Women's Cornerstone Retreat
Friday, February 28, 2025 – Saturday, March 1, 2025
A Gathering of Ordinary Women for an Extraordinary Experience
REGISTER HERE
What is Cornerstone?
Cornerstone is a transformative 26-hour retreat, described by Father John
Barry as "an experience that you have to experience"; It began in a
Catholic parish in New Jersey as a celebration of God’s love and has since
spread to many parishes, including ours. Cornerstone offers women the
opportunity to pause, reflect, renew, and strengthen their faith while
connecting with other women from our community. It’s a chance to build
small, faith-based communities and grow in spiritual connection.
What Can You Expect?
Cornerstone provides a peaceful break from the demands of daily life,
allowing you to take time to connect, and open your heart to God’s loving
presence. It’s a gift you can give yourself—time to reflect on relationships,
blessings, joys, passions, and challenges. The retreat offers a welcoming
environment where you can experience God’s love by connecting with your
own life experiences. During the retreat, you may engage with others as
much or as little as you choose. Whether you seek quiet reflection or
fellowship, there’s space for you.
Since the retreat first began at American Martyrs in 2007, women in our
parish have come together for this deeply moving experience. We invite
you to apply to join us on February 28 for a retreat that promises to uplift,
renew, and inspire you.
Who Should Attend?
Cornerstone is for every woman, regardless of age or life circumstance.
Whether you’re single, married, divorced, a mother, or not, whether you
work outside the home or not—it’s for women of all backgrounds and
experiences. You may attend Mass regularly, sporadically or have been
away from the Church and wish to reconnect, Cornerstone is a welcoming
opportunity to deepen your relationship with God and fellow women in our
church community. There is a place for you here.
Retreat Schedule
The retreat will begin on Friday, February 28, at 5:00 pm and will
conclude on Saturday, March 1, at approximately 8:00 pm. Meals will be
provided at American Martyrs facilities. It is essential that retreatants spend
the night on campus so they can fully immerse themselves in the retreat
experience (some exceptions are understood). From experience,
retreatants were grateful they stayed engaged in the retreat mindset
overnight. Sleeping accommodations are provided.
Registration Details
Space is limited, and all applicants will be notified of their acceptance via
an emailed Welcome Letter. Our goal is to foster a lasting faith community
that extends beyond the retreat itself. Priority registration will be given to
women who are parishioners of American Martyrs Church and are new to
Cornerstone, followed by women who have previously attended,
particularly those who have not attended in two or more years. Registration
closes on January 27, 2025.
Donation Information
Cornerstone retreats are made possible by the generosity of participants
past and present. Your donations support this retreat and help ensure that
no woman is turned away due to financial constraints. While donations are
not required, they are deeply appreciated and help support the retreat and
the ongoing Women's Cornerstone Ministry.
If you wish to contribute, donations can be made:
Online via the donation button on this page
By check through the mail or at the Welcome Desk (payable to American Martyrs Church, with “Women’s Cornerstone” in the memo line) after you have received your emailed Welcome Letter of acceptance.
Sign-in Table at the retreat
Suggested donation amounts are:
$125 – Covers the cost for one participant.
$250 – Covers the cost for one participant and helps sponsor another woman.
$500 – Covers the cost for one participant, sponsors another, and supports the Cornerstone Ministry.
Please note that donations are optional, and no one will be turned away due to financial constraints. Any amount is greatly appreciated and helps ensure that all women can attend. Donating in advance does not guarantee a reservation on the retreat. Donations can be deferred to when you are guaranteed a spot.
Thank you for your generosity.
Questions?
For more information, please contact:
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Cornerstone experience!