A Place of Stillness

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.

the ‘stopping place’

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.

-Sister Helen Russell, csj

Longing for a get-away place?

“God’s language is silence.” I learned that from the Sisters of St Joseph. There was a report on radio last week that a big part in marketing for hotels and resorts today is to guarantee “quiet” for a premium price.

Holy Family Oxley – a Retreat Centre since 1948 is not always silent. That is your choice. But it is a place of “quiet” in the sense of beauty, peacefulness and reflectiveness where you can come to get away from the noise and business of the day. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, approximately 30 kilometres from Windsor. It is a refuge from the pressures of the day and an opportunity to renew and refresh spirit and body. So often we hear “O I must do that.” “I need to get away.” The challenge is to do it. At least make the phone call, email or go onto our Web Site at www.holyfamilyrh.com

People come to the retreat house and lovely grounds for preached retreats, special group retreats, conferences, personally directed retreats, or private getaway time. We have 50 rooms, half a dozen “suites” of different types and a house with 4 bedrooms all available at reasonable rates. All accommodation includes meals for which we are renowned! We can accommodate approximately 78 people. Take 4 minutes to enjoy our new video.

The Spirit lives here and is always at work! Come and see! Just enter Oxley, 121 Victoria St. in your GPS.

For further information and reservations contact Mary Salmon msalmon@dol.ca 519 738-6136. Our mailing address is 121 Victoria St RR1, Harrow ON, N0R 1G0.

Guest Blogger Fr Michael O’Brien is priest in residence. He is responsible for Liturgy and spiritual guidance. mob@dol.ca 519 903-4901.