Silent Retreat

January 25, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St Andrew’s By-the-Lake Anglican Church, Centre Island

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10)

Looking for some calm, quiet space in the midst of your busy life? Interested in a time of being still with God in a beautiful place? Every year, our campus ministry hosts a silent retreat: a day in which we invite you to set aside some time and space to listen and reflect. This year we will once again meet at St. Andrews By the Lake Anglican Church on Centre Island. We invite you to join us for our Silent Retreat on Saturday, January 25, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. The retreat is open to all those connected to the campus ministry community or at a university here in Toronto, so feel free to forward it to others who might be interested.

For an impression of last year’s retreat, see this Instagram post.

Schedule

The day will begin at 10 am with coffee/tea and scones followed by a time of prayer and entering into the silence together at 10:30am. The day will unfold in silence, including a silent lunch together and a quiet afternoon coffee break. We will gather at the close of the day to end our silence together and reflect on our experiences. Carol, one of the campus ministers, will be available for pastoral conversations during the day if things emerge you need to talk about. 

Getting there

As we are meeting on Centre Island, you will need to catch the Ward’s Island ferry (round-trip ticket $9).

Resources

Some reading material and resources will be available for those who want them on the day. Please feel free to bring along any items that will deepen the experience and the silence for you. Suggestions include a journal to record any of your reflections, a Bible, devotional materials, poetry, art supplies and/or books on faith. Additionally, you can take time outside on the beach or walking around Centre Island, or do the labyrinth on the church grounds.

Contact/Registration

Registration will open in January 2025. The cost for the retreat is not yet determined, but should be under $50.00, which includes lunch and two coffee breaks.

We hope you will join our community for this day of intentional quiet – to give space to reflect on what our hearts are telling us, and encounter the presence of God. 

With advent just around the corner, we’ve drawn up a list of some our favourite resources for the season. With some free and paid options, these resources come from a range of Christian artists and writers, and engage with poetry, visual art, spiritual practices and anti-consumerism.

We hope you find something that helps you engage with the season of watching and waiting.