Early in the history of the Paulists, Father Hecker and his companions would camp at Lake George in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. In the early 1870s the Paulists, thanks to the generosity of the O'Connor family, became the owners of a large portion of lakefront property at the southern end of the lake and five islands further north. A summer house was constructed followed by a building to house Paulist students. A larger chapel, boathouse, refectory and library were added later as well as a cabin and chapel on the islands.

St. Mary's on the Lake serves as a summer retreat for Paulists and as the summer component of Paulist student formation. Special summer retreats, featuring outstanding speakers and retreat masters have been offered in June and July to lay persons and priests.

For information on retreats, please visit the St. Mary's on the Lake Web site at stmaryslakegeorge.com.