REST: Inter-Chaplaincy Retreat 2026

Come away and rest for a while (Mark 6:31). REST was the theme of the annual inter-chaplaincy retreat, which was held on February 20-22 at Cedar Glen YMCA Outdoor Education Centre in Schomberg, Ont. Students from all the campus ministries in the archdiocese gathered in prayer, song and community, joined by their campus ministers and staff from the Office of Catholic Youth.

The guest speaker for the retreat was Fr. Marcin Serwin, OMI and he encouraged students to slow down, be still and rest in their identity as beloved children of God. Fr. Marcin’s talks focused on resting with the Lord, recognizing our need for both silence and holy leisure, and living Sunday well in order to address the many challenges posed by the intense pace of students’ lives.

Opportunities for prayer and personal reflection filled the weekend, with Mass and adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and individual sessions for both men and women.

Throughout the retreat, many new friends were made as students from different campuses gathered to discuss the talks and participate in outdoor activities like tobogganing, snowshoeing, and a campfire, complete with s’mores.

In the final session, students shared that the retreat was a wonderful experience and provided many spiritual insights. They returned home refreshed, ready to apply their deeper understanding of rest in their daily lives.