Join us on the mountain this summer!
Friday through Sunday, June 6–8.
Join us for a weekend of rest, fun, and fellowship with your St. Paul’s, Ivy family at the annual Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont, the beautiful retreat center of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia in Orkney Springs, just an hour and a half from Ivy. The retreat is Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8, 2025.
The weekend kicks off Friday evening with dinner, a campfire, and stargazing. On Saturday, enjoy a hike on the Ridge Trail to the Cross on Spring Mountain and free time for swimming, fishing, or relaxing with a good book. In the evening, join us for a social hour, followed by dinner and more time spent gathered around the firepit. Sunday morning, we’ll come together for worship at the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration, the open-air cathedral of the Diocese of Virginia, consecrated in 1925. Additional opportunities for prayer time will also be available throughout the weekend.
There will be plenty of free time to explore or simply relax. Enjoy hiking trails, beautiful gardens, a labyrinth, fishing ponds, playgrounds, a fantastic pool, tennis, and peaceful cottage porches perfect for reading or an afternoon nap. Your only interruption will be the ringing of a bell, signaling that breakfast, lunch, or dinner is ready to be enjoyed family-style in the dining hall. Shrine Mont truly is “a place apart,” offering something for everyone.
Click here to see photos from last year’s Shrine Mont Parish Retreat.
Weekend Highlights
● Friday Welcome Campfire: Kick off the weekend with a campfire, s’mores, and stargazing.
● Saturday Hike to the Fire Lookout: A scenic hike with amazing views.
● Saturday Evening Gathering: Games and fellowship to end the day.
● Daily Devotionals & Prayer Time: Time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and growth.
● Sunday Worship in Nature: A peaceful worship service surrounded by nature.
● Relaxation Time: Unwind with quiet moments by the lake or in a rocking chair.
● Meals Together in the Dining Hall: Enjoy delicious meals – with no cooking or clean-up!
Why You Should Join Us
● No Stress, Just Enjoyment: Meals are provided, and the schedule is relaxed.
● Grow in Faith: Daily devotionals, prayer, and worship in a peaceful environment.
● Outdoor Fun & Connection: Hike, fish, swim, read, and stargaze while bonding with your family and others.
● Unplug & Recharge: Take a break from the busyness of life to focus on faith and family.
What will a weekend at Shrine Mont cost?
Adult single occupancy ($200/per person)
Adult double occupancy ($140/per person)
Family occupancy (2 adults, one or more children/youth, $420)
Individual child/youth (ages 4–18, $50/per person)
Children under 4 years old (no charge)
For financial assistance with the registration fees, please contact Fr. Justin.
When can I register?
Registration is now open!
The St. Paul’s, Ivy group stays in the coveted cottages, nestled on the hillside near the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration. These rooms are a step back in time, but most have private baths, and we ensure that singles, couples, and families are placed in comfortable, suitable accommodations. Our online registration allows you to select your room and provides options for payment.
Click here to register now. If you plan on joining, please register as soon as possible. The registration deadline is Sunday, April 27.
Can I pay online?
Yes, you can! Once you have completed your online Registration Form, navigate over to our “Give” page, and use the first drop-down menu to find “Give to Shrine Mont Fund”. Enter your total fee due, choose “Give this One Time”, and enter your preferred payment information. Please note: online payments incur a small fee for each transaction. We kindly ask that you opt to cover those fees with your payment.
More Questions?
Watch the Vine to find out when Retreat Coordinator Abby Gillespie will be in the Parish Hall during Coffee & Fellowship (following the 10:30 a.m. worship service) to answer any of your questions and with registration information.
Learn more about Shrine Mont Conference and Retreat Center.
Shrine Mont is located in Orkney Springs, Virginia, about an hour and a half drive north of Ivy. To reach Shrine Mont, travel north on I-81 to Mt. Jackson (Exit #273). Turn right onto Rt. 703 (East), then right (South) on US 11, follow through town, turn right on Rt. #263 and follow approximately 13 miles to Orkney Springs. (Please note, using GPS can be unreliable in this area.) Click here for a map and directions.