St. Mary of Egypt Refuge

The Refuge is a place where ordinary people come together in a beautiful, natural setting for respite and support.

Throughout the course of your stay you'll have a chance to experience the extraordinary through the people you'll meet, the new things you'll try and by coming in contact with something infinitely larger than yourself.

Are you ready for it?

• • Summer jobs at the Refuge: forestry worker, kitchen helper, lifeguard (part-time; contact us directly).
• • Summer & Autumn 2025 at St. Mary’s Refuge — here are our upcoming things to do, see, and wonder; contact us to find out more, and click on any available ‘poster’ link here:
  • — Couples’ retreat – July 16–18 (poster)
  • — Peace Boot Camp for Young Men – July 20–23 (contact us for details)
  • — Anna and Simeon retreat – July 27 (poster)
  • — Friday Spaghetti Supper – August 1 (poster)
  • — Iconography workshops – August 4–8 (poster)
  • — Seniors’ day – Saturday, August 9
  • — Dormition Vigil & Feast – August 14–15
  • — Day trips from Toronto – July and August
  • — Family time – July and August (dates individually determined; poster)
  • — Individual retreat/community time – July and August (dates individually determined)
  • — Retreat with Sister Mary Rowell – (date and title to be announced)
  • — Respite & Recovery Educational Event – (date and title to be announced)
  • — Fresh-produce market – on-site all summer; at markets Thursdays or Saturdays (poster)
  • — Project Rachel retreat – November
• • The extraordinary beauty, respite, and support above sound great, but what really happens at St. Mary’s Refuge? For a glimpse, have a look at our videos: “All About the Refuge” and “The Refuge – A Place For Seniors.”
• • Have a look at our latest paper and e-mail newsletters. Contact us to be added to our mailing list(s).
• • The St. Mary’s Refuge cookbook:
  One of the important tasks for all Refuge programs is making sure there’s good-tasting nutritious food for hungry participants. Many who have volunteered their time and skill to cook and contribute for the Refuge have supplied their recipes.
  The cookbook makes a good gift. Our Refuge is Cooking goes for $25 (no HST, but shipping extra). Contact us to order.