Located in beautiful Alexandria in the heart of North Glengarry
ABOUT US
Maison Shalom House exists to provide opportunities to the people of our various communities
to access spiritual/religious services, to teach, to congregate, to exchange ideas, to celebrate, to inspire,
all in the name of God.
OUR VISION
To become a leader as a retreat centre in enabling the people of our communities to know, to grow, and to lead in spreading God’s love and His message.
WHAT WE DO
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OUR COMMUNITY
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A Brief History of Maison Shalom House
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One of Bishop LaRocque’s first initiatives when he arrived in the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall was to develop a new diocesan retreat centre. On October 17, 1974, the Sisters of the Holy Cross donated Iona Academy, located in St. Raphael's to the Diocese for $1.
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In July 1975, Fr. Donald Scott was appointed to oversee the renovations and opening of Maison Shalom House. This became a true diocesan affair as many groups and individuals contributed money, items and time to the cause.
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On October 14, 1976, Bishop LaRocque officially opened Maison Shalom House.
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Under the guidance of Sr. Jeannine Bissonnette, s.s.c.j., and Sr. Georgette Thibault, s.s.c.j., Maison Shalom House grew into a successful and popular centre of spiritual growth. During the 32 years that Shalom was located in St. Raphael’s more than 84,00 people were welcomed.
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On February 4, 2008, the Poor Clares donated their Alexandria convent to the Diocese for $2 (inflation!) Under the direction of Sr. Alice Laurin, s.a.s.v., the diocesan retreat centre moved to this new more modern facility. Following Sr. Alice's retirement at the end of 2017, Sr. Sue Burns, c.s.c., took over the reigns of Shalom.
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In 2021, a partnership between the Archdiocese and St. Finnan's Basilica and the other parishes located in North Glengarry was forged. Fr. Jonathan Blake, the rector of the Basilica, along with a management board now oversees Shalom. And so a new chapter begins.
On October 14, 1976, Bishop LaRocque officially opened Maison Shalom House. The day to day operations of Shalom were entrusted to Sr. Jeannine Bissonnette, s.s.c.j., and Sr. Georgette Thibault, s.s.c.j.
For 32 years, Sr. Jeannine and Sr. Georgette, lovingly oversaw Maison Shalom House and grew it into a successful and popular centre of spiritual growth. During their tenure, more than 84,00 people were welcomed to Shalom.
Sr. Georgette was the quiet one of the pair, but that did not stop her from making her own indelible mark. She was a wonderful artist who made all the banners for Shalom and for St. Raphael's parish. She was also a great seamstress and amazing cook. She was dedicated to Maison Shalom House was our own Sainte Thérèse de l'enfant-Jésus.
Well done, good and faithful servant. (Matthew 25:21)