Stillpoint

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Rest, Reflect, Refresh: The Gift Of Retreat

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In the middle of your busy day, imagine for a moment a time of quiet on the banks of the beautiful Madawaska River not far from Ottawa or on the lovely shores of Lake Ontario in Cobourg just a short distance from Toronto. The Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada operate two beautiful retreat centres in these locations.

A retreat offers an opportunity to step away for a short time from the “humdrum” pace of everyday life and constant distractions – not as a “running away” but as a time of rest, inner reflection, care and renewal. Retreats provide silence, solitude, clarity in life and spiritual accompaniment. A welcoming space allows us to listen – to listen to God and/or the sacred in life, to our own hearts in joy and in struggle, to the pulse of nature and the world and to ask, “What really matters?”

Corrien Coker, Administrator of Stillpoint House of Prayer says, “For thirty-seven, years, Stillpoint has welcomed retreatants of all faiths. Stillpoint is located along the picturesque shores of the Madawaska River in Burnstown, Ontario. Here retreatants can embrace the silence designed for spiritual renewal and reflection, receive spiritual direction while nourishing the body with simple, meals and refreshment. Stillpoint has five comfortable rooms with private ensuites, along with two apartments situated in an ancient barn equipped with mini kitchens for additional privacy. The main house has a beautiful river view chapel, restful grounds and a well-stocked library for spiritual minds.” Stillpoint House of Prayer, pictured below.

Set on 10 beautiful acres along the shores of Lake Ontario, Villa St. Joseph Ecology and Spirituality Centre in Cobourg (pictured below) , similarly offers a welcome, inclusive of all faith traditions and those too who are more generally spiritual seekers. Retreat opportunities are varied, some completely silent and others with input to help deepen faith and/or life experience. In addition to retreats, the Villa provides workshops in ecological awareness and practice, evening prayers for special feast days of the church, and spiritual and ecological reading groups among other diverse events. Compassionate, non-judgmental spiritual accompaniment is offered. Rooms are comfortable, there is a peaceful chapel and library, and home-cooked meals have been described by retreatants as “love on a plate”.

We invite you to consider a retreat in one of these lovely centres. Come and know deep hospitality, belonging, peace, rest and renewal in these turbulent times. To view or register for our retreats and/or events visit:

- Sister Mary Rowell, CSJ and Corrien Coker, Stillpoint Administrator

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A Place of Stillness

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In Renfrew County, along the banks of the Madawaska River, stands a grey building surrounded by trees.

It has been a haven of hospitality for many years- even for the brave men who rode the logs, bringing them to harvest in the 1800s. This place at Springtown was known as the “Stopping Place”- a home that also welcomed the itinerant priest and the schoolteacher. It was discovered by three of our Pembroke Sisters, who embraced it with loving care and vision, to create the present Stillpoint House of Prayer.

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the ‘stopping place’

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Countless retreatants have crossed its threshold throughout the 32 years of its ministry. The walls still ring with the wisdom of Sisters Maria and Betty. We are grateful for its sturdy structure and its amazing views; the big old barn provides shelter as well for people who come for prayer and quiet. We believe the Holy Spirit resides at Stillpoint too, amidst the green gardens and lawns, the spruce and lilac, and the multitude of wildlife.

An all-season place for quiet and calm, Stillpoint invites one and all.

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-Sister Helen Russell, csj

A Vacation that Nurtures Spirit

As autumn weather cooled the environment and sunlight turned maple leaves into a glowing splendor of colour, I embarked on several days of silent reflection at Stillpoint House of Prayer.  This small facility on the Madawaska River serves people living in the Ottawa area and beyond who value taking time away from the busyness of daily life to restore energy and to “listen” to the wisdom within the core of their being, that is their “spirit”,  touched by the Spirit of the Creator.

Walking along quiet country roads, sitting on the banks of the Madawaska, and watching storms from within a cozy dwelling were contemplative experiences. It is in such conditions that I gain perspective about what is essential in life, encounter my own limitations, the immensity of God’s love, and learn to live more reflectively. I left Stillpoint with renewed energy, greater perspective of what gives meaning to my life, and awareness of how necessary it is to periodically take time away for renewing spiritual energy.

We all need time and space to care for ourselves. Sometimes turning off the television and walking in a park or one of the many trails alongside rivers and creeks is enough to restore balance in our lives. Perhaps a vacation, designed to nurture your spirit as well as your body and mind, may yield far more benefits than a luxury cruise or expensive stay in a resort.  - Sr. Patricia McKeon, csj