The Parish Weekend at Shrine Mont
June 27-29, 2025–registration deadline extended!
For many years, St. Stephen’s parishioners of all ages, individuals, couples, and families, have gathered for a weekend together at Shrine Mont, the diocesan camp and conference center in western Shenandoah County. This is a time for rest and relaxation, reflection and reconnection with God and one another in a natural setting where God’s presence can readily be felt.
This is an intergenerational event—all ages participate and all are welcome.
The weekend begins Friday evening and continues with Saturday morning formation for adults, youth, and children facilitated by St. Stephen’s clergy and staff. Friday evening and Saturday afternoon and evening will offer an abundance of time for fellowship, conversation, play, and rest, individually or in small groups. The weekend concludes Sunday morning with Holy Eucharist in the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration, a hand-built stone chapel from which Shrine Mont takes its name. This year, Shrine Mont is celebrating its centennial.
Theme and activities
On Saturday morning, the Rev. John Jenkins and the Rev. John Rohrs will facilitate programming around the theme of “Living Hospitality” for all who wish to participate. We will delve into ways to live out this core Christian value in our church and in our lives, and we will put it into practice through a fun scavenger hunt to help participants learn about Shrine Mont and each other.
Children will have a program as well, led by the Rev. Abby Kocher, our director of children’s ministry.
Saturday afternoon offers free time to relax and enjoy the mountain. Recreational opportunities include swimming, fishing, hiking, yoga, arts and crafts, and more. The unplugged atmosphere is also perfect for sitting in rocking chairs on the iconic porches. The labyrinth beckons as a quiet place of spiritual encounter. So many choices!
Additional highlights of the weekend include an evening campfire with s’mores (weather permitting), lawn games for children, a square dance, plus services of Morning Prayer and Compline, featuring our talented singers and instrumentalists–come join the band! The weekend culminates on Sunday morning in the Diocese of Virginia’s unique cathedral whose only roof is the heavens.
We hope you’ll join us!
Are you new to St. Stephen’s Church?
This year we are particularly focused on welcoming those who are relatively new to St. Stephen’s Church to this weekend. Specifically, we hope that those who have been part of this faith community for two years or less will attend along with those who have attended the Shrine Mont weekend often. We want you to experience this special time in a place that’s important to so many at St. Stephen’s, and to offer the opportunity for all of us to get to know one another. When you register, please let us know on the registration form that you are a newer member of St. Stephen’s Church.
Accommodations
Shrine Mont is a camp and conference center, and accommodations are comfortable but do not include such amenities as televisions, phones, refrigerators, or air conditioning. They do have electric fans, however.
Cell service is spotty, but wifi is available in the Virginia House, the central building where meals, gatherings, and registration take place.
Meals are served in a large dining room in the Virginia House. Menus feature traditional favorites (fried chicken, roast beef, yeast rolls) as well as lighter options. If you have dietary restrictions, please note these on the registration form.
Costs and Registration
Costs include lodging, meals, and program.
- Registration will open March 17 and all registrations, including payments, are due by April 24. (We’ve extended the original deadline.) Click the purple button below for registration.
- Single occupancy rooms (which cost more) are first come, first served, while they last.
- Included meals are dinner on Friday, three meals on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
Adults (age 14 and up)
Double occupancy, $240 per person
Single occupancy (if available), $300 per person
Children (ages 4 through 13)
$120 per person
Children age 3 and under
No charge
Cancellations
Cancellations made prior to April 27 will receive a full refund. Any cancellations on or after April 27 will be subject to the terms of our contract with Shrine Mont and may be eligible for a full or partial refund.
Assistance
If you wish to take part but need financial assistance, please be in touch with any member of St. Stephen’s clergy.
FAQs
If you’ve never been to Shrine Mont, you likely have questions. Here are some answers.
What’s the weather like at Shrine Mont? Orkney Springs, Virginia is located at the foot of Great North Mountain in the Shenandoah Valley and at the edge of the George Washington National Forest. Weather in late June can be cool and rainy (or cool and dry), or hot and humid. We recommend checking the weather before packing, and bringing layers and rain gear.
What should you pack? Closer to the weekend, we’ll send you a recommended packing list. A preview: snacks, drinks, refillable water bottle, hiking shoes, bathing suits, fishing rods, raincoats, sweatshirts/jackets, bug spray, flashlights, “floaties” for your children, and sunscreen. Flip flops are not recommended except when at the swimming pool. Do not bring electronics–you won’t be able to use them. Cell service is spotty, and while there is wifi in the Virginia House, you’ll want to be hanging out with family and friends!
While bedding and linens are provided, many people like to bring extra pillows and towels.
Shrine Mont is for children of all ages. Strollers and baby carriers are recommended for younger children. There is a pool and a playground (remember to bring “floaties”). The dining hall will provide highchairs if needed.
If you have more than two children and you’d like all of them to share a room, please provide that information on the registration form. We will do our best to accommodate you. Please note that neither cots nor cribs are available. You may bring a pack-and-play if you wish.
What if you have food restrictions? Should you bring your own food? Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Please make sure to specify your requests on the registration form. We always encourage folks to bring items that will make them feel comfortable. Please know that the rate for the weekend will remain the same regardless of whether you eat the food Shrine Mont provides.
Is Shrine Mont ADA friendly? While there are elevators in the Virginia House and ramps in various places, not all parts of Shrine Mont are accessible. If you have special needs, please let us know and we will work to accommodate you.
If you need a ride or are in position to offer someone else a ride, please let us know on the registration form.
Shrine Mont is located in Orkney Springs, Virginia, northwest of Harrisonburg. Shrine Mont strongly recommends using the directions on their website (found here) rather than relying on GPS software.
What is Shrine Mont?
Shrine Mont is the home of the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration—the cathedral of the Diocese of Virginia. It is “a place where people give thanks to God for his creation — from the beauty of the streams, flowers and wildlife which are at home here, to the people who come to this place to celebrate being part of the family of God,” as beautifully stated on Shrine Mont’s Web site. St. Stephen’s annual parish weekend at Shrine Mont is designed to bring us together through fellowship, recreation, reflection, worship and song, all in a lovely setting featuring wildlife, fresh air, blue skies, springs, and friendly people.
The property features a spring-fed swimming pool; hiking trails for various skill levels; tennis courts; large fields for soccer, volleyball, softball, etc.; and plenty of porches with rocking chairs.
Shrine Mont is also the location for a variety of summer camps for young people. These camps provide loving and fun-filled opportunities for children and youth, as well as exciting employment opportunities for young adults. Read more about camps here.
Who should come to Shrine Mont?
Shrine Mont is a special place for all people–individuals, couples and families. It is a restful place apart from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Once you arrive, everything is taken care of, and you can do as much or as little as you desire. Activities are organized for Friday night, after dinner, and Saturday morning. After lunch Saturday, various leisure activities are available: hikes, tennis, swimming, reading, napping, conversation. Saturday evening activities bring everyone together. Our Sunday morning worship service is held at the outdoor cathedral, a natural setting where God’s presence can easily be felt.
Those who experience Shrine Mont enjoy treasured memories. With a church the size of St. Stephen’s, attending the parish weekend at Shrine Mont helps both new people and longtime members connect and reconnect, forming relationships that last.
To learn more about Shrine Mont, visit the conference center’s website.