Why join us? Shrine Mont is the home of the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration — the open-air cathedral of the Diocese of Virginia. It is “a place where people give thanks to God for his creation — from the beauty of the streams, flowers and wildlife which are at home here, to the people who come to this place to celebrate being part of the family of God.” Emmanuel’s annual parish weekend at Shrine Mont is designed to bring us together for fellowship, recreation, reflection, worship and song.
Anyone who wants to relax and share fellowship in a beautiful setting should come! Shrine Mont is a special place for all people - individuals, couples and families. Meals are included and everything is taken care of; you can do as much or as little as you desire. The slow pace, beautiful surroundings, and free time provide an opportunity for new and longtime members to connect and reconnect.
What will I do while I am there? You can take part in as many (or as few!) activities as you’d like! Emmanuel activities include intergenerational games, campfire s’mores, prayer boat making (to set afloat at evening Compline), Sunday morning worship at the outdoor cathedral and more! You can also bike, hike, swim, fish, play pickleball or tennis or just sit on the porch and enjoy the view. The Shenandoah Music Festival takes place on both Friday (band TBA) and Saturday (Hot Strings & Cool Breezes) evenings. You can buy tickets but most of us listen from the porch.
Activities designed for children are part of the program! Many kids bring bikes or scooters to ride (remember to bring helmets!) Older kids enjoy exploring the property with a freedom they often don’t have at home.
Emmanuel’s primary activity space for the weekend is the Ladies’ Parlor, a large room on the 2nd floor of the main building (the Virginia House). Parishioners stay in several neighboring cottages as well as rooms in the Maryland House. Bedrooms are for one or two people with simple twin beds and a fan. Some rooms have a private bathroom and others share one in the hall. Meals are buffet style in a large dining hall in Virginia House. For more information, see the Shrine Mont website at www.shrinemont.com.
What should I bring? Bring your friends and family! Attendees often bring folding chairs, flashlight, sweatshirt, rain gear, extra fan, water bottle, games, favorite pillow, extra towels, pool towels, sports equipment, lawn games to share, sturdy shoes and a smile. Cell service is minimal. Wifi is available in the Virginia House lobby. Bring your own beverages to enjoy in your room or to share. We will have coolers in the Ladies’ Parlor to keep drinks cold.
Do not bring pets, radios, boom boxes, squirt guns, or water balloons. Skateboards and roller blades are not permitted. Fireworks, firearms and smoking are also not allowed at Shrine Mont.
How do I get there? The trip is about 1½ hours by car and directions will be provided when you register. We will do our best to arrange shared rides if you don’t want to drive yourself.
How do I sign up? Return the form to the church office with payment to Emmanuel Episcopal Church (check memo: Shrine Mont) or by mail (P.O. Box 38, Greenwood, VA 22943) or email [email protected]. You will receive an email acknowledgement when your form is received. In August we will send directions, schedule, and other information.
Launching of the prayer boats is an annual tradition.
Registration and Rates Make checks payable to Emmanuel Episcopal Church with Shrine Mont in the memo. Return the form and payment to church or the church office as noted on the form. For ease of accounting, please pay by check or cash at the office. To pay online by credit card, use this link.
Rates Full weekend rates are per person and include two nights lodging and six meals, access to pool, trails, and all on-site activities. There is a $575 maximum fee per family for the weekend. We welcome friends and guests, but do not include them in the family maximum. Please add them at per person rate.
Fees Per Person Adults (sharing a room): $225 each Full Weekend / One Night: $113 Adult (single room): $255 each Full Weekend / One Night: $128 Children (ages 4-13): $145 each Full Weekend/ One Night: $73 There is a $575 maximum per family. All fees are subsidized by fundraising to keep costs down.
Day visitors are welcome as well! ( Daytime visitors' costs reflect the number of meals eaten while there: Breakfast $19.00 Lunch $21.00 Dinner $24.00.)
If you wish to receive financial assistance, see our rector, The Rev. John T. Thomas or email [email protected].