St. John the Compassionate is a partner in ministry within our neighbourhood, just on the other side of the Don Valley Parkway, and St. Bart’s is pleased to assist in promoting their upcoming “Peace Boot Camp.”
- Dates: July 20-23, 2025
- Theme: Never again war!
- Location: St. Mary of Egypt’s Refuge (near Madoc, Ontario)
- Open to: Young men, between the ages of 16 and 40, who have demonstrated experience of community life
As the world becomes more aggressive, less open, and less capable of true dialogue, not to mention unabashedly self-concerned (me first!), more than ever, we feel the need to gather ourselves and commit to something different even if only in a small way and for a short time. These efforts and choices, especially when they involve real struggle and renunciation are never insignificant. Who knows where they might lead?
In this peace boot camp, the church offers us this opportunity to experience intensely its treasures of peacemaking, Christian non-violence, fraternal life, and prayer. This is a true opportunity and a gift. An opportunity to choose something different that truly matters for the world, not to mention our community and families.
We will read and reflect on Christian non-violence and listen to one another, living a simple, common life in the beautiful nature surrounding St. Mary of Egypt Refuge, where we will work together clearing paths and an encampment by the river. It will include canoeing, swimming, preparing meals, reflecting by campfire, and praying together in a chapel beside the river in the morning chill and night air. We will share an intense experience of camaraderie and focus on the most essential things in
our lives.
The camp is open to young men between the ages of 16 and 40 who have demonstrated experience of community life. It will begin Sunday, 20 July, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., and continue until Wednesday, 23 July, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Participants will be expected to cover the costs of a shirt as well as a book on the Beatitudes that we will study during our time together. It will take place in the wild country on the outskirts of St. Mary of Egypt’s Refuge outside Madoc, Ontario.
- The full details including itinerary may be found in the attached PDF.
- More about the mission can be found on their website: stjohnsmission.org
- For further information, please contact Brother Luke: prior@stjohnsmission.org