Grey Sisters' Retreat Centre `high in the sky'

By LAUREEN McMAHON

Gazing across Vancouver rooftops to the North Shore mountains from the Grey Sisters' Retreat Centre at Youville Residence, it's easy to understand why anyone would be drawn to the peaceful location.

A `million-dollar' view Laureen McMahon / The B.C. Catholic The "million-dollar view" from the patio of the Grey Sisters Retreat Centre on the top floor of Youville Residence is enjoyed by Marcelle Hannoun, a Providence Health Care employee working in Youville's nutritional support services. Hannoun says having the centre so close is wonderful, "because I love taking time out to pray in this beautiful spot."

No traffic noises disturb the stillness of the 6th floor centre where silent or directed retreats and personal counselling sessions are arranged by contacting Sister Marilyn Kelly, GSIC, spiritual director and retreat facilitator.
"I think we're too high in the sky to hear anything but the birds," she said with a big smile.
Friends and supporters gathered on Jan. 17 in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel as Archbishop Raymond Roussin, SM, blessed the refurbished facilities after a Mass for the centre's intentions.
Visitors stepping off the elevator immediately discover, as the centre's pamphlet, Come to the Quiet, proclaims, that the meditative atmosphere evokes the words, "Peace. Be still, and know that I am God."
There are no words, said Sister Kelly, to describe her delight over the past year at being able to offer the retreat programs to guests from such a convenient location.
Sister Kelly, who has advanced training as a spiritual director from the Centre for Religious Development in Cambridge, Mass., completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Pastoral Counselling at Emmanuel College in Boston in 1994.
Relocating the Grey Sisters Retreat Centre to Vancouver last year from New Westminster has turned out to be a very good decision, she said, because the 33rd Ave. and Heather St. site is accessible to more people and groups.
With its fully carpeted and comfortably furnished living room and dining room and a full kitchen to provide simple meals and snacks, the retreat centre accommodates up to six people overnight in private rooms, said Sister Kelly. Reading materials, videos, and CDs are available for guests to enjoy.
The chapel, dedicated to Canada's first saint, Marguerite d'Youville (1701-1771), is open for prayer and mediation. Mass is offered daily at Holy Name Church next door.
The view from the centre, said Sister Kelly, is at "no extra charge," and even in "iffy" weather, visitors can enjoy fresh air from the rooftop patio with its magnificent panorama of the city and mountains.
"You can stroll to many nearby beautiful spots. Queen Elizabeth Park is a block away and the VanDusen Botanical Gardens are just a short walk west. We are a block from the bus and an easy commute to downtown."
Information about booking retreats for six to 16 and about one-on-one counseling programs is available from Sister Kelly at 604-266-1844 and at www.retreat-centre.net.