June 2015

June 2015

Greetings!

It doesn't take much

to hold the tiny weight

of a song sparrow,

any little twig will do,

or a sturdy weed in a field.

Why do I think my fledgling ideas
have to wait for a thick branch
or a secure landing place
before I set them down?

The wisp of a fleeting dream
can rest for a while
on a small extension in my soul.

If I never let these dreams land,
they will not gain strength
for the long flight into fullness.

All it takes is a little twig
to rest a great dream on.

Joyce Rupp & Barbara Loomis

"I listened to God's deep dream for me

and felt a longing to respond ..."

Mary Ward

Coming this Summer...

NEW -

Our 5-Day Silent Retreat

Wednesday July 8 - Sunday July 12, 2015

In an atmosphere of silence, take time to let yourself rest, reflect, and be restored. This retreat is offered in response

to those who want a silent retreat experience

that is shorter than 8 days.

A private room, linens and meals will be provided.

Evening reflection offered (optional).

... Only 2 spots left!

In The Company of Women...

Sunday August 2 - Sunday August 9, 2015

Relax with other women in the beauty of this sacred space.

Come for 3-7 nights and bring a friend or meet new friends. Private or shared accommodations, linens and home-cooked meals. Swim, walk, read, work a puzzle, dream... Guided cosmic, labyrinth, and stations of light walks are offered.

Art as Prayer Retreat

Wednesday, September 16 -

Sunday, September 20, 2015

An opportunity to give expression to your soul through art.

This retreat will be experiential, allowing you to listen to

and celebrate nature in all its diversity with a focus

on the interconnectedness of creation.

Facilitator: Arlene Ashack, IBVM

No art skills required. Private or shared accommodations,

linens and home-cooked meals.

For more details on any of these retreats and programs,

or to view all of our full 2015 retreats and events,

visit www.lorettomaryholme.ca or email [email protected]
to book your spot!

At Maryholme...

Thanks to our volunteers!

We can't thank you enough! Although this little flower

looks pretty and delicate...

... garlic mustard is quite invasive in its urgency to establish

a home in our woods. You can see in the photo on the left, below, how full the area was in this part of the woods.

It was already knee-high by the end of May!

In the photo to the right you can see the result

of the hard work by the 14 volunteers that responded

to our dramatic call - masses of garlic mustard were pulled

and piled, ready to be composted ... thanks again!

We are so blessed!

We would like to acknowledge Jane Malloy, our booking

co-ordinator and gifted photographer, whose inspiration

to share the quiet beauty of Maryholme in the form of photographs blesses us all ... What a treasure we have -

both in Jane - and in the library of photos that have captured

the best of each day here at Loretto Maryholme!

Mark your calendar...

Summer Solstice

Sunday June 21, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Join us in celebrating the longest day of the sunlight

and welcome the season of fullness and growth.

Enjoy a Potluck Supper at 6:00 pm followed by a ritual

and the walking of the labyrinth at 7:30pm.

No registration required.

If you can't come to ours, please be sure to find a celebration

near you!

Read more here

Open Garden Sundays at Maryholme

June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, 2015

Now the 2nd Sunday of each month until September,

from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Enjoy the peace and beauty of this sacred space as you walk

the property admiring the gardens and woods. Visit each month and see the seasonal changes. Access to grounds only.

No registration required.

Comments from our guests...

Many thanks to our wonderful visitors

who take the time to write in our guestbook

and send us notes...

"Our group had such a wonderful day.

We needed the peace & beauty

of Maryholme."

"This is my fourth time here.

I find peace, solace, friendship, love.

I think back on this place when I am troubled

and see it as a refuge.

It brings me joy."

"Maryholme is our home away from home

for our group. We laugh, learn, rest & play

here together. Thank you for your tireless

efforts to maintain & increase

the beauty of this space."

International Concerns...

Why Eating Local Matters ...

As Canadians we import and eat a lot of produce

from California. We are encouraged to buy local produce

whenever possible, thereby - supporting local farmers,

reducing the consumption of our planet's fresh water

used in food production, reducing carbon emissions

by cutting down on shipping across vast distances,

and supporting our health by reducing our ingestion

of preservatives and chemicals.

View this colourful presentation

National Aboriginal Day

June 21

Join with us to celebrate the culture and heritage

of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people of our country.

Events will be taking place in cities across Canada

as calls persist for a national enquiry into the missing

and murdered aboriginal women.

Please read more...

World Refugee Week

June 15 - 21

This week honours the contribution and resilience

of refugees.... the courage, strength and determination

of women, men & children who are forced to flee

their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict

and violence ... please remember them.

Read more here

Spiritual Nourishment...

"The most delightful surprise on earth

is to suddenly realize your own worth."

Maxwell Maltz

"We all belong in the heart of God...

That is where our heart has its home."

Judy Cannato

"And now these three remain:

faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love."

1 Cor. 13:13

Summer

at Loretto Maryholme...

View our photos year round on our Facebook page!

For accommodation details, visit

www.lorettomaryholme.ca

Loretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre 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

[email protected]

"Find your centre at our Centre"

Come and see ...