December 2015

We wish you the hope that remains eternal,

the peace that surpasses understanding,

the joy that fills hearts.

and the love that heals.

May you and yours be blessed

this season, and always.

Merry Christmas!

"And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favour with God.

And behold, you will conceive in your womb

and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.'"

Luke 1:30-31

Join us this Season...

In the Darkness, Light

Wednesdays 7:00-9:30pm

Jan.13 & Feb.10, 2016

A series focusing on film as a spiritual discipline,

as contemplation, and as a contemporary form of prayer. A different film to be featured

each evening.

Winter Solstice

December 21, 7:30pm-9:30pm

Many cultures and faith traditions mark the coming

of the new light into the world. On this night

we gather to pray, light the fire and walk the labyrinth together for peace, and them warm up afterward

with shared snacks and a hot drink. Gather at Edgar (Main) House by 7:20pm. Please bring finger foods

to share.

Men's Book Club - New!

Starting Tuesday January 19, 10:30am-2pm

Men are offered the opportunity to discuss relevant

spiritual writings and books. 8-12 members. Books

and further dates to be determined by the group.

Donation appreciated.

Guided Retreat -

Standing with Jesus

Friday Feb. 12, 5pm - Saturday Feb. 13, 3pm

Through embodied prayer practices, we will explore

our stance toward self, others, creation, and God.

Facilitator: Ruth McDonald, story teller, wonderer

and person of the heart.

Lenten Journey

5 Wednesdays, 6-8pm

Feb. 17, Feb. 24, Mar. 2, Mar. 9, Mar. 16

Practice spiritual renewal through prayer, fasting,

and almsgiving. A meal of homemade soup and crackers is available between 6 and 7pm,

followed by one hour of prayer, music, quiet,

and scripture.

Almsgiving: cash donation for Loretto India Missions

or items for the Georgina Food Pantry.

For more details on any retreats and programs,

or to view our 2015/2016 retreats and events,

visit

www.lorettomaryholme.ca/20152016-program

or email [email protected]

to book your spot!

At Maryholme...

Don Curtis' Retirement

Loretto Sisters, Maryholme staff and Don's family celebrated and honoured Don's 35 years

of dedicated service at Loretto Maryholme. We wish him every joy and blessing in his retirement!

Our restored wicker furniture

is now painted!

Recently we had most of our original (at least 75 years old) wicker furniture restored. Carl has finished painting the restored pieces and they are all back

on the wrap-around porch again. They look beautiful!

Comments

from our guests...

Many thanks to our wonderful visitors

who take the time to write in our guestbook

and send us notes...

"I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity

and time to meditate in community

while provided with such beauty all around.

Thank you to all who have been here

before me, those who are here,

and those who will come.

Peace."

"The peace of concentration

in the heart of stillness.

May everyone have the opportunity

to enjoy such an environment.

Thank you."

"I am leaving here with a deep sense of peace

in my heart. I've been telling family & friends

my coming here was my Christmas present

to myself, and so it has been!

Read more comments here

Spiritual Nourishment...

"The first fall of snow is not only

an event, but it is a magical event.

You go to bed in one kind of world

and wake up to find yourself

in another quite different,

and if this is not enchantment,

where is it to be found?"

J.B. Priestly

"Courage is the fragile blossom

that opens in the snow."

Fred Rogers

"Where there is no love, put love --

and you will find love."

St. John of the Cross

Winter at

Loretto Maryholme...

View our photos & videos all year,

"Like" us on our Facebook page!

Visit our website Gallery to see more!

For accommodation details, visit

www.lorettomaryholme.ca/rates

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 ...