Need a break and a chance to slow down?
Craving some downtime with God?
Looking for a peaceful getaway with a community of fellow single Catholics who “get” you?
This retreat is for you.
Located an hour outside Philadelphia, in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, the St. Mary of Providence Retreat Center is home to an historic mansion (where we’ll have all our meals, and some accommodations), as well as a retreat center (with further accommodations), plus two chapels and extensive outdoor grounds. It’s a perfect place to get away and connect with Our Lord in a deeper way, while enjoying connection and community.
Early-Bird Retreat Registration (through October 15th): $897
*Single-room supplement +$400
GENERAL ITINERARY:
Retreat begins with dinner on Thursday, November 12th and ends Sunday, November 15th with lunch. (All accommodations and meals are included.)
Thursday: Check-in: 4pm-5:30pm (Dinner at 5:30pm)
Sunday: Departure: 1pm-2pm (Lunch at Noon)
Please note: There is the option to come a night early (Wednesday, November 11th) and participate in a pre-retreat excursion on Thursday morning/afternoon or have an extra personal retreat day at the retreat house.
Father Otto was born in Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, PA. Amazingly, he was born wearing a Roman collar. His Vocation was very clear from the beginning. Sacred Heart is true; obviously, the collar part is not. Father does remember the exact moment however that he first thought that he might be called to be a priest. He was 22 years old, working as a chemical engineer and praying about whether he was meant to marry a girl he had met at Penn State. At the time he was at an international Marian Shrine and he thought, “Maybe Mary is calling me to be a priest!?” Mary was calling him, and he left his job as a sales engineer and went into St. Charles Seminary in August 1991, and was ordained a priest in 1997. Father was excited about being a priest in 1997, and he is just as excited, if not more, about it in 2026. He delights in nothing more than bringing Jesus to people and people to Jesus. He loves his assignment at St. John Fisher and his role in the Regional School of Holy Family and he looks forward to serving here for many years to come.
@ 20 minutes from the Retreat House
Thursday, November 12th – morning and/or afternoon
Time: TBA
Overview:
Enjoy the fall colors with some hiking and fellowship before the retreat. Details TBA
Transportation:
Thursday, November 12
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (subject to alteration)
Overview:
Almost 50 years ago, the Calandra family founded the National Centre for Padre Pio after their own daughter was miraculously healed by the blessed saint. Now recognized by the Holy See for its work, the National Centre continues to spread the message of the life, wounds, words and works of Padre Pio. An exhibit on Purgatory, Heaven and Hell will be on display at that time.
Logistics:
Transportation and Costs:
Lancaster County
Sunday, November 15
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Overview:
A guided visit through an authentic Amish village, including a farmhouse, school, and grounds. Participants will gain insight into the simplicity, faith, and traditions of Amish life—offering a reflective close to the retreat experience. (Note, this listing is for the basic farmhouse and village tour (not the bus tour), due to the timeframe.)
Logistics:
Transportation:
Sunday, November 15th
Time: 1:30pm – 5:00pm
Overview:
Enjoy the fall colors with some hiking and fellowship after the retreat. Valley Forge National Historical Park is open year-round, has no entrance fees, and welcomes around two million visitors each year. Historic buildings, statues and monuments, and 35 miles of trails can be found in this beautiful 3,500-acre landscape.
Logistics:
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