artwork: dragonfly   watercolor by rick gariepy  

CHAPLAIN

RICK GARIEPY

​Rick would like to welcome you to a place of spiritual retreat in the Gatineau Hills. With his extensive pastoral background in CPE trained Hospital Chaplaincy Ministry-- the interplay for Rick of the Body, Mind and Soul relationship is one of vital import to be explored. So as well as having a quiet place apart to be with God in nature and in our little Irenaeus Chapel, we offer various spiritual workshops around the themes of personal and community 'renewal' within the role of an 'active Contemplative Prayer Lifestyle.' Rick believes this is crucial to experiencing a real life growth 'intermediate stage spirituality' that  often has been missing within the institutional Christian tradition. He is also an ordained Anglican priest, an Associate member of the Order of the Holy Cross and is married to Melanie.

A SPIRITUAL RETREAT SPACE

Consider a time apart for a day, an evening, or a couple of days in the Hills to pray, to reflect and discern or to journal God's direction                                        (for personal or couple use and small group day retreat workshops)

ACCOMMODATION
all we ask for is a donation according to
your means (suggested $75/night)

(separate private entrance)
​GROUND FLOOR BEDROOM
Nature welcomes you and inside relax with a comfortable Queen size bed 

​_______
SUMMER GAZEBO
Take some time to listen to the wind in the
trees on our screened in deck
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SHOWER/BATH
There is also a washroom bath and shower on the main level beside the bedroom which
​looks out to deck sliding door windows

​MEAL TABLE and LIVING ROOM UPSTAIRS
​There is a Futon couch and beautiful sky-lite window views in the upstairs overlooking the garden  and forests bordering Gatineau Park as part of our backyard waterfall pond

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KITCHENETTE
There is also a small Kitchen with all the necessities of  fridge and stove and pots and pans and cutlery

CHAPEL and LIBRARY NEXT DOOR
We have connected next door a Chapel for prayer and meditation and weekly Eucharists as well as a Library on various aspects of  Christian Spirituality

There are nearby Restaurants as well within a few minutes drive
ST. IRENAEUS is pronounced I/RE/NAI/US

WELCOME  TO

ST-IRENAEUS PRAYER & RETREAT HOUSE

Come to a place apart  for spiritual renewal and enjoy the beauty
regardless of the Season 
​​and only 20 minutes
​from ​downtown Ottawa

RESERVE SPACE

reserve table.

​LOCAL PROGRAMS

FARMED FRESH SPIRITUALITY

In a prayer retreat, the essential qualities like love and compassion are not just abstract virtues that are the property of saints and adepts.
​Anyone can develop these qualities in themselves by doing spiritual practices. As Jesus said, 'Come and stay awhile.'
​With our workshops and retreats this is what we endeavor to explore here in the beautiful Gatineau Hills. 

dragonfly artwork by Rick Gariepy     title: rising beyond illusion

WE CATER TO A SEARCHING MULTITUDE

Are you looking to make sense of life and the Universe? It's not a question to be ashamed of in today's day and age. City life moves quickly and we all need to to slow down and take stock of our life--where we've been and where we're going. The Gatineau Hills are one of our hidden gems that we offer you to be in natures' peace and refreshing space, only a short distance from Ottawa and worth the drive from Montreal, Toronto or in between. Please feel free to join us on a personal retreat or attend one of our retreat workshops exploring the spirituality of life...Be Welcomed!

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