Sunday, September 22, 2013

Wolfe Island Fall Retreat 2013: Revive, Refresh, Renew!


The weekend of September 14-15, 2013 was a time for all the Catholic groups on campus, including QCCC, to gather and reflect on their role of spreading the Catholic faith. The retreat was held on the idyllic Wolfe Island, a secluded spot only 15 minutes away from Kingston by the ferry.

Upon arrival, we were given a warm welcome by the CCO missionaries, and Father Raymond, who is the pastor of the Sacred Heart of Mary Parish on the island (and the pastor in charge of Newman House too!). After lunch in the gym of a local school, we headed out to the church and were astonished by its beauty, despite being in such a small, isolated community.

Father Raymond, as well as Father Stephane (from St. Mary's Cathedral in Kingston) presented two talks, which including bible sharings. We also had the opportunity to visit the renowned Wolfe Island Corn Maze, a great time socialise with other leaders of our Catholic community.

There was also time for Eucharistic Adoration. Moreover, Father Raymond also treated us to a bonfire at one of his parishioner's houses overlooking Lake Ontario. The retreat ended the next morning with an outreach to Queen's students who attended mass at St. Mary's Cathedral. This was certainly a good time to revive, refresh, renew and prepare for the challenges of yet another school year!