Welcome to Galilee Centre

Situated next to an old growth forest overlooking the Ottawa River, Galilee Centre is a welcoming place for retreat and reflection, rooted in the Catholic tradition and open to people of all faiths—or none—who seek renewal, connection, and time in a sacred community.

galilee winter photo - laneway

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Spirituality Message

News From Galilee Centre

Spiritual Programs Update

It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that we announce the retirement of Gerry Kelly, our Manager of Spiritual Programs, effective June 2026. Since 2017 Gerry has faithfully guided our spiritual initiatives with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication. He has brought thoughtful program leadership, meaningful community engagement, and heartfelt service to the role.

Upcoming Lenten Programs – visit www.galileecentre.com/workshops-events/ for more information

  • Why Lent? A Lenten weekend retreat facilitated by Fr. Jim Clarke (Diocese of Los Angeles) – online registration option now available!
  • Lenten Praying in Colour: A hybrid retreat in partnership with Spirit River Community
  • Day of Retreat in Holy Week: A silent day retreat facilitated by Susan Kehoe

Click here for our full newsletter.

E-newsletter

Are you receiving our e-newsletters? They provide updates on programs and events from Galilee Centre and the wider community. Whether you are looking for a time of retreat, if you are part of a group seeking a place to gather, or are needing to be feed spiritually (or physically!) there are many reasons to come to Galilee. We hope to welcome you soon. Click here to be added to our mailing list.

Why Lent?

March 13 – 15th, 2026

A Day Honouring St Patrick

March 17th, 2026

Lenten Praying in Colour

March 24th, 2026

Community Spotlight

Lecture on Indigenous Justice

March 5th, 2026

Oblate Associates Bake Sale

March 22nd, 2026

Deeper Dive into the Ocean of Your Being

April 17 – 22nd, 2026

On-Going Programs

Melodies of Heavens Open Mic

March 25th, 2026

YIN YOGA WITH CHRISTIN

Friday Mornings from 10 to 11

Our Synod Journey

 

Over the past few years, in partnership with the Centre Oblat, the Star of the North Retreat House, and Queen’s House Retreat Centre (closed July 2024), a series of speaker panels was convened to discuss the Synodal Process in Canada and beyond. The video of the November 20, 2024 panel discussion is now available, along with the PowerPoint presentations from the speakers Fr. Ray Lafontaine, Episcopal Vicar of the Archdiocese of Montreal, Sr. Elizabeth Davis, rsm, Sisters of Mercy, Newfoundland. and Bob Czerny, member of St. Basil’s Catholic Parish, Ottawa, ON.

Click here for more information on the Synod and to view the videos of the previous speaker panel events.

30 Days of Hope

 

It was wonderful to journey together last month during our “30 Days of Hope” event! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated by reading the reflections, sharing their insightful thoughts in the comments, and joining our Friday Zoom sessions. Your engagement truly enriched our shared experience as we explored Pope Francis’ powerful message to be “Pilgrims of Hope and Builders of Peace.”

If you missed out on this period of reflection based on the booklet “What Pope Francis Says About Hope,” we encourage you to visit the page and take some time to review the daily posts. You’ll find excerpts, reflections, questions for contemplation, and prayers that guided our journey. While the live Zoom sessions have concluded, the wealth of wisdom and inspiration shared remains available for you to explore.

As we continue our walk through the Jubilee Holy Year in 2025, may we all embrace the call to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”