Renewal & Mini-Sabbatical

Renewal and Mini-Sabbatical 

At Southdown, we are deeply committed to supporting the spiritual, emotional, and personal well-being of clergy, and religious women and men. Our three-week programs are designed to promote wellness, foster personal growth, and support your ongoing formation as you serve others and deepen your relationship with God. We understand the unique challenges and joys of the priesthood and religious life, and our programs were created to help you renew your spirit, strengthen your vocation, and experience transformative growth.

 

A Journey Toward Personal and Spiritual Renewal

As clergy and religious, you dedicate your lives to serving others, often at the expense of your own well-being. Our three-week programs provide an opportunity for you to focus on your spiritual, emotional, and personal health, offering the tools and support necessary to thrive in your vocation. 

Whether you seek personal renewal, deeper spiritual growth, or a break from the demands of ministry, our programs provide the guidance and encouragement you need to live a life of balance, resilience, and vitality.

We invite you to join one of two transformative programs and experience the renewal, growth, and support that will nourish both your vocation and personal life. 

Renewal Program

Our three-week comprehensive renewal program is designed specifically for members of the clergy, and women and men religious seeking personal and spiritual renewal. This experience provides a holistic approach to wellness through intentional exploration, reflection, and practical exercises on self-knowledge, resilience, and mindfulness.

The Renewal Program is available on the following dates:

–   April 27 – May 17, 2025

–   June 8 – 28, 2025

–   September 7 – 27, 2025

–   November 2 – 22, 2025

Renewal Program Brochure 

Mini-Sabbatical

Our three-week mini-sabbatical is a deeply intentional and transformative program that allows participants to step away from their regular ministry or duties, offering a structured opportunity for personal reflection, spiritual renewal, and self-care. This program is designed to foster profound personal growth, rejuvenation, and vocational discernment.

Mini-Sabbatical for Clergy and Men Religious

We are pleased to announce that our new mini-sabbatical for clergy and men religious is available on:

– July 19 – August 9, 2025

Tailored to the unique needs of clergy and men religious, this transformative opportunity offers you a sacred space to step away from the everyday responsibilities of ministry and embrace a time of rest, renewal, and spiritual growth.

We invite you to join us for this enriching opportunity.

Mini-Sabbatical Brochure 

Take the First Step Toward Renewal

We invite you to join one of our transformative three-week programs and experience the renewal, growth, and support that will nourish both your vocation and personal life.

Our programs provide a balanced mix of educational content, rest, reflection, and community engagement to nurture both your soul and body.

The dates for the renewal program and mini-sabbatical can be customized to suit the needs of your diocese or religious institute for group bookings.

Our Residential Program Setting

Southdown’s residential program setting provides a welcoming, safe, and comfortable environment conducive to healing and well-being of body, mind, and spirit. In a setting of natural beauty on 37 private acres, you will find pastoral walking trails, a labyrinth, as well as other spaces designed for contemplative reflection.

Our modern, ecofriendly, award-winning facility is fully accessible and includes:

  • 22 private bedrooms, with ensuite
  • a chapel
  • meditation room
  • resident dining room, with chef-prepared meals
  • dedicated group rooms
  • laundry facilities
  • resident lounge, with fireplace
  • resident TV lounges
  • pottery and fitness rooms
  • access to swimming pool
  • outdoor patio with, lounge chairs, dining areas, fire table, and barbecue
  • outdoor recreation activities: basketball, horseshoes, croquette, badminton, snowshoeing, walking paths

We are conveniently located in Holland Landing, about one hour north of Toronto, Ontario. Easily accessible from local transportation hubs: Toronto International Airport, Billy Bishop Airport, Union Station and Go Train (rail).