Upcoming Events

Godly Play
Sep
12
to Sep 13

Godly Play

Godly Play stories help the children learn Christian language and prepare them to join adult worship. A Godly Play session mimics a liturgical worship service but at a child's level. Through Godly Play, children will come to understand the liturgical calendar, sacraments, advent, lent, and other big concepts in the Christian church.

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Movie Screening: Permission: Fr. Bob Bedard's Vision for the Church
Sep
14

Movie Screening: Permission: Fr. Bob Bedard's Vision for the Church

On this 40th anniversary year of their founding on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, come discover the heart of the Fr. Bob Bedard the founder of the Companions of the Cross and a major figure of renewal in the Canadian church. See why many in the church continue to find inspiration in his vision of a Church explosively alive. Space is limited, register today!

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Verso L'Alto: Saint John Young Adults Retreat
Aug
1
to Aug 3

Verso L'Alto: Saint John Young Adults Retreat

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Verso L’Alto — To the Heights!

Young Adults Retreat, August 1st-3rd


In celebration of the 2025 Jubilee of Young People, join the Saint John Catholic Young Adults for a weekend retreat of prayer, pilgrimage and companionship. Inspired by the life and legacy of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, we will reflect on the necessity of hope as pilgrims in the church, striving in companionship together for the heights of holiness. In honour of Frassati’s love for nature and adventure, the retreat will feature an early morning walking pilgrimage from the Villa Madonna Retreat House to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the official diocesan pilgrimage site, for Our Lady’s First Saturday Jubilee Pilgrimage. In union with Christ and our neighbour, we will seek to better understand our universal calling to holiness as missionary disciples and Pilgrims of Hope in response to God’s invitation “Verso L’Alto! To the Heights!”

All adults ages 18-35 are welcome.

Register here.

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Missional Prayer: Adoration Evening
Jul
7

Missional Prayer: Adoration Evening

Join us in a time of missional intercessory prayer in Eucharistic Adoration, Monday July 7, at the Villa Madonna chapel, beginning at 7:00pm.

We will pray especially for the upcoming Steubenville Atlantic Youth Retreat and all the young people from our diocesan family who will be attending and for those who accompany them.

We will also pray for our Holy Father, Leo, our Bishop, Christian, all priests in the diocese, parish communities and their unity and renewal, all missionary disciples and their apostolates and works of mercy, all the faithful of the diocese, and all people in need of a deepening transformative encounter with Jesus Christ so as to know his hope and joy, his love and mercy. We will pray for the graces of this Jubilee Year to move in the hearts of all people, that all might know and reflect the hope that is from God.

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AASEA Retreat Ministry: Taste & See June Retreats
Jun
16
to Jun 22

AASEA Retreat Ministry: Taste & See June Retreats

Our Taste and See June Retreats are shaped by the spirituality of St. Ignatius, which is often described as us ‘finding God in all things’. Come, taste and see God’s longing also for you ... in the silence, in nature, in scripture, in worship, and in community. All our June retreats are offered with a gentle, contemplative approach in the beautiful and restful atmosphere of Villa Madonna Retreat House.                                     

During the week of June 16-22, 2025, we are offering three (3) types of retreats: Directed, Guided-Directed, and Guided: 

DIRECTED retreats offer daily meetings with a spiritual director. Apart from  these meetings, and the Opening and Closing assemblies, retreatants choose how to use their time ... for prayer, relaxation and other helpful spiritual practices. Eucharist (Mass) and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are options in our schedule for those who desire these opportunities.  

GUIDED - DIRECTED retreats offer brief theme presentations, guided prayer experiences, suggestions for personal prayer, ample space to reflect and rest, and at least one opportunity to meet with a spiritual companion if desired. 

GUIDED retreats include one or more presentations, guided prayer exercises, suggestions and, at times, the opportunity to share in small groups.    

More information on the retreats can be found here.

Perhaps one of our June 2025 retreats might be God’s invitation to you.

See our AASEA website’s registration page to apply or contact Bob McDermott at mcdermot@nbnet.nb.ca

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He Loves Us: Growing in Intimacy and Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Jun
13
to Jun 15

He Loves Us: Growing in Intimacy and Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

He Loves Us: Growing in Intimacy and Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Join in prayer, reflection and teaching based on Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter “Dilexit Nos: On the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ”

Retreat facilitated by Jim Anderson

Weekend retreat fee: $295
Commuter Rate: $165

Register

Registration deadline: June 6, 2025

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Our Lady's May Rosary-Making Retreat
May
16
to May 18

Our Lady's May Rosary-Making Retreat

Come and take up a holy hobby in honour of Our Lady!

Join us for a weekend making, praying and learning about the Rosary!

Retreat facilitated by Jim Anderson, Director of Missionary Discipleship Formation and 30-year Rosary maker! 

Weekend Retreat Fee: $295 (Accommodations and all meals) + rosary making supplies (see below)
Commuter rate: $165 (includes Sat. lunch and supper, Sunday lunch) + rosary making supplies (see below)

A non-refundable administration fee of $50 is due upon registration by e-transfer to info@villamadonna.ca, include “Rosary Making Retreat” in the note.

Rosary Making Supplies:

Wire Rosary Making Kit & Supplies - $50.00
Cord Rosary Making Kit & Supplies - $15.00
or bring your own supplies!

Register by May 9th here!

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Hope in Christ: Jubilee 2025 Men's Retreat
Mar
14
to Mar 16

Hope in Christ: Jubilee 2025 Men's Retreat

Experience renewal and strength at Jubilee 2025 Men's Retreat!

The Men of Faith retreat will explore the theme of hope with an emphasis on encountering and sharing our life in Christ Our Hope where he is present in our world, particularly in the Eucharist and the Sacraments, the Church, the proclamation of the Word, and in the poor and marginalized.

What to expect:

o Time for prayer and personal reflection

o Teaching and formation

o Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation

o Eucharistic Adoration

o Saturday Mass with Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC

o Friends and fellowship

o Great food and a beautiful retreat venue!

Speakers include: Jim Anderson, Patrick Giguere, Fr. Lawrence Hyginus, Fr. David Rioux & Daniel Gaudet

Register here by March 1st: https://events.insogan.org/HIC

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Enkindle: Fanning to Flame Our Witness to Hope
Feb
21
to Feb 23

Enkindle: Fanning to Flame Our Witness to Hope

A retreat to help you learn how to be a more faithful and effective witness to Hope!

Facilitated by Jim Anderson, Director of Missionary Discipleship Formation. For questions or more information, contact janderson@dioceseofsaintjohn.org

Register here by Feb 14: https://tinyurl.com/enkindleretreatsj

Cost: $295 for 2 night stay, $165 for commuters

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Catholic Women’s Day
Nov
16

Catholic Women’s Day

Are you ready to find healing and freedom in Christ?

Keynote Speaker: Fr. John Gillis

Single Day Retreat: 8:30am to 5:00pm

$80 per person (including lunch and snacks)

Register by contacting Gabrielle:

Ph: 905-252-1656

Email: munroegabrielle2020@gmail.com

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