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Sacred Ground Capital Campaign 
Loyola House insulation and siding renovations are now complete!
We are so grateful to our Campaign donors who have made these initiatives possible.
For more information, please contact the Campaign Assistant 519 824 1250 ext 257 or
click here to email.
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UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES & EVENTS
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Orchard Park Office Centre Expressions of Interest (EOI)
 Deadline Extended to March 1, 2016
In the late 1990s, Ignatius College became 'Orchard Park' (OP) renting out to commercial tenants. For the last 20 years the Jesuits, Managements and Boards of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre have attempted to create a well-used and viable building. Engineering reports and appraisals had shown that OP is in need of major repairs and we cannot take on these capital expenses.
As a result the EOI was sent out in September 2015 to solicit solutions from builders, developers, contractors and property owners to identify new uses for OP. The deadline for submissions was originally November 30, 2015 but as a result of the responses we have received we have extended the deadline to March 1, 2016.
Proposed uses for the Building will take into consideration that it is located at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre - home to the spiritual and ecological ministries of Loyola House, Ignatius Farm, and the Ignatius Old-Growth Forest.
Strong preference will be given to a long-term lease proposal as opposed to actually selling the building. In considering all proposals, accommodation of our existing tenants at OP will be considered. When asked what this means for the Ignatius Jesuit Centre here in Guelph we trust that we will be here for another 100 years!
for the EOI.
Christmas Gift Baskets from the Farm!
A half-bushel basket with our farm fresh organic vegetables and extra treats from local organic farms: ·
Tuckamore
honey
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Althaea Herb Farm
Herbal tea
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Apple Creek Farm
apple butter
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Snyder Heritage Farm
maple syrup. $45 (with 2 extra treats) & $60 (with 4 extra treats). Prepaid orders will be taken until Mon December 7. Click here for more information, request your prepaid order with Mary.
Ignatius Farm Registrations for 2016
2016 Community Garden Plots and Community Shared Agriculture shares may be purchased at 2015 prices with payment at Loyola House by Feb. 1 2016.
Click here for the registration form.
Ignatius Farm Seeking Aspiring Farmers
We are seeking individuals who have a keen desire to learn the practices and principles of growing food organically, who are interested in building friendships and community, who are enthusiastic, curious and open to new ideas. We are committed to
making this internship a learning experience, and we expect hard work, commitment to the guiding principles of our farm, and the ability to work as part of a larger team.
We offer three internship programs:
1)
Summer Novice : Mid April to end of August
2) Full Season Novice: Mid April to mid November
3) Senior: End of March to end of November
Find out more about our farm's outward bound learning experience in our information package. Applications will be received from December through to Monday, February 1st. Candidates of interest will be contacted to schedule an on farm interview. Applications or inquiries can be sent by email
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Road to Bethlehem
A live nativity for all
Sat. December 5 @ 5:30-8pm
here at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre
A collaborative Christmas tradition by Guelph area churches. "The Road to Bethlehem" is an ecumenical event meant to honour the common origins of our respective faith journeys. This event comprises a brief pilgrimage at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre with character in costume and a manger surrounded by sheep, donkeys, a llama and even hay. Guests will meet villagers along the road who will share their understanding of this amazing good news. Guests will also have to sign the "census book" as imposed by the Roman rulers. While carols are being sung, a few comforting bonfires will warm and lighten the way. After completing the walking tour, attendees can enjoy hot cider, cookies, live music and conversation in the main hall. Free-will donations are most welcome. For more information contact Sharleen at 519 836 2726 or by email.
The Jesuit Community of Guelph OPEN HOUSE
This Sunday - December 6 @ 2-5pm
Loyola House, Ignatius Jesuit Centre
Mark your calendars and join us for this year's Open House: Celebration of Advent (or anything else you want to celebrate!). This gathering is hosted by the Jesuit Community of Guelph and held at Loyola House, 5420 Hwy 6 N, Guelph. Hope to see you there!
Winter Solstice Gathering 
Sat. December 19 @ 3:53pm
St. Brigid's Villa at Ignatius Jesuit Centre
We'll tell the sacred story of the creation of the universe, share our prayers for the new year, and celebrate with supper from the Loyola House kitchen.
Cost: $16.53 at the door; $12 if you pre-register by Dec. 15; $5 children; family rates available.
Dress warmly as we intend to be outside! To register contact the registrar at 519 824 1250 ext 266 or by email. To see event poster, click here.
Note - our monthly Earth prayer will not be held in December, consider coming out to the Winter Solstice Gathering instead!
Loyola House invites your help in a research project on ecology
We are participating in a study by Dr. Janet Groen of the University of Calgary, as described in her letter below. She needs people who've come to Loyola House to answer her survey. Dr. Groen participated in our retreat "Cultivating Earth's Hope" last July. Loyola House is one of five retreat houses in North America included in the study. We hope her research will help advance the work of ecological education and conversion.
Click here
for Dr. Groen's letter.
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A Taste of Italy 2016 
Our 2015 was such a popular event, we've planned for another series of Wednesday evening dinners for 2016! The dates are April 20, June 15, and September 28. A tasty gift! Tickets are $60 ea or $150 for all three dinners. You can purchase by
email or by calling 519 824 1250.
Consider a Gift Certificate towards -
- A retreat at Loyola House
- An Ignatius Farm CSA share
- An Ignatius Farm Community Garden Plot
- Or a donation towards one of our programs in honour or memory of someone dear
Call 519 824 1250 for more information on purchasing a gift certificate or by email. Deadline for Christmas gift certificates is Fri December 18 at noon.
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Ignatius Old-Growth Forest - The Year at a Glance
It has been a busy and productive year for the Ignatius Old-Growth Forest; thanks to everyone who contributed this year, with their gifts of time and financial support. Some of our achievements include: 
- Securing a Conservation Easement of the project site with Ontario Farmland Trust
- Planting 1,500 native trees and shrubs
- Rehabilitating an acre of land that was predominately invasive species
- Engaging almost 600 volunteers and students for 1,600 hours of help!
- 4 new bench donations and installations
- The official trail opening of the James Profit S.J. and The Creation Trails
- New information boards, trails maps and directional signs
For more information or to volunteer on the project, contact Martin Tamlyn at 519 824 1250 ext 224 or by
email.
From the Loyola House Kitchen
Be sure to check out the Loyola House kitchen blog. Look for a new post this week!
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LOYOLA HOUSE RETREATS & PROGRAMS
For all of our retreats, please
click here
to register online. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars. For more information: 519 824 1250 ext 266 or
click here
to email.
Click here
to see the 2015-2016 Loyola House Programs booklet for more program options.
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NEW! Searching for Wisdom with Thomas Merton Preached Retreat
March 11-13 2016
Cost: $260 (live-in), $160 (commuting)
Facilitated by Eric Jensen, SJ. Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk, contemplative hermit, pacifist and peace activist, prolific writer and poet, and a renowned authority on Buddhism. There will be four hour-long presentations, plus a session for discussion and a sharing of ideas, and opportunity for brief individual sessions. Aimed at all who are searching. Eucharist will be offered each morning, and there will be ample opportunity to explore our 600 acres of lands, woods, creeks and streams. Click here to register online
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Directed Prayer Weekend Retreat
February 19-21 2016 / March 4-6 2016
Cost: $260 (live-in) / $160 (commuting) 
This retreat is beneficial for both beginners and experienced retreatants. As the directors listen to you, they will respond and guide according to your desires and needs. If you are new to the retreat experience, your director will provide guidance to help with your prayer and the atmosphere of silence.
Click here
to register online.
Directed Retreats
January 15-20 2016 (5-Day)
January 27-February 4 2016 (8-Day)
February 9-17 2016 (8-Day) - half-price for new retreatants ($396)
Cost: 5-Day $495; 8-Day $792
A directed retreat provides you with individual direction in an environment of silence and prayer, facilitating a deepening of your relationship with God. Click here to register online.
Finding Your Way Weekend Retreat
February 19-21 2016
Cost: $260 (live-in), $160 (commuting)
Are you wondering about your next step in life? Come to this silent and guided retreat designed for people who need time and support in decision making. Includes a few talks, personal prayer time and assistance in discernment. Click here
to register online.
Lenten Taize Weekend Retreat
February 26-28 2016
Cost: $260 (live-in) / $160 (commuting)
Facilitated by Erik Oland, S.J., Tarcia Gerwing
This retreat follows the Taize monastic pattern of morning, noon, and evening prayer. This weekend also provides input and the opportunity of group sharing. There are times of silence, but this retreat is not totally silent. Click here to register online.
Knowing the Heart of Jesus
March 4-6 2016
Cost: $260 (live-in) / $160 (commuting)
Treat yourself to a time of prayerful rest with the One who loves you and longs to share his heart with you, inviting you to, "learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29). A silent guided retreat. Click here to register online.
Finding God in the Dark 
March 4-7 2016
Cost: $297
Facilitated by Marilyn Gostlin
A guided retreat includes viewing a movie each day, as well as praying with corresponding scripture. Learn methods of prayer, new ways of seeing a movie, discerning how much of our reality or our imagination is brought into our viewing. Individual direction will be available. Space is limited. Click here to register online.
NEW! Searching for Wisdom with Thomas Merton Preached Retreat
March 11-13 2016
Cost: $260 (live-in), $160 (commuting)
Facilitated by Eric Jensen, SJ. Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk, contemplative hermit, pacifist and peace activist, prolific writer and poet, and a renowned authority on Buddhism. There will be four hour-long presentations, plus a session for discussion and a sharing of ideas, and opportunity for brief individual sessions. Aimed at all who are searching. Eucharist will be offered each morning, and there will be ample opportunity to explore our 600 acres of lands, woods, creeks and streams. Click here to register online.
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