Music as Prayer Young Adult Retreat
Join us for a fall retreat celebrating music and faith.
Open to young adults ages 18-25 years old
Dates: October 29-30, 2026
Cost: $50 per person (single and double rooms available)
Click here to register online.
Retreat includes:
- Transportation in the Ottawa/Ottawa Valley Area, transportation assistance grants available for other areas
- 1 night accommodations
- Meals from lunch Thursday to dinner on Friday (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)
- Workshops
Program Activities:
- Psalm writing
- Introduction to Taizé prayer
- Evening Campfires
- Access to tennis court, forest walking paths, and more
This program is made possible by the generous contributions of the Ex Corde Foundation.
A Religious and Philosophical Poem About Music as a Kind of Prayer
When I pray to You, words are not enough.
They fail to tell You what is in my heart
Until I add the midrash of my art.
Music is feeling filtered through fire,
Purified passion, molten desire.
Music is sunlight that shines from the soul.
Words come in fragments, music is whole.
When I pray to You, words are not enough.
My supplication turns into a song,
Asking for the grace for which I long.
Music’s a gift from Your heart to mine.
As I write it, our spirits combine.
Your gift to me twice given proves:
Through it I give You the gift of my love.
(Nicholas Gordon)
Facilitator: Catherine Cardeal
Catherine Cardeal holds an Honours bachelor’s degree majoring in Theology and Human Relations and Spirituality, with a certificate in the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. Her coursework focuses on the healing intersection between theology and psychology. Catherine is currently completing a Master of Divinity Degree at Saint Paul University. A firm believer in the healing power of prayer through music, Catherine composes Christian music and has been teaching music for over 20 years. A long-time admirer and singer of Taizé music, Catherine’s involvement with Taizé prayer gatherings began in 2018.