The Nazareth Family Retreat uses the Dominus Vobiscum Retreat Centre located near beautiful St. Gabriel, Quebec on the shores of Lac Maskinongé.  In the summer of 2005, two one week retreats were being offered for new and returning families the first two weeks of August respectively.  Each year, more families become part of the Nazareth Family as it is a deeply moving and extremely fun time for all involved.

We are blessed to have a priest in residence for the entire week. Each day of the Nazareth family retreat begins with the celebration of the Eucharist, and there are opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the week. Each evening there is some form of community prayer – the rosary, praise and worship, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and family healing prayers.

Our "domestic rule" consists of prayer, faith sharing and talks given by some of the returning couples.  Adult talks and children's activities are kept to the morning period leaving afternoons and evenings free for family time and recreation.

Recreational activities at Nazareth Family Retreat include basketball, volleyball, soccer, beach front activities, swimming, evening camp fires, board game nights, etc.


                         What Happens?

All families arrive at the Centre on Sunday and depart the following Saturday. As they arrive they are greeted and assigned their own cabin, refrigerator, storage area and given a tour of the facilities.

The cabins house two families. Each family has their own private living/sleeping area connected to a common area that contain your own bathrooms.  The bathrooms have only cold running water to a sink (at this time) and a flush toilet. The buildings also have electricity. The sleeping accommodations consist of plenty of cots (for even the largest of families).  Each family is asked to bring their own bed linens or sleeping bags.

The camp has a main house that contains the main cook room, the dining room, play rooms, full shower facilities, games area and a chapel. Each family is given a refrigerator to use for the week and a dry goods storage bin. Each family is also given their own table for meals. The cook room features several stoves and ovens and includes all pots, pans and cooking utensils. There are also a few propane BBQs outside for use by the families as well as a large chest freezer that is shared among everyone.

Each family is responsible for preparing their own breakfast and supper while a wonderful group of volunteers prepares lunch for all.