Shrine Mont Parish Weekend 2013

We had another wonderful St. Aidan's parish retreat to Shrine Mont. We had almost 70 people join us for the weekend get-away to one of the most beautiful places in Virginia.

There was some great worship, including a beautiful candlelit service by the pond

and of course a Sunday morning Eucharist at the amazing outdoor Shrine.

The three kids who had been Shrine Mont campers earlier in the summer led us in the famous Shrine Mont Shouting Prayer in place of our usual prayers of the people. There was something beautiful about hearing all those voices, and the mountainy echoes as well, speaking of God's love for us and our love for each other.

The programs were great, with drama and games for the kids with Heather Sanderson, who is so full of energy and fun. The adults gathered in small groups to think about what "spiritual" means to us and share some points along our own spiritual journeys, which take so many different forms.

We gathered in the evenings, sharing snacks and drinks while the kids ran and played on the open lawn, swinging glow sticks and full of laughter.

We had our own homegrown musical trio for entertainment, made up of John Baker and Adam Fazackerly on drums and Brian Lafleur on drums. And during free time folks formed groups that swam in the pool or enjoyed the beauty of Lake Laura or hiked North Mountain or up to the cross.

We'll return again the first weekend in August 2014!

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