If you live in St. Albert, chances are you know where the Star of the North is. You may even have been here for a retreat, a meeting, a reception or another event. But I wonder how many people really know what the Star is—and what happens here.
That’s why we’re opening our doors on Sunday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whether you have never been inside the Star or haven’t visited in a while, we invite you to come and see what is here.
The Star of the North is a ministry of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and has been part of the St. Albert community for more than 60 years. At its simplest, it is a place to retreat: to step away from the noise and busyness of everyday life and have some time to pray, reflect and rest.
But I think the Star is more than that.
It is a place where people come together. Parishes gather here. Schools and organizations hold meetings and retreats. People come for workshops, conferences and faith formation. Some come for a personal retreat, while others simply need somewhere quiet to think, pray or have a conversation that matters.
And then there is the garden.
Star Garden is a cooperative urban garden focused on ecologically sustainable practices such as organic, deep-mulch and no-till gardening. It has grown from a patch of lawn into a thriving community garden, producing food for local families while providing opportunities for education, volunteering and learning about environmental stewardship.
The garden is a good example of what we mean when we talk about caring for our common home. It isn’t simply about growing vegetables. It is about how we live in relationship with creation and with one another. Rainwater is collected and used in the garden, organic materials are put to use, and no-till gardening helps maintain the integrity of the soil. Much of what is grown is shared with people in our community who need it.
This seems particularly fitting during the Season of Creation, when Christians around the world are invited to reflect on our relationship with creation and our responsibility to care for our common home. At the Star, care for creation is not just something we talk about. It is something we are learning to put into practice.
That is really what the Star is about.
It provides space. Space to think. Space to pray. Space to have meaningful conversations. Space to reconnect with ourselves, with others, with God and with creation.
The Star’s vision is “Awaken to Spirit – Transform the World.” Its mission is to offer a sacred space of hospitality and healing, to support people in their growth and service of others, and to engage the community in care of all creation.
The Star has been here for generations, but that doesn’t mean it belongs in the past. We are continually asking what the Star can be for the Church and for our community today—and what people need from a place like this.
So, on September 13, come and explore.
Walk the grounds, visit the garden, explore the spaces, meet some of the people who make the Star what it is, and perhaps take a few minutes to simply slow down.
You may discover that the Star is more than you thought it was.
-Serena Shaw, director of communications and promotions at the Star of the North Retreat Centre
