The generosity and support of our friends have helped to transform Saint Edmund's Retreat over the past decade into a cutting edge ministry with a national reputation. Gifts both large and small from people who live next door to those who live across the country help us to sustain our programs, maintain our beautiful buildings and grounds, attract outstanding speakers, sacred artists and retreat directors, and complete the capital projects so necessary for our future success.

Here are some of the ways in which our donors have made a difference:

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption was consecrated and dedicated in December of 2002. To date, our friends have contributed an incredible $3.5 million to design, construct and furnish this elegant building, as well as to make some much-needed upgrades to other buildings on the island. Please visit our Capital Gifts web page to find out how you can help us to reach our goal of $4 million.

While we cannot take credit for the sweeping views of Fisher's Island Sound, we have worked hard to upgrade and maintain our grounds in order to provide the atmosphere of quiet reflection that seems to be so essential to those who come here on retreat. So many donors have contributed to this effort by supporting the annual fund, as well as providing memorial gifts in the form of benches, stones, trees and gardens.

We are proud to offer retreats and days of recollections led by accomplished and highly-respected theologians, directors and spiritual guides. Fr. Benedict Groeschel, whose wit, wisdom and inspiring faith have made him a popular guest on EWTN, leads a day of recollection on Enders Island each year. Sister Eugenia Brady's days of recollection and week-long retreats are always filled to capacity, as was Fr. Andrew Apostoli's insightful retreat last summer on Saint Pio. Again, financial support from our friends helps to underwrite the costs associated with offering programs and presenters of this quality.

We have been helping those who are struggling with addiction for the past 35 years. What began as a few informal meetings in a safe environment has evolved into a program that provides fifteen weekend retreats and several weekly meetings each year for 500 men and women who are journeying through the recovery process. Gifts made through the annual fund, our upcoming Golf Tournament, and grants provide the funding needed to close the gap between the revenue we receive from participants and what it actually costs to offer these programs and services.

The Saint Michael Institute for Sacred Art is our newest, and perhaps most innovative, program initiative. We attract master artists in the areas of stained glass, manuscript illumination, iconography and Gregorian Chant and provide workshops and retreats that are intensive, in-depth, and unique. Gifts to the capital campaign enabled us to commission works for the new Chapel by several of these artist/instructors, and donations from the annual fund provide ongoing support for fees, supplies, equipment and other critical expenses.

Gifts of time, treasure and talent make all the difference at Saint Edmund's Retreat. Please click on one of the sidebar options to find out more about how you can become a donor today.