St. Mary's on the Lake releases retreat schedule for 2012
by Stefani Manowski
April 16, 2012

Looking for a place to get away this summer, especially a place where you can explore your spirituality? Look no further than the offerings at St. Mary’s on the Lake, the Paulist retreat house on Lake George, N.Y.

St. Mary’s is steeped in natural beauty and Paulist history, according to Father Larry Rice, CSP, the retreat house director.

“For years, St. Mary’s on the Lake has been a wonderful resource for the Paulist Fathers: a place for us to get away, enjoy each others’ company and seek rest and renewal,” he said. “We’re delighted to be able to share that resource with individuals and groups seeking that rest and renewal. This summer we’re looking forward to retreats for people in ministry, for artists, for Paulist Associates, for men interested in a Paulist vocation and for people seeking a deeper experience of prayer (either through directed retreat experiences or through silence).”

Father George Fitzgerald, CSP, delivers the homily during the Aug. 15 Feast of the Assumption Mas in the chapel of St. Mary’s on the Lake in Lake George, NY.

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 summerhouse 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 continues to serve as a summer retreat for the Paulists and as the summer component of Paulist student formation. Special summer retreats, featuring outstanding speakers and retreat masters are offered in June and July to lay persons and priests.

The Student House at St. Mary’s on the Lake, Lake George, NY.

“I’ve been amazed at the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, especially the abundant wildlife,” Father Rice said. “Last year I got great photos of deer, snapping turtles, a barred owl and probably a million chipmunks. And of course, there are few experiences as enthralling as watching a scarlet sunset across the lake from a chair on our porch.”

 

2012 retreat offerings at St. Mary’s on the Lake include:

Restful Waters, Healing Waters: A week-long “restoration” retreat for anyone who has been worn down by the difficulties of life, especially those who are in ministries or stressful jobs: a resting place on the journey of faith, a healing place for the weary, a place to rest from the Way of the Cross, being ministered to by Jesus who promised that the burden would be light if we yoke ourselves to him.

Dates: June 10 2 pm until June 15 noon.
Retreat directors: Terry Modica and Bob Metivier


Praying Your Life: A time to reflect prayerfully on your life: past, present, future. A time for the healing of hurtful memories, a time to rejoice in beautiful memories. A time to be present to the present of the beauty of God’s creation in the Adirondack Mountains. A time to rededicate yourself to being a light in the world. The retreat will be anchored in daily Eucharist and periods of Centering Prayer.

Dates: June 17 6 p.m. to June 22 noon
Retreat director: Father Vinny McKiernan, CSP


Come Apart and Rest a While. A silent directed retreat praying over recommended scripture passages and meeting with Father Vinny McKiernan, CSP, as one wishes. The days will be anchored in daily Eucharist and periods of Centering Prayer.

Dates: June 24 6 p.m. to June 29 noon
Retreat director: Father Vinny McKiernan, CSP


Paulist Alumni Reunion: A long weekend for former members of the Paulist community.

Dates: July 4 until 8.
Coordinator: Ken Meltz


Paulist Associates Gathering: A week-long gathering for Paulist Associates. Learn more about the Paulists’ history in the Adirondacks, share Eucharist daily and connect with friends old and new. Come for the whole week or for as much as you are able.

Dates: July 14 – 20
Coordinator: Father Larry Rice, CSP


Paulist Plunge: A retreat and gathering for young men wanting to know about the Paulists, our mission, our history and our common life. Come pray with us, share the Eucharist, enjoy the lake and get to know the Paulists better.

Dates: July 28 until August 2.
Coordinator: Father Dave Farnum, CSP

 

For more information on the retreats, contact Father Larry Rice, CSP, at [email protected] or log on to stmaryslakegeorge.com.