The Parish Weekend at Shrine Mont

Parish Weekend at Shrine Mont

Dates for 2025 will be announced soon

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.

This is a wholly intergenerational event—all ages welcome!

The weekend, which has traditionally been in mid- to late June, 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 special time together concludes Sunday morning with Eucharist in the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration.

The focus for the 2024 weekend, now concluded, was “Embodying Christ, Encountering Christ: Transformation through relationship,” led by our rector, the Rev. John Rohrs. In her famous call to discipleship, St. Teresa of Avila wrote that Christ has no hands or feet in this world but our own. For centuries these words have inspired the faithful, including the people of St. Stephen’s Church, to serve those in our community and far beyond. But when we serve others we are not the only ones embodying Christ; Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25 that he is fully alive in those who are hungry or thirsty, naked or in prison, sick or estranged. So when we reach out in love to those living on the margins, we not only embody Christ, we also encounter Christ. As we give, we receive. Our own lives are transformed through the power of relationship. Participants explored these themes as they reflected on how to love and serve our neighbors—to be the hands and feet of Jesus—in ways that open our hearts to new life.

In addition to this time for adults, activities were also offered for children and youth.

Costs and Registration

When costs and registration for 2025 are available, they’ll be posted on this page.

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.

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.