2026 Catholic Family Retreat.
Three days of Mass, adoration, sessions, and fellowship — camping together on a working farm in Chisholm, Ontario.
A weekend for the whole family.
Pitch a tent. Bring the kids. Eat meals under the barn lights. The Catholic Family Retreat is three full days of Mass, adoration, sessions for adults, separate sessions for the kids, family activities in the afternoons, and long campfire evenings after the little ones are down.
It's hosted by Brian Sullivan and Sacred Way Ministries, together with Holy Name of Jesus Church (North Bay) and St. Alphonsus Liguori Church (Callander). Last year sold out; we expect this one to as well.
Three days, beginning to end.
Saturday, Aug 1
- 12–2pmArrivals & set-up (bring your own lunch)
- 3:00pmOpening Mass
- 4:00pmOpening Session
- 5:00pmSupper (provided)
- 7:00pmFamily Rosary
- 7:30pmBedtime for the little ones
- 8:30pmSession #1
- 9:30pmCampfire discussion for grown-ups
- 11:00pmLights out
Sunday, Aug 2
- MorningCoffee, bring own simple breakfast, mingling
- 8:00amAdoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins
- 9:30amSunday Mass
- 11:00amSession #2 (and kids' session)
- 12:00pmLunch (provided)
- 2:00pmFamily activities
- 4:00pmSession #3
- 5:15pmSupper (provided)
- 7:00pmFamily Rosary
- 8:00pmBedtime for the little ones
- 8:30pmAdoration with music, procession, Benediction. Confession available.
- 10:00pmSocial
- 11:00pmLights out
Monday, Aug 3
- MorningCoffee, bring own simple breakfast, mingling
- 9:00amMorning prayer with the Sisters of the Queenship of Mary
- 9:30amClosing session with families
- 11:00amClosing Mass
- 12:00pmLunch (provided, eat in or take to go). Departures.
Accommodations & what to bring
Bring a tent or a trailer and all the camping supplies you'll need. Arrivals are between 12 and 2pm on Saturday. Sites are non-electrical (no hookups) — phone charging is available in the garage.
What to bring
- Openness to the Holy Spirit.
- Camping supplies — tent or trailer, sleeping bags, pillows, camp chairs.
- Food for your family's breakfasts and any snacks your kids prefer, plus anything for specific dietary or allergy needs.
- A water bottle for every family member.
- Coffee mugs for the coffee drinkers.
- Marshmallow sticks, bug spray, sunscreen.
- Bibles, journals, rosaries — anything you want for adoration and confession.
- A foam kneeler if you'd like one for Mass in the barn.
- Quiet games or activities for the kids during down time.
Please note: Sacred Way Farm is a working farm. Leave pets at home. Alcohol is permitted responsibly at the campfire.
What it costs.
The retreat fee covers admission, all sessions, Saturday supper, Sunday lunch and supper, and Monday lunch. See the tile above for current pricing.
Payments are made by e-transfer to holynamestalphonsus@ssmd.ca. Your spot is confirmed when the transfer arrives.
If cost is a barrier to attending, please email the parish. If you'd like to sponsor a family who couldn't otherwise attend, please email the parish. Either way: holynamestalphonsus@ssmd.ca.
745 Kells Road, Chisholm, ON
Once you register and your e-transfer arrives, we'll send a confirmation with final directions and any last-minute notes.
Register your family.
Three days of camping, Mass, and fellowship. Spots are limited and confirmed once your e-transfer arrives.
Questions?
Call or text Theresa-Marie VanMilligen. If the line rings through, please leave a message.