Dear friend,
We are so pleased to share with you that the Ignatius Jesuit Centre’s Loyola House will be reopening to on-site retreats, programs and conferences in April 2022. It’s been much too long without your presence! Plans are well underway on how best to reopen so that your return will be safe, nourishing and restorative.
The contract with Wellington County for the Loyola House Supportive Temporary Housing Pilot (LHSTAP) will conclude at the end of November 2021. The 13 months with these kind folks has been grace-filled and they will be missed. This contract has given us the breathing space to adjust to each new uncertainty and to now plan for our reopening.
In preparation for your return we will enter into a few months of upgrades – new beds, flooring and ensuite washrooms, all in preparation for the return of retreatants and community groups. This work will take place Dec 1 – March 25 — in time to reopen at the end of March 2022.
Although the loss of revenue from retreats and conferences has been our greatest challenge, your generosity has kept us operational. We’re appealing for your generosity once again so we can add 20 ensuite washrooms. We need to raise $500,000 for this construction.
Several major donors have contributed and we’ve already reached a total of $200,000.
We hear your enthusiasm to resume retreats here at Loyola House…
- “My one experience at Loyola House was unforgettable – I look forward to the next one.”
- “Everything is so in tune with Ignatian spirituality and finding God in all things, ecumenical faith retreats, shortened 3-5 days for those who can’t do 8 days, music and poetry and images.”
- “Each experience and event is blessed with faith, hope and love for all.”
Your enthusiasm to return here gives us confidence that our investment in these renovations will allow us to offer you the same quality of retreat experience you’ve come to expect at Loyola House, with enhanced safety.
You may donate now online here or complete the appeal form found at the bottom of the appeal letter here and mail it in.
We ask for your prayers and, if you are able, your donations (no matter how small) to assist us with maintaining this place where Creation gives strength to mind, body and soul.
In Christ,
Roger Yaworski, SJ / Executive Director