October 23–25, 2026Westminster Benedictine Abbey | Mission, British Columbia, Canada
Led by Jody Garneau, RCC & Marion Bean Moreland, LPC, NCC, ACS
Certified IFS Level 3 Therapists • Divine Mercy University Alumni
🌿 Come Rest in the Heart of Jesus
What to Expect
In a world marked by busyness, striving, responsibility, and weariness, Jesus extends a simple and beautiful invitation: “Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
What if rest is more than simply stopping? Some parts of us long desperately for rest, while other parts don't know how to slow down. We feel the need to keep striving, worrying, controlling, or staying busy but are those parts trying, in their own way, to protect us? And what if Jesus is gently present with all of it? This weekend retreat offers an opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life and enter more deeply into the rest offered by Christ. In the peaceful setting of Westminster Benedictine Abbey, we will explore how Jesus meets us in every part of our interior lives, inviting us to receive His love, experience greater freedom, and grow in trust. Drawing from the wisdom of Scriptures and the Faith, and the compassionate framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS), we will integrate prayer, reflection, experiential exercises, journaling, and the sacramental life of the Church.
Resting in the Heart of Jesus
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is not merely an idea to contemplate—it is an invitation to relationship.
Throughout the weekend, we will reflect on the Heart of Christ as a source of true rest, compassion, healing, and love.
Together, we will explore questions such as:
What makes it difficult for me to rest?
What parts of me are longing for rest?
What parts of me resist slowing down or letting go?
What are my protective parts trying to accomplish for me?
What happens when I allow Jesus to meet these parts with compassion?
How might I receive Christ's love more deeply rather than continually striving to earn it?
What would greater interior freedom look like in my everyday life?
Through the lens of IFS, we will learn to recognize the different “parts” of our interior family and approach them with greater curiosity and compassion—while remaining rooted in our Catholic understanding of the human person and our relationship with Christ.
✨ Retreat Highlights
🌿 Explore the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Reflect on the Heart of Christ as an exemplar and resource for true rest, healing, compassion, and love.
🕊️ Experience IFS through a Catholic lens
Explore Internal Family Systems in a way that honors the Catholic understanding of the person, prayer, grace, freedom, and relationship with God.
❤️ Meet your interior family
Discover the different parts of you that yearn for rest, resist rest, keep striving, or remain watchful and protective.
🙏 Make space for prayer
Participate in guided prayer, personal reflection, journaling, and experiential exercises designed to help you slow down and become more attentive to God's presence.
⛪ Enter the rhythm of the monastery
Experience the peaceful rhythm of Westminster Abbey, including Daily Mass, liturgical chant, Eucharistic Adoration, the bells, mountain and river views, fields and paths, and especially the quiet.
🤲 Journey with an IFS guide
New this year: Experienced IFS colleagues will join us to journey with designated small groups throughout the weekend. These compassionate circles offer an opportunity for more intimate sharing and the support of an IFS-informed guide.
Who Is This Retreat For?
This retreat is open to:
Lay faithful
Religious
Clergy
It is for those who desire greater emotional and spiritual integration and a deeper relationship with Christ.
Some familiarity or experience with Internal Family Systems (IFS) is expected.
Non-Catholic participants are also welcome, provided they are comfortable participating in and respecting the Catholic context of the retreat.
This retreat is intended for participants who are ready to engage personally and compassionately with their interior world in a group setting.
Retreat Details
Dates: October 23–25, 2026
Location: Westminster Benedictine Abbey
Mission, British Columbia, Canada
Retreat Leaders
Jody Garneau, RCC
Marion Bean Moreland, LPC, NCC, ACS
Both Jody and Marion are Certified IFS Level 3 Therapists and Divine Mercy University alumni, bringing together their experience in IFS, trauma-informed care, emotional integration, and the Catholic faith.
Cost & Registration
$585 CAD OR approximately $440 USD
(the USD price may adjust due to the price being set in CAD and we are using the exchange rate to determine USD cost)
$20 discount for Canadian e-transfers
Your retreat fee includes:
Private room with ensuite bathroom (bedding and towels provided)
Five meals, from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch
All retreat sessions
Compassionate circles with a designated small group
Retreat materials
Important Registration Information
Because your room and retreat space are reserved specifically for you, there are no refunds or replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience with IFS?
Some familiarity with IFS is expected.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is intended for participants who are ready to engage personally and compassionately with their interior world in a group setting. Some familiarity or experience with Internal Family Systems (IFS) is expected.
We welcome Catholics and Christians from other traditions who desire a deeper relationship with Jesus and greater emotional and spiritual integration.
Will I have to share personal or vulnerable things with the group?
Personal sharing is always optional. There will be opportunities for reflection and connection, but no one will be pressured to share.
Is this retreat therapy or spiritual direction?
No. This is a retreat for prayer, personal growth, reflection, and learning about IFS in a Catholic context. It is not a substitute for individual therapy or spiritual direction.
Arrival & Departure
When can I arrive on Friday?
Check-in is anytime after 4:00 PM. Registration is 5:00–6:00 PM, and the first session begins promptly at 6:30 PM.
Is there dinner on Friday?
No. Friday dinner is not provided, so please eat before arriving or bring something with you.
Can I attend Vespers?
Yes! The monks pray Vespers at 5:30 PM in the main church.
When does the retreat end?
When do the Abbey gates close?
The gates close at 6:30 PM. Please arrive before then or contact us if you anticipate a later arrival.
Sunday at 2:00 PM.
Travel & Transportation
Which airports are closest?
Abbotsford International Airport (YXX): approximately 25 minutes away.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR): approximately 1 hour 20 minutes away, depending on traffic.
Bellingham International Airport (BLI): approximately 1 hour away, plus border crossing.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): approximately 2 hours 40 minutes away, plus border crossing.
Can I carpool or get transportation from the airport?
We will connect participants who are interested in ride-sharing. We may also be able to coordinate transportation from the West Coast Express station in Mission.
Is there public transportation to the Abbey?
Public transportation is limited. The West Coast Express runs from Vancouver to Mission on Friday afternoons, followed by a short drive to the Abbey. The train does not run on Sundays.
I’m driving from the U.S. Which border crossing should I use?
Common crossings include Douglas, Lynden, and Sumas. Sumas is generally the most direct crossing for reaching Mission. Check current border wait times before traveling.
Meals & Lodging
What meals are included?
Meals are provided Saturday and Sunday. Friday dinner is not included.
What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
The Abbey cannot guarantee accommodations for food allergies. A small kitchen and refrigerator are available for retreatants who need to bring or prepare their own food.
What are the rooms like?
Each participant has a private, single room with a private bathroom and shower. Towels, soap, sheets, blankets, and pillows are provided. Rooms are simple, quiet, and comfortable.
What to Bring
What should I pack?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Clothing suitable for church services
A sweater or warm layer
Toiletries
Rosary, if you have one
Notebook or journal
Water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes
You do not need to bring towels, sheets, blankets, or pillows.
For U.S. Travelers
Do I need a passport to enter Canada?
Yes. A valid passport or other accepted travel document is required when entering Canada by land.
What should I know about crossing the border?
Allow extra time for border delays, particularly Friday afternoon. Keep your passport and retreat information readily accessible. If renting a car, confirm with the rental company that it may be driven into Canada.
What about currency?
Will my U.S. cell phone work in Canada?
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). Most major credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Check with your phone provider regarding Canadian coverage and possible roaming charges.
Registration & Policies
How do I register?
Registration is completed through the retreat registration form. Space may be limited, so early registration is encouraged.
What is the cancellation/refund policy?
There are no refunds. If an unexpected emergency arises, refunds will be handled on a compassionate basis.
Is financial assistance available?
There are limited reduced fee spots. You can inquire if you are interested. There is also an option to pay in installments – please inquire about this.