Star Gazer W35

Star Camino Fundraiser 2024 - September 7th

Walk to support The Star, or sponsor one of our walkers, or simply donate to support the campaign! 

Help us reach our goal to raise $35,000. With your help we will do the following projects in 2024:

- Give subsidies for people who need support to attend Star programs for retreat and renewal
- Replace bedroom carpets and paint bedrooms on our second floor
- Refresh our bedrooms with new linens and blankets where needed
- Build a pathway from The Star to The Star’s greenhouse and garden.

There is still time to register! To donate or register: www.starofthenorth.ca/camino or call us at 780-459-5511. For e-transfer donations please send to accounting@starofthenorth.ca

We are grateful for your generous offer of time and donations!

Featured Fall Programs

September marks a season of fresh starts. There are so many ways to rest, renew, and revitalize for the challenges of life; to gain perspective, knowledge and self-awareness. Support local retreat ministry by adding your name to a registration list and inviting a friend to something that will be a good fit.

Season of Creation: Listening to the Water Join us for presentations about the history and current state of the Sturgeon watershed and a luncheon, followed by a riverwalk, activities, and ceremony. Season of Creation beginning on September 1st is a time of grace that the Church, in ecumenical dialogue, offers to humanity to renew its relationship with the Creator and creation, through celebration, conversion and commitment together. Saturday, September 7 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Early: $30 | After September 1: $40. Full info at starofthenorth.ca/water

Coping With Loss: Bereavement Support Group The purpose of this 7-week support group is to provide a safe environment for those who are bereaved; to share stories, gain support through one another, and learn strategies to assist in coping with issues associated with a personal grief journey. Topics covered include defining grief, facets and theories of grief, coping strategies, dealing with triggers, alongside group sharing, writing, and art-therapy exercises. 7 Tuesdays, September 10 to October 22, 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Registration: $150. Full info at starofthenorth.ca/bereavement

Calix Comes to Canada: Addiction Has No Boundaries The Calix Society is an American organization of mainly Catholic addicts and their spouses who want to live the 12 Step program fully and freely. While open to all, this international retreat will include praying the Divine Office, Adoration, the Eucharist, a Living Rosary, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Justin R. and Sylvain L., assisted by veteran US members Tom W. and Mike M., will form the team for this formative and transformative experience. Weekend, September 20-22. Early Registration (Before Sept. 1): Live-In $335 | Commuter $165 | Online $85. Full info at starofthenorth.ca/calix

Earthkeeping in the Way of Jesus: Creation & Our Place in It What does Scripture have to say about ecological issues like biodiversity loss and climate change? Does God care? What do these concerns have to do with following Jesus? Is there hope to be had in such troubled times? Join Education Director Rick Faw of A Rocha Canada in exploring the story of creation and discerning a way forward that is faithful to our human calling and the Spirit’s ongoing work at this moment in history. Weekend, September 27-29. Early Registration (Before Sept. 1): Live-In $355| Commuter $285| Online $230. Full info at starofthenorth.ca/care

Wanted: Hospitality Ministers

“Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.” - Henri Nouwen

Do you have a warm personality that enjoys helping others and making them feel welcome? Our hospitality ministry team is looking for volunteers who enjoy working with people and can be present at the Star a few hours each month to greet guests as they arrive, show them the different areas of the Star, and help them settle in. 

As a Hospitality Minister, your gift of time, support, presence, and welcome is a most valued treasure to us and to all those who come! As Hospitality Ministers you are present and helpful to Star guests, assisting them as needed during their stay with us. To sign up, please fill out this short Google form: https://forms.gle/qwtXGfDuJVDtHebt9 or contact us at 780-459-5511 for more information.

Is Aurora Living Right For Me?

The Star of the North Retreat Centre’s signature two-year program Aurora Living: Formation Through Word and Creation is now processing and welcoming new applicants. Aurora Living is for those who desire a living, deepening relationship with Holy Mystery. The program is open to Christians willing to engage in the inner work of integrating contemplative prayer and social practice.

One of our goals with the program is to build a core of participants that will journey together for the full two-years and thus graduate together. At the beginning of a new cycle (September 2024), our promotional emphasis is on building this core group. That being said, we recognize the need for flexibility and are open to having folks join us mid-way, or even select just a module or two. Please reach out for an option that might work best for you.

We hope you can join us!