Testimonials

“Easily accessible by car or train, the new Retreat House at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Rosemont is a delight! They are so welcoming and the food is delicious. The meeting and guest rooms (which are charmingly named in deference to great saints of the Christian faith) are comfortable, spacious, and well-supplied. Engaging all the best practices of the great monastic retreat centers, the Retreat House is exceptionally suitable for Church groups; however, a business or secular retreat group would not feel unwelcomed in the slightest! The hard work of the enthusiastic volunteer staff for this ministry is of professional quality, but even more importantly, is deeply and genuinely rooted in their abiding love for Jesus Christ (the Good Shepherd) and in their renewed  purpose and mission of hospitality to all who seek rest and retreat. “

 -The Very Reverend William L. Ogburn, SCP (Rector, Saint Paul’s Carroll Street, Brooklyn)

“The Rosemont Community Retreat House is a blessing to the area. It provided me with a place where I could step away from a hectic schedule for a personal retreat. My time there was one of quietness and stillness with the backdrop of Good Shepherd Parish, which allowed for an immersion in prayer and beauty.”

 -J. Ivan Ruiz (Ministry Associate and Office Administrator at St. John the Baptist Church (Episcopal), York, PA)

“The retreat house at Good Shepherd, Rosemont, retains all its old, Victorian, charm from its days as the capacious Rectory to the parish; but its quiet location, and its contiguity to the church itself, make it an ideal place for prayer, rest and reflection. It can be used for solitude and personal retreat, or as a place to bring groups for quiet days or longer periods of spiritual and theological reflection. The daily round of office, eucharist, and splendid liturgical music on Sundays next door at the church is an extra boon for all retreatants.’

-The Rev. Dr. Sarah Coakley (formerly Norris-Hulse Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, UK)

“Our time at the Retreat House was wonderful. From the welcome respite offered by the comforts of the guest house to the gracious hospitality of the hosts, it was a pleasure to retreat at the Good Shepherd Retreat House. We look forward to bringing other groups and enjoying the same welcome.”

–The Rev. Burl Salmon (Rector of the Falls Church, Falls Church, VA)

“Both of my visits to Rosemont Retreat House have been filled with gifts of prayer, camaraderie, enlightenment, good conversations, and abundant hospitality. I was amazed at how easily we fell into the pattern of regular worship offered at Church of the Good Shepherd, and how comfortable we all felt in doing the work of retreating briefly from the world in order to return to it more ready than ever to do the work God has given us to do.”

–Sonya Subbayya Sutton (President, The Association of Anglican Musicians)

“In addition to the formal Instruments, "shared history and bonds of affection" are said to be what binds the Anglican Communion together. At the Rosemont Community Retreat House, these are made real in warm hospitality, collegial prayer, and life-giving conversation about our faith and the work God has given us to do. I was by turns challenged, affirmed, and encouraged, both as a Christian and a priest, and I came away full of hope -- that what I had seen and experienced there might benefit others as well, and grow through the wider Church.”

–The Rev. Blake Sawicky (Rector, St. Mark’s Church (Episcopal), Berkeley, CA) 

“After a taxing semester at seminary, it was a joy to spend a few days of prayer and rest at the Rosemont Community Retreat House. We were welcomed by the whole parish with food, conversation, and their daily rhythm of the Office. Fr. Kyle and our other presenter were kind, learned, and generous with their time and expertise. All in all, it was a wonderful retreat -- I will certainly be back!”

–Anonymous

“Father Kyle and Ruth provided inspiration, guidance, and encouraged mindful artistry for my chanting skills. The one-on-one sessions, pointing collects and gospel readings with Father Kyle and improvising on Psalms with Ruth, expanded my approach to working with and honoring the texts. Rosemont Community Retreat House serves as a place for fellowship, focus, reflection, and rest. Leading evensong was challenging and satisfying, and I had an opportunity to prayerfully exercise what we were learning in our chant workshops.” 

-Tom Conroy, Virginia Theological Seminary

"My time at the chanting retreat was the perfect balance of restful and useful. I feel more prepared and excited for future ministry after the time I spent practicing chanting. Fr. Kyle and Ruth were wonderful teachers, the community was kind and hospitable, the retreat house was comfortable, and the food was delicious. This is a wonderful place to take time for prayer, rest, and learning." 

-Anna Wiley, Virginia Theological Seminary