Mount Carmel is home to the Canadian National Shrine to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
Mass available Monday- Friday at 11:15am
Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre is pleased to offer a variety of retreats, days of prayer and renewal, and workshops throughout the year. Click on the links below for program information and registration instructions.
Retreats and Workshops
Days of Recollection and Prayer
Therese Throughout the Year
Led by: Fr. Chris Kulig
Cost: $35 (per session)
call 905 356 4113 for more information and to register
Hundreds of people flock to our chapel for the feast day celebration each fall for St. Therese. Do you ever wish there were more opportunities to celebrate the life of Therese more than once a year? Now, you can. Consider joining us in our main chapel, home to the National Shrine of Saint Therese, for monthly talks and mass focusing on a specific event in the life of Therese which occurred during that month. This amazing saint was gifted with many wonderful experiences of God throughout the years of her brief life. This is your opportunity to learn more about the holiness of the popular Little Flower.
The talk begins at 4 p.m. in the main chapel, followed by mass at 4:45. Dinner follows at 5:30 pm.
CALL 905 356 4113 TO REGISTER
Through the Looking Glass
by group appointment
5 person minimum required
Cost: free will offering
9am-1pm
Learn the basics about Carmelite Spirituality through the stained glass windows of the Main Chapel. This program will be a walking tour of the stained glass images of Our Lady and Elijah, the two main archetypes of Carmelite Spirituality. Time for meditation in the chapel will follow the presentation. The morning ends with mass . (Groups can schedule this as a chapel tour during the week).
Lectio Divina Group
by group appointment- please call 905 356 4113 (5 person minimum required)
Looking for a deeper experience of listening to God’s word? Try our new Lectio Divina Group. Lectio Divina, or “Sacred Reading,” is a group form of praying with the scriptures. All one needs is a prayerful desire to know God through God’s word as it speaks to the group. The structured process of Lectio Divina helps the group to enter deeply into God’s word with the hopes of finding applications for its meaning to life in the 21st century. The group will pray with the gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday
Ongoing Activities
SILENT MEDITATION
Mondays at 10am, Wednesdays at 10am. Fridays at 10am
Hosted by: Fr. Thomas Hakala O. Carm.
Meditation will be held in the Niagara room on the 4th floor.
Cost: Free will offering
You are invited to come and experience meditation as a way of bringing peace, harmony and joy to your life. Meditation is a way to assist you live a mindful life, to enhance your day-to-day awareness by living in the present moment.
Being is the capacity of our being: and now, in this moment, we recognize, acknowledge , and submit ourselves. We remind ourselves of this each time we live in the moment. This particular moment this is now making us joyous becomes the continuing moment of every day of every year.
“ New to silent meditation? If you want, plan to arrive 10 minutes before starting time, to receive some simple instruction on the process. It’s really as simple as ‘just sitting there!’ in God’s Presence and listening. “
DAILY MASS - 11:15 AM
Monday thru Friday
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated on weekdays at 11:15 AM in the Canadian National Shrine of St. Therese the Little Flower.
All are Welcome!
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Monthly Sessions
Spiritual direction sessions are available on a monthly basis. Please call Centre at 905-356-4113 for information.
DREAM GROUP
by group appointment- please call 905 356 4113
Cost: Free Will Offering
Led by: Fr. Chris Kulig O. Carm.
“IN DREAMS WILL I SPEAK TO HIM” --Numbers 12:6
DREAM GROUP :Ever wonder what to make of your dreams? Attend the bi-monthly Mount Carmel Dream Group to discover how God may be guiding you through your dreams.
Through a structured sharing process, the group will examine dreams brought by its members. Come with an open mind and a dream or two!
SEPARATED AND DIVORCED MINISTRY
see dates at READ MORE button
A group of separated and divorced Catholics meet every other Monday for prayer, input and sharing. Call the Centre at 905-356-4113 for information. Please note that you do not have to be Catholic to attend. Everyone is welcome!
EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS-- now offered as virtual meeting - call for more info
Tuesdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 2pm
A twelve-step organization composed of people who come together in weekly meetings for the purpose of working toward recovery from emotional difficulties.
An EA group meets every Tuesday at 7pm and Saturday at 2 PM. Call the Centre at 905-356-4113 ext. 4224 (Chris K.) or email frchriskulig1@hotmail.com for information.
Labyrinth Walk
by group appointment
Cost: free will offering
Come and experience the Mount Carmel Labyrinth as a different way to pray! The Labyrinth as an ancient archetypal form and method of prayer has experienced a resurgence in spiritual circles in the past few decades. An introductory orientation to the Labyrinth will begin at 9 a.m. with a group walk of the Labyrinth at 10 a.m. (Those who have had the introduction before can join the walk at 10). Participants are free to stay for mass at 11:15 (M-F)
LAY CARMELITES
An Ancient Path for Today’s Pilgrim
Lay Carmelites are Roman Catholic men and women who seek to embrace God’s Will in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life.
We are part of an 800-year-old tradition of contemplative prayer, community and ministry.
We meet the 2nd Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. At Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre
7020 Stanley Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON
For more information contact:
Trudy at 905-732-0670
One Day Workshops
Wisdom of Spring Retreat Day
Saturday, April 15th 9:30-3:30
Cost: $70 (includes lunch)
Led by: Beth Woelk
A day to reflect upon the images and invitations of Spring. This season invites us to bloom forth! Where in our own lives we are awakening and coming alive? Where might we be longing for renewal? Tender green shoots, brave crocuses, and warmer winds whisper a call to wake up and grow.
This retreat will include group times, time for individual reflection, a guided contemplative walk on the beautiful Monastery property, and a delicious lunch! Optional journaling prompts, prayer stations, and art supplies will also be available. A lovely opportunity to pause and reconnect with oneself, other seeking souls, God’s Spirit, and the Earth's rhythms. A gift that will allow us to re-engage our lives in refreshed and replenished ways.
Find out more about Beth at www.bethwoelk.com
CALL 905 356 4113 TO REGISTER or email
reservations@carmelniagara.com
PLEASE REGISTER EARLY
THE BLESSING OF WATER
Date: Sat, April 22nd 9:30-3:30
Cost: $70 (includes lunch)
Led by: Anita Mascarenhas
From the waters of the great flood in the time of Noah to the waters of baptism that raise us to new life in Christ, Water has a deep and sacred connection to all life on planet.
Join us as we take a deep dive into the mysteries and miracles of water as revealed to us by modern science and discover its great importance to our health, healing and spirituality.
To register call 905 356 4113 or email reservations@carmelniagara.com
LOVING AND RESPECTING YOURSELF
Date: Sat.April 29 9am-330pm
Cost: $70 (Includes lunch)
Led by: Anna Racine
Respecting and loving yourself does not make you conceited or self-centered. It is about achieving a deep sense of self-worth and self-love. It is about making the right decisions and taking the right steps when it comes to your life.
This Workshop will guide you with tools on how to begin this process. We will explore the aspects of self esteem and learn how to appreciate and value ourselves. How can we demand love and respect from others when we do not give it to ourselves?
“Respect and love are one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.”
CALL 905 356 4113 TO REGISTER or email
reservations@carmelniagara.com
PLEASE REGISTER EARLY
The Anger Iceberg
Date: Sat May 27 (9:30am-3:30pm)
Led By Anna Racine
Cost: $70 (includes lunch)
Getting Angry is only the tip of the Iceberg. Anger is a secondary emotion. Understanding the cause of anger is the first step to managing it.
This Workshop will identify the causes of anger and explore our own beliefs and patterns of response. Learn how to respond to anger on a day-to-day basis in a healthy, constructive, and creative ways.
Presenter bio at www.annaracine.org
Call 905 356 4113 to register or email reservations@carmelniagara.com
Overnight Retreats
Directed and Private Retreats
Call the Centre Office for availability
Cost: $170/day for Directed; $150/day for Private
A directed retreat for can be an inspirational experience. There is daily opportunity to meet with a spiritual companion who listens as you share your prayer experience. Sometimes we need time away from our busy schedules to relax, pray and reflect. A directed retreat can be arranged for three to seven days.
For those who seek time alone without a spiritual companion, a private retreat may help nurture your inner self. A private retreat can last from one to five days.
Accommodation and meals are provided.
Read more
HOLY WEEK SEDER AND SACRED TRIDUUM
Led by: Ministerial Team
Date : April 5-9 (Wednesday check-in before 5:00PM to Sunday Brunch)
Triduum Retreat Cost: $150 per day
Seder Cost: $60 per person
Easter Mass and Brunch Cost: $35 per person
Each year we celebrate the central mystery of our faith, the death and resurrection of Jesus starting with a Seder Meal on Wednesday.
Because schedules vary with each individual, this retreat is flexible to allow participants to join or leave as needed. Guests are welcome to spend private days before entering into the Sacred Triduum, or after Easter Sunday.
Please call the Centre Office for pricing and to make reservations before March 24.
CALL 905 356 4113 TO REGISTER or email
reservations@carmelniagara.com
Stop and Smell the Roses - Treasure Today Retreat
Date: May 12-14
Led by: Anna Racine
Cost: $350
Spending time in the past or in the future is something we all struggle with. When we do this too often, we rob ourselves of living in the here and now. This weekend is an opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and to slow down.
Being present means not only appreciating the moment you are living in, but actually living in that moment!
Rest, relax and refresh and learn how to truly experience the gift of being present. Find tools on how to enjoy life more fully and not dwell on the past or live in the future. Explore becoming aware and awake of the beauty of each new day.
Optional – Labyrinth walks, guided meditation and prayer spaces.
Stop and Smell The Roses and Live Your Best Life Today!
Call 905 356 4113 or email reserations@carmelniagara.com
SOUL CARETM RETREAT FOR WOMEN -Breathing Together
Led by: Cathy AJ Hardy
Date: June 2-4 (Program begins 630pm Fri- 1pm Sunday)
Cost: $475 advance registration required. Call for details.
Come for a Soul Care Retreat - being nurtured with poetry, story, music and prayerful meditation.
Times of singing together, listening, stillness, labyrinth and more will create a space for tending the preciousness of our lives, the beauty of our souls.
more at www.soulcare.ca
Led by Cathy AJ Hardy and accompanied with Beth Woelk, you will be invited into rest, spaciousness of being and beauty.
https://cathyajhardy.com/soul-care-retreats/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1-z_Ue62xg
CALL 905 356 4113 TO REGISTER or email
reservations@carmelniagara.com
REGISTRATION CLOSES 1 WEEK BEFORE START OF PROGRAM-PLEASE REGISTER EARLY
Testimonials:
“Cathy’s retreat gently encourages your soul to open in ways that accesses beautiful layers of unfolding. I left with a sense of joy and assurance” (Retreat participant)
“Come and be. You will be surprised by the abundant gifts and love that God has for you.” (Retreat participant)
“Space to explore self and spirituality and my perception of God and Life in a warm, safe place of loving community.” (Retreat participant)
Seasons of Grief
Are you in a Season of Grief?
Date: June 9-11
Led by: Anna Racine
Cost: $350
Grief moves and changes like the seasons. Come and explore grief through the seasons of loss, change, growth and renewal.
This retreat is for people experiencing loss through death/separation/divorce/lost relationships and life changes.
An opportunity to examine your loss by using the seasons as a metaphor to discover the personal impacts of loss and grief. In a supportive and understanding environment, you will be guided with the steps required to heal and move on.
Presenter bio at www.annaracine.org
Call 905 356 4113 to register or email reservations@carmelniagara.com
ICON WRITING WORKSHOP
Led by Phil Zimmerman
June 25-July 1 (Sunday check-in before 8PM to Saturday morning)
Room and Board - $815
Master Iconographer Philip Zimmerman will guide students through creating one complete icon of Moses and the burning bush. Any level of experience is accepted. Each step is demonstrated to students, followed by time to copy what has been taught.
Students will learn: filling in, rendering clothes and flesh, 23 carat gold leafing, and varnishing. In addition, students will gain familiarity with ruling pens and ruling pen compasses, and information on preparation of panels for painting.
Students will need to pre-order and pay for their art boards and supplies directly with Phil Zimmerman at icon53@verizon.net
Limited accommodation so please register before June 1.
CALL 905 356 4113 OR EMAIL reservations@carmelniagara.com
JULY SUMMER STILLNESS: A Retreat for Women
Date: July 30- Aug 3 (check in before 5pm Sunday to Thursday after lunch)
Cost:$600
Led by: Kathryn McMorrow
Relax, renew and re-energize in the tranquil and welcoming environment of Mount Carmel. July’s theme is LET YOUR HEART LEAD THE WAY. We will explore the surprising findings concerning the heart-brain connection, factors in heart coherence, stress and well-being and the role of intuition as a way of heart knowing. An update from last year’s theme with new information, resources, activities, and reflections.
THIS IS NOT A SILENT RETREAT. Input sessions will be balanced with meditative activities and periods of silence for prayer and reflection, lectio divina and walking the labyrinth. Meals can be taken in silence or in conversation. If you wish, bring materials for artwork, some spiritual reading, a journal and some heart symbols or a favourite valentine.
For more information email questions to Kathryn at innovationsca@yahoo.ca
REGISTRATION IS THROUGH MOUNT CARMEL
REGISTER BY CALLING 905 356 4113 OR EMAIL reservations@carmelniagara.com
AUGUST SUMMER STILLNESS:
A Retreat for Women
Date: Aug 13-17 (check in before 5pm Sunday to Thursday after lunch)
Cost: $600
Led by: Kathryn McMorrow
Relax, renew and re-energize in the tranquil and welcoming environment of Mount Carmel. The August theme is OWNING YOUR VOICE: CELEBRATING YOUR UNIQUENESS. A retreat of healing and empowerment exploring the voices, both internal and external, that have kept us from speaking our truth, discovering our uniqueness, honouring our intuition, and pursuing who and how we are called to be.
THIS IS NOT A SILENT RETREAT. Input sessions will be balanced with meditative activities and periods of silence for prayer and reflection, lectio divina and walking the labyrinth. Meals can be taken in silence or in conversation. If you wish, bring materials for artwork, some spiritual reading, a journal and some comfortable walking shoes.
For more information email questions to Kathryn at innovationsca@yahoo.ca
REGISTER BY CALLING 905 356 4113 OR EMAIL reservations@carmelniagara.com
Presenter Bio: Kathryn McMorrow has Masters degrees in Clinical Psychology and in Religious Studies and a graduate diploma in Human Relations and Family Life. She is also trained in Spiritual Direction. Based in Montreal, she has done social justice work throughout the Americas, Australia, South Africa and South Korea, giving workshops and retreats in English, French and Spanish.