WHAT IS THE CORNERSTONE MINISTRY?

The Cornerstone Ministry is a group of women who have attended a Cornerstone Retreat. We continue to gather together to revitalize and deepen our spiritual lives through a combination of group gatherings, meditations, inspirational meetings, prayer, and outreach activities.  Some of our group also plans the Cornerstone Retreats for women at Our Lady of Consolation.

Over recent years, Cornerstone Sisters have:

• held 26-hour spiritual retreats at OLC; 

• held Saturday morning retreats with guest speakers, spiritual presentations, and more; 

• coordinated OLC’s “Sign-a-Card” projects to distribute Christmas cards to residents in the local adult care facilities;

• attended an “Afternoon of Bible Stories and Songs of Faith” presentation at Christ the King Church in Jersey City;

• volunteered to serve lunch at Eva’s Village in Paterson;

• attended weekend retreats at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey; 

• enjoyed fantastic BBQs and picnics at OLC;  

• held monthly chat sessions with engaging and interesting conversations;

• gathered for joyful Christmas dinner celebrations;

• volunteered for holiday gift wrapping to benefit victims of domestic violence; and

• hosted Labyrinth Weekend in the OLC Ministry Center for parishioners to walk a meditative path, integrating body, mind, and spirit for prayer and self-reflection.

WHAT IS A CORNERSTONE RETREAT?

Cornerstone is a retreat that provides the opportunity to reflect, renew, and strengthen your faith while meeting other women who are looking to grow in a Christian community.  It is a celebration of God's love… and it’s a personal experience!

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

The Cornerstone Retreat is a chance to step out of the hustle of daily life.  It is a time to pause, a time to connect, and a time to open your heart to God’s loving embrace.  It’s a gift you can give yourself, and it’s your time… to reflect on relationships… on blessings… on joys… on passions… and even on challenges.  It’s a welcoming environment where you are free to participate as much, or a little as you like – you choose what’s right for you.  Women in our parish have shared this soulful treasure since the retreat first came to Our Lady of Consolation in 2011.  It’s an opportunity to give yourself the gift you deserve.  The team of women leading our Cornerstone Retreat will be eager to share this special time with you. They will be dedicated to ensuring an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality.  We look forward to you experiencing Cornerstone with our parish.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Cornerstone isn’t for one type of woman. It is for working and non-working women, mothers and non-mothers, married, single and divorced women and women of all ages. It is for women who attend Mass regularly, as well as for those who have been away from the Church and want to reconnect. It is for anyone looking for a deeper connection to God, self, and other women within our church community. There is a place in Cornerstone for everyone.

OUR SCHEDULE

The next Cornerstone Retreat for new retreatants is a 12-hour retreat on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Please click here for additional details and the registration form to attend. Thank you.

QUESTIONS?  WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Please email our Cornerstone Ministry Leaders: Emily Henel ([email protected]) and/or Renee Brady ([email protected]).