Rooted and Rising

A Retreat for Clergy

Wednesday, June 3, 2026, starting at 4 p.m
to Friday, June 5, 2026, ending at 12:30 p.m.
at Five Oaks Retreat Centre

Quick links to sections on this page
Guest Speaker  |  Location  |   Registration  |  Staff Support

Join Us For This Joint Regional Event!

Ministry personnel from  Antler River Waterways, Horseshoe Falls, Shining Waters, and Western Ontatio Waterways regional councils are invited to gather in-person for a clergy retreat at Five Oaks Retreat Centre, located near Paris, Ontario. It is an opportunity to come together and build a collegial relationship with peers from around our region. There will also be down time, with opportunities to socialize with each other.

Step away from the demands of ministry to take a deep breath in the springtime air. Join us for a casual, laid-back retreat to explore practices that keep us grounded in faith and celebrate fresh signs of hope. An engaging conversation, indulgent meals, time outside, and maybe even a nap will help you catch your breath, get your bearings, and rise with courage and joy.

This event is subsidized by the participating regional councils so this clergy retreat will only cost you $250 to attend, part-time ministry personnel and candidates $200.

Space is limited so see below and register early. Deadline for registration is Friday, May 22, 2026. We hope you can join us!

Our Guest Speaker and Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Kristine O’Brien

Rev. Dr. Kristine O’Brien is the Executive Director at Crieff Hills Retreat Centre. She is passionate about good food, practicing kindness, and the need for everyone to live a healthy rhythm of work and rest. After more than twenty years in ordained ministry with the Presbyterian Church in Canada, she completed a Doctor of Ministry Degree with a focus on justice, preaching and hospitality. She is an avid gardener and amateur forager who is also learning the art and skill of farming.

Location: Five Oaks Retreat Centre

Five Oaks is located off Highway 403 between Brantford and Paris on the Grand River. The Centre sits on 116 acres at the confluence of two water ways – a sacred place in indigenous traditions; for others, a “thin place” where the physical and spiritual are closely and deeply experienced.

For more information on Five Oaks please see their website: https://fiveoaks.on.ca/

ADDRESS
Five Oaks Retreat Centre (MAP)
1 Bethel Road,
Paris, Ontario

Directions to Five Oaks Retreat Centre

Our Schedule

Day 3

8:00       Breakfast

9:00       Seasons of Ministry – Rising with the Spirit in Hope 1

10:30     Break/Check out

11:00     Seasons of Ministry – Rising with the Spirit in Hope 2

12:00     Closing Worship

12:30      Lunch and Departure

Registration

This event is subsidized by the participating regions so this retreat will only cost you $250 to attend, $200 if you are working part-time or are a candidate.

Deadline for registration is Friday, May 22, 2026. We hope you can join us!

Staff Support for this event:

For the Tri-Regions