Inter-Parish Women’s Retreats
How regional partnerships all across the country are anchoring women in scripture, prayer and fellowship
As a diocese, we often describe ourselves as a family of churches. So, one of our greatest joys is watching our individual congregations proactively reaching out to one another, sharing in life together and partnering to care for God's people. This spring, this collaborative spirit was on beautiful display from coast to coast as several regional, inter-parish women's retreats took place. These gatherings were wonderful examples of grassroots fellowship—precious moments where neighbouring churches stepped out to share resources, dive deeply into Scripture, and lift one another up in prayer.
We caught up with the organizers from Vancouver Island, Eastern Ontario, and Newfoundland to hear more about the vision and the quiet, encouraging fruit of these shared weekends.
Gathering by the Water, Growing in the Word
Vancouver Island: Feasting on Hope in the Wilderness
Our journey begins on the West Coast, where The Table (Victoria) partnered with Christ’s Church Oceanside (Nanoose Bay)—to bring 40 women together at Pioneer Pacific Camp off the coast of Vancouver Island. Under the gentle theme Feasting on Hope: Finding God in the Wilderness, they looked at how God intimately met Hagar, Elijah, and Miriam in their own moments of isolation and transition.
The Rev. Anna Spray, priest at The Table, explained that the weekend was intentionally designed to offer unhurried community and a spacious format for discipleship that daily routines rarely allow.
"A sermon a week is wonderful, but it isn't always enough to help people grow in their faith and read the Bible for themselves," Rev. Anna shared. "A longer teaching format at a retreat helps us go deeper, process Scripture through conversation and solo time. Relationships are only built as we spend real time together."
Eastern Ontario: Abiding Under the Cover of Love
Moving eastward to Ontario, the Love Covers retreat brought 62 women together at Camp Iawah near Kingston, drawing from multiple local parishes as well as neighbouring denominations. The weekend focused on the beautiful scriptural call to abide in Christ, with teaching centred on clothing oneself in mercy, kindness, and humility from Colossians 3.
One of the organizers and speakers Deacon Jane Manary-Parent, from St. Luke’s Pembroke, shared that their heart was simply to see women "refreshed in their relationship with God, filled with the Spirit, and more able to live out of His love and truth in every part of their lives." This cooperative effort did just that, softening regional boundaries and bringing a rich sense of shared fellowship to the area.
Newfoundland: A Growing Bond Across the Island
Meanwhile, on the Atlantic coast, our church family in Newfoundland celebrated their fourth annual regional retreat. Four congregations on the island collaborated to host the gathering, warmly welcoming women from across their parishes and the wider community. And this year the featured speaker was Cathy Bailey, former member of our Diocesan Council, who came all the way from North Vancouver to be with them.
Sandra O’Connor, from All Saints Bonavista, noted that these regular joint gatherings have knit their churches into a deeply unified community.
"Our vision is to offer a time apart where our women can gather, grow together in our knowledge and love of God, and worship Him," Sandra reflected.
Because of these shared weekends, Sandra added, the women now share a bond that outlasts the retreat itself: "They know that they can visit any congregation on the island and see a familiar face."
Shared Fruit: Resting in the Presence of the Lord
Finding Comfort in the Chaos of Life
When looking at the reflections from each retreat, the spiritual value of our parishes working together to disciple their people becomes beautifully clear. By anchoring these weekends in the Word and intentional prayer, these gatherings provided a safe, contemplative space for women to step away from daily anxieties and lay down their heavy burdens at the feet of Jesus.
In Ontario, the focus on Colossians 3 brought profound comfort to many who arrived weary and heavy-laden. One participant shared a glimpse of her time alone with God:
“I felt God gently inviting me to release things I have held onto for far too long. Through His words, through Colossians 3, and through the music... I heard Him speak: ‘You are chosen, holy, and dearly loved.’”
Another attendee reflected that the weekend "reminded me how much He loves me and how He is always with me in everything. He wants to give us deep rest in Him when we are weary, and He provides that even when we don't know we need it."
Walking Together Through Seasons of Grief
In Newfoundland, this shared environment provided a tender, supportive space for personal healing, particularly for those walking through seasons of deep loss. Sandra O’Connor recalled an attendee who joined a breakout session on Joy Through Grieving a year after losing her husband:
"During that time, she experienced a deep sense of gratitude that God was with her, her husband, and her family during that difficult time. It changed her perspective profoundly, and she realized how much she had to be thankful for despite the profound loss."
Enduring Value in Regional Partnerships
Whether through finding renewal for isolated hearts or giving women an encouraging environment to practice and grow in their ministry gifts, these retreats highlight the enduring value of regional partnerships. As Rev. Anna Spray concluded, "This kind of event meets the discipleship needs of different people on many levels all at once, and it's just great to practice being Christians together... there is nothing like growing in Christ as a community together."
When our congregations choose to link arms as a family of churches, our entire diocese is strengthened. We rejoice in how these collaborative efforts have encouraged so many of our sisters to rest in God's presence, dig deep into His Word, and return to their local congregations refreshed and reminded of His love.