Young Adults Lent Retreat

Interior Peace: Finding God in the Tension of Modern Life

Saturday, March 21

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

St. Thomas, Waterdown

Step Away. Be Still. Listen Again.

Modern life rarely slows down. We live with constant noise, endless demands, and a quiet tension that settles deep in the heart. This Lenten retreat invites young adults to step out of that pressure — for one full day — and rediscover the peace that comes from being rooted in God.

Interior Peace: Finding God in the Tension of Modern Life is a one-day Catholic retreat designed to help you pray honestly, reflect deeply, and encounter Christ in the midst of your real, complicated life.

Meet Your Retreat Guide

Fr. Gregory Merkley was ordained a diocesan priest for the Diocese of Hamilton on May 4, 2019. After serving in several parish assignments, he now serves as Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Known for his pastoral warmth and thoughtful preaching, Fr. Merkley will guide us through prayer and spiritual accompaniment.

Meet Our Speakers

Sr. Roxanne Constance, OP, is a dedicated Dominican Sister of St. Catherine of Siena from Etrepagny, France. Currently serving in Toronto, she passionately commits herself to preaching the gospel through her vibrant way of life and mission. Originally hailing from the beautiful Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Sr. Roxanne embraced the religious life in 2009, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey as a religious sister, a vocation she has cherished for seventeen fulfilling years.

Br. Mathieu Vézina, OP, is a Dominican friar of the Canadian Province based in Toronto. Rooted in the Dominican charism of preaching and study, he serves in a variety of ministries, including parish life, vocations, choir, and broader outreach through speaking and volunteer service. Within his community, he also assists as bursar and webmaster.

Fr. Frank Wagner, CSC is a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross. He was ordained in Port Colborne in 1966. The first 25 years of his ministry were in university campus ministry and teaching at STU/UNB in Fredericton NB and Brock in St. Catharines. During the next 25 years he served as pastor in several Ontario parishes: St. Kevin Welland, St. Ann/St. Joseph/Native Peoples Toronto, and St. Raphael Burlington. He served as director of formation for young Holy Cross religious in Toronto and Montreal and spent seven years at St. Joseph Oratory in Montreal.

Who This Retreat Is For

This retreat is open to Catholic young adults seeking a deeper interior life — whether you feel spiritually strong, spiritually tired, or somewhere in between. No prior retreat experience is necessary.

Come as you are. Bring your questions, your restlessness, and your desire for peace.

Retreat Schedule

9:00 AM – Doors open, Welcome, Praise & Worship
9:30 AM – Opening
9:45 AM – First Meditation w/ Fr. Frank Wagner
10:30 AM – Personal Reflection
11:00 AM – Adoration in Chapel: Exposition
11:15 AM – Second Meditation w/ Sr. Roxanne & Br. Mathieu
12:00 PM – Personal Reflection
12:30 PM – Guided Examination of Conscience
12:45 PM – Benediction
1:00 PM – Catered Lunch
2:00 PM – Indoor & Outdoor Contemplative Activities
2:45 PM – Regroup, Praise & Worship
3:00 PM – Third Meditation w/ Fr. Greg Merkley
3:45 PM – Personal Reflection
4:15 PM – Orientation to Breakout Groups
4:30 PM – Group Sharing & Confessions
5:45 PM – Regroup, Prepare for Mass
6:15 PM – Closing Mass

There will be priests available to hear confessions during the whole day. We are aiming to have time and priests available for every attendee to have their confession heard.