The Parish Weekend at Shrine Mont
June 26-28, 2026
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 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’s plans
While this is the weekend when we usually have our parish retreat at Shrine Mont, this year it will be a more relaxed schedule without a formal program or structure. Many regular members of our planning team were not able to help or attend this year, so we decided to conserve our staff resources and put that energy into a year of recalibration as we consider the best format and timing for future St. Stephen’s retreats at Shrine Mont, a place that remains near and dear to our hearts.
Fortunately, Shrine Mont welcomes us sending parishioners for a more relaxed, self-organized, and fellowship-based weekend, which will still feature many of the elements that we have come to love–pool time and pickleball, bonfires and butt buns, morning hikes and nighttime prayers. Shrine Mont’s 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!
We hope you’ll join us!
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. Costs for adults are lower this year than usual since we are not covering programming and staff expenses.
- All registrations, including payments, are due by April 22. 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.
Double occupancy, $200 per person
Single occupancy (if available), $260 per person
Children (ages 4 through 13)
$135 per person
Children age 3 and under
No charge
Cancellations
Cancellations made prior to April 24 will receive a full refund. Any cancellations on or after April 24 will be subject to the terms of our contract with Shrine Mont and may be eligible for a full or partial refund.
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.
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.
Traditionally, the weekend offers a mix of planned activities and time on your own. For the 2026 weekend, things will be looser than usual, since there will be no staff-led program this time around.
Various leisure activities are available: hikes, tennis, swimming, reading, napping, conversation.
Sunday morning worship takes place in the Shrine, 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.