About
History
STIR is a collaboration of Canadian faith communities to support the expansion of spiritual retreats and programs for those recovering from homelessness and addiction across Canada. It was established in 2021 as an affiliate of the international Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) network, which was founded in 1998 in Chicago and operates in over 20 cities worldwide.
Where We Are
Toronto
Our Toronto team began in 2016, providing weekend retreats for men and women hosted by the Sisters of St. Joseph at Villa St. Joseph in Cobourg and facilitated by volunteer retreat teams, along with ongoing spiritual accompaniment to retreat alumni. Retreat facilitator teams include religious and lay people from multiple Christian faith traditions and work experiences, alumni of post-graduate theological and spiritual programs, and alumni of Toronto retreats who are in recovery themselves. Organizations that we partner with include Villa St. Joseph, Regis College, and transitional homes including Alpha House, St. Michael’s Homes, Broadview Homes, and others. For more information please contact toronto@stirretreats.org
Montréal
Our Montréal team is in development and will begin holding retreats in 2023 at Villa Saint Martin, a centre of Ignatian Spirituality run by the Jesuits of Canada. For more information please contact montreal@stirretreats.org
Nova Scotia
Development is currently underway to begin offering STIR retreats in Nova Scotia in the near future. For more information please contact novascotia@stirretreats.org
Your City
Are you interested in bringing STIR to your Canadian city? Please contact us. For ISP in the United States and other countries, visit www.ispretreats.org
STIR Canada Founding Religious Communities
