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“Come Away” – A Silent Retreat January 25-28 (women only) or February 1-4 (men & women), 2024

January 25 @ 6:00 pm - January 28 @ 12:00 pm

A sacred space for rest and reflection,
renewal and restoration

MARK Centre has been running this Soul Care retreat called “Come Away” with facilitator Cathy Hardy for over 14 years. Rooted in contemplative traditions Cathy wields together times of stillness, journaling meditations, experiencing nature, evenings of her own music, spiritual direction and much more.

Come Away is intentionally small with room for 8-10 participants, this retreat is designed to enable you to find sacred space for rest and reflection, renewal and restoration. You will be guided into silence over 4 days and 3 nights. Invited to experience the still, small voice of God loving you. Two private spiritual direction sessions are included.

Mark Center is excited to be offering a second silent retreat in the beginning of February to be co-facilitated with Christine Van Bergeyk of Summerland B.C. Together with the Mark Center staff they will be facilitating this journey of deep, profound silence.

January 24-28 is women only
February 1-4 is men and women

A word from Cathy: "My first silent retreat was over 20 years ago…It was a gift I wasn’t sure I wanted. Someone paid for me to go and so I went. I was tentative. Unsure. Not used to this degree of stillness and silence and there was a degree of fear and apprehension. What happened for me during those 3 days became some of the most profound treasure I am still gleaning from today. To open myself up to the Presence of Love in such vulnerable stillness was life-changing and has fueled my passion in leading retreats for the past 15 years as I want to share this experience with others."

A word from Christine: “It was about 10 years ago that I attended my first silent retreat. I was very fortunate to be led to the Marks Center and to the amazing Cathy Hardy for my first venture into extended silence. I was in a season of life that was very demanding, and I remember how much it meant for me to be taken care of so deeply and led so beautifully into the Presence of Love. Being given permission to rest and receive was entirely new and profoundly life changing for me. Now I am grateful, to be able to create a space for others to receive what they need to care for their beautiful souls. It is truly a full circle moment for me to offer what I have received.”

It was life altering to learn brand new concepts of getting closer to God and knowing Him more. I found a measure of healing with my social anxiety. I have always felt "not at home in my own skin," but the silence, in the middle of a safe community, the emphasis on the circle and being released from social queues, set the stage for me to relax and come to a peace that I have not ever known in my life before. Wow!! I thank you you from the bottom of my heart for facilitating such a wonderful encounter with God and people.

Sandy

I came to the retreat feeling like I was "just hanging on" until the time so that I could come and recharge. I was able to recharge and refresh while soaking in God's presence. I came knowing God would meet me during the silent retreat and, well, God being God met me in ways I did not expect!! I came back home knowing that I had been away with Him and I am still savouring the weekend as I get back into the swing of life. I was so greatly blessed by Cathy who gently brought us into the presence of God throughout the weekend, and by Lori and her spiritual direction.

- Joy

I came to listen and I have heard. I also have been equipped with a few tools that I believe will be of great benefit in the months to come. I really want to thank all of you for your great work and dedication. I did not mind flying from the other side of the country for the Come Away retreat and the investment in my soul paid off. Thank you to all the team for the great love, care, and the details... it's all in the details! I pray that you continue to be this haven that you were for me during those three days.

Afouet

What I heard and learnt will give me strength for the indefinite future. I continually look back and draw strength from what I have heard and felt and experienced. It gave me practical ways to integrate a lifestyle of listening more into my daily life and supported and encouraged the whispers that I hear, and to have greater confidence in God's abiding love. The MARK Centre is so special and extravagant and helps one to be ushered into a deep awareness of the presence of God- from the lush gardens to the beauty and comfort of the rooms, to the delicious meals, and fountains running. I am so grateful.

Elli

Retreat Cost

Come Away is a 4 day, 3-night retreat in the MARK Centre chalet. The cost of the retreat includes accommodations, meals* and snacks for the full retreat, Spiritual direction, the program and facilitation as provided by Cathy Hardy or Christine Vanbergeyk and other spiritual directors. Taxes are included.

Shared rooms are available this year if there is another registration to share. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee this rate unless you bring a friend to share with. If you are in a room with no one else you will be charged the private room rate. If you want to share a 2-storey with a friend the rate is $100 lower for each guest. 

The group will be 12 participants maximum.

  • 1-Storey Suite(private room): $650
  • 1-Storey Suite (2 single beds, shared room): $550
  • Standard (private room): $600
  • Standard (2 single beds, shared room): $500
  • 2-Storey Suite (private room): $675

* Meals, beverages and snacks provided are not able to be adjusted to special requests. If you have any preferences or dietary needs you may choose to provide your own meals. All suites have either a full kitchen or kitchenette and we will lower your fee by $60

To view the various rooms of our chalet, please visit our chalet page HERE. Rooms are on a first come, first serve basis.

Full payment needed to confirm room selection.
Fully refundable before December 1, 2023.  After December 1 it is only refundable if we are able to fill your spot with a new registration.

Details

Start:
January 25 @ 6:00 pm
End:
January 28 @ 12:00 pm
Event Categories:
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Venue

MARK Centre
31603 Old Yale Road
Abbotsford, BC V2T 2B4 Canada
+ Google Map
Phone:
604-556-7796