday January 18th, the Catholic Church throughout the world
marks the 101st World Day for Migrants and Refugees. 
Pope Francis has prepared a special letter to mark this day.
In his letter, he reminds us that "each individual is a part of humanity
and, with the entire family of peoples, shares the hope of a better future." (read the letter here)

Canada is home to migrants from all over the world, and rich with the gifts and talents that so many people have brought to this land. We give thought to those that are migrants around the world.

  
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Fast For The Climate

We can join in this worldwide initiative to draw attention to the urgency of climate action. Actions of fasting on the 1st day of every month, letter writing, talking with family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and holding events in your community all help to support action on the climate.


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God in All Things

This blog explores Ignatian spirituality, seeing "God actively involved in the world and intimately involved with us in every moment and place."

The role of beauty and encountering beauty in our lives is a post worth reading ... enjoy!


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Winter at Loretto Maryholme ...  
... view our photos year round on our Facebook page ...
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For accommodation details, visits
Comments from our guests...
 
Many thanks to our wonderful visitors who take the time to write in our guestbook and send us notes ...
 
 
"Thank you so much for hosting the Winter Solstice Evening. It was magical and an incredibly moving evening. Thank you for all you do!"
   _

 "One of the main reasons I come to Maryholme is to enjoy your extensive library - it is an incredible resource!"

Loretto Maryholme is a sacred space of peace and beauty on Lake Simcoe for those seeking to restore energies needed for personal and communal transformation. 
The Centre is available for use by individuals and groups whose activities reflect 
the Centre's mission. Facilitation of a workshop, a day of reflection, or an opportunity for spiritual direction can be arranged. For accommodation arrangements, 
please email Jane at  [email protected]