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
Ongoing Activities
SILENT MEDITATION
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Mondays at 10am, Wednesdays at 10am. Fridays at 10am
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Hosted by: Fr. Thomas Hakala O. Carm.
Meditation will be held in the Niagara room on the 4th floor.
Cost: Free will offering
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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.
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“ 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. “
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DAILY MASS - 11:15 AM
Monday thru Friday
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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!
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SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Monthly Sessions
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Spiritual direction sessions are available on a monthly basis. Please call Centre at 905-356-4113 for information.
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SEPARATED AND DIVORCED MINISTRY
see dates at READ MORE button
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A group of separated and divorced Catholics meet every other Monday for prayer, input and sharing. Call the Catholic Centre 905-6840154 for information. Please note that you do not have to be Catholic to attend. Everyone is welcome!
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EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS-- now offered as virtual meeting - call for more info
Tuesdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 2pm​
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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.
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Labyrinth Walk
by group appointment
Cost: free will offering
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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)
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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.
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For more information contact:
Trudy at 905-732-0670
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One Day Workshops
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LETTING GO ~
Autumn Day Retreat
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Date : Sat. Oct 14, 9:30-3:30
Cost: $70 (includes lunch)
Led by: Beth Woelk
A day to reflect upon the images, invitations, and wisdom of the season. Autumn’s energy of release and surrender calls us to consider what is no longer serving us well and what we might be invited to let go of. Equally, this season also invites us to notice and gather in with gratitude that which is life-giving, fruitful and sweet.
This beautiful retreat will include group times in circle, time for individual reflection, a guided labyrinth walk, a contemplative walk on the beautiful Monastery grounds, and a delicious lunch! During our day together we will reflect on our lives and consider what rhythms of life help us let go and abide in Love. There will be opportunities to listen deeply and explore spiritual practices through journaling, guided meditation, creativity, music, and more.
An opportunity to pause and reconnect with oneself, like-minded 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
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Call 905 356 4113 x 4200 to register
or email
reservations@carmelniagara.com
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Learning How To Grieve One Day at a Time
Date: Sat Oct 14, 9:30am-3:30pm
Led by: Anna Racine
Cost: $70 (includes buffet lunch)
There’s an elephant in the room, and its name is grief. We don’t know how to grieve, and we don’t understand it. Grief is not a race or an event. Grief is a process and is a natural response to loss. Grief happens one step at a time, one day at a time.
This Workshop is open to anyone who has experienced loss or change in their lives. Using various methods, we will uncover the mysteries of grief and learn ways to cope. Discover how to take care of yourself as you grieve one day at a time. An opportunity to share your grief story in a safe and supportive environment where you will be provided with tools to move forward through the grief process.
“Learning how to grieve in your own way and on your own terms is the first step to healing.”
Presenter Bio at www.annaracine.org
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Call 905 356 4113 x 4200 to register of email reservations@carmelniagara.com
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THE BLESSING OF WATER
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Date: Saturday, November 18th - 9:30-3:30
Cost: $70 (includes lunch)
Led by: Anita Mascarenhas
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:37-39
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 earth.
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 salvation.
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To register call 905 356 4113 x 4200
or email reservations@carmelniagara.com
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Forgiveness – What is It and Why Is It So Hard?
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Led by Anna Racine
Date: Sat. Nov. 25 (9:30am-3:30pm)
Cost $70 (includes lunch)
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Have you experienced deep disappointment, hurt or betrayal in an important relationship?
Do you continue to suffer from a conflict or trauma that occurred long ago?
Are unresolved issues affecting your health, finances or relationships?
This interactive Workshop identifies the stumbling blocks to forgiveness, and then provides positive, practical methods to work through the anger, blame and resentment.
Forgiveness is about letting go of the past, understanding and moving on. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself!
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Call 905 356 4113 to register or email
reservations@carmelniagara.com
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Overnight Retreats
If You’re Happy and You Know It…
A Gratitude Retreat
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Led by: Anna Racine
Date: Sept 22-24, 2023
Cost: $350
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True happiness is an internal job. It's a conscious choice to focus on the positive and free ourselves from negative thinking. Follow your heart to a weekend at Mount Carmel and take yourself on a life journey to nourish, embrace and celebrate all that you are. Learn how to strengthen your foundation of happiness, and how it can help to build a lifetime of laughter and joy.
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When we search for the path to happiness we find that gratitude and happiness are closely linked. Discover how the simple practice of gratitude allows us to reclaim our inner happiness so we can be our best self.​
“Be grateful for the big things, the little things, and everything in between, and happiness will follow.”
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Presenter Bio available at www.annaracine.org
Call 905 356 4113 x 4200 to register or email reservations@carmelniagara.com
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AUTUMN HARVEST:
A Weekend of Reflection and Thanksgiving
Led by: Kathryn McMorrow
Date: Oct 13-15
Cost: $350 (residential) $250(commuter incl. meals)
​A weekend of releasing and renewing as we celebrate what we have harvested during yet another challenging year.
Through mini-presentations, group work, meditative activities, prayer and personal reflection, participants will acquire insights and skills for letting go, moving forward and building resilience. All in the tranquil and welcoming environment of Mount Carmel and the autumn splendour of Niagara Falls.
For additional information about the retreat email questions to Kathryn at innovationsca@yahoo.ca
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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, Korea and South Africa, giving workshops and retreats in English, French and Spanish.
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CALL 905 356 4113 TO REGISTER OR EMAIL reservations@carmelniagara.com
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WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS – TODAY,
TOMORROW AND FOR ALWAYS!
Led By: Anna Racine
Date: Nov 3-5
Cost: $350
You were made for friendship with Jesus. Jesus does not just want us to know about Him; he wants us to experience his friendship.
A true friend is loving and faithful, shares his life with you, and gives things up for you. Jesus offers us friendship with Him that is all this and more.
But do you view Jesus as your friend? What does it mean for Him to be your truest friend, and how do you understand that friendship?
Spend the weekend with Jesus and discover how to make Jesus your best friend, and how to cultivate this friendship in your everyday life.
Jesus chose us as friends, He died for us as friends, He caused us to trust him as our friend, and he will remain our friend for the endless ages to come.
“What a friend we have in Jesus— moment by moment, now and forever” — Amen.
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To register call 905 356 4113 or email reservations@carmelniagara.com
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The Gift of Anger Retreat
Led By: Anna Racine
Date: Nov 10-12
Cost: $350
How many of us were told anger is inappropriate? Anger is both an energy and a gift. It is like gas to the automobile - it fuels us to move forward. Anger can be a powerful tool that motivates us to rise to a challenge.
The difficulty is when we abuse anger and use it in destructive ways. In this Retreat we will learn how to express our anger in a positive way so we can harness the power of anger. Anger is an essential emotion for each of us to understand which is an essential part of healing.
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Presenter: Anna Racine, adjunct faculty at Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre, ministers on the St. Thomas More Parish Bereavement Team. She was given the 2015 Niagara Catholic Award of Distinction for her 20 years of service in Church Ministry and with the Niagara Catholic District School Board.
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To register call 905 356 4113 or email
reservations@carmelniagara.com
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Icon Writing retreat
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Led by: Phil Zimmerman
Cost : $815 for room and board +(art supply fee extra)
Date Nov 26- Dec 2
Master Iconographer Phillip Zimmerman will guide students through creating one complete icon (to be determined).
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 karat gold leafing, and varnishing. In addition, students will gain familiarity with ruling pens an ruling pen compasses, and information of preparation of panels for painting.
Students will need to pre order their art art boards and supplies directly through Phil Zimmerman at phil@iconworkshop.art
Enrollment is limited so register early.
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To register call 905 356 4113 or email reservations@carmelniagara.com
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Directed and Private Retreats
Call the Centre Office for availability
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Call for rates and availability
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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.
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