Leadership Conference for Students

Posted on July 23, 2018

The first Westward Leadership Conference for university and high school students was held at UBC May 18-20th. Reviewing the weekend, we are inspired to think of the future leadership events that will take place at our own Copper Ridge Conference Centre.

A total of 20 young women from Vancouver and Calgary attended the 3 day event, exploring the theme of “Canada our gift: unwrapping the next 150 years.” Guest speakers included Mayleen Bugarin on “True Femininity”, Vanessa Park on “Four Temperaments” and I.K. Ero who gave an interactive and inspiring session on “Women of Influence.” The attendees held collaborative sessions on topics such as openness and dialogue, fostering constructive conversations, human dignity, the true meaning of life, truth and relativism, and the perennial favorite: fashion. Another highlight was a day-long Sunday excursion to Squamish to hike the Chief. The weather was perfect and the view was stunning. The conference inspired the girls to practice skills and virtues needed in the challenging atmosphere of moral uncertainty they face in day-to-day life.

- Recently I had occasion to make my annual retreat at the Copper Ridge Retreat Centre of Opus Dei in Britannia Beach. Given that many of the usual venues for retreats were unavailable this year, Opus Dei is to be commended for “stepping up to the plate” so to speak. Mine was the first priest retreat they had ever offered. The spiritual conferences were both uplifting, yet down to earth in the many practical applications made to the priests’ daily life. From the truly beautiful chapel to the magnificent vistas of ocean and mountains from the refectory, it was truly a wonderful setting for prayer and meditation. The entire retreat reflected the love and veneration that the sainted founder of Opus Dei, Jose Maria Escriva, had for the Priesthood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, expressed also in the attention to the details of Divine Worship. Enroll for a retreat at Copper Ridge. You won’t regret it!
  
  —Rev. William F. Ashley, Pastor
- I am one of the fortunate ladies who attended a retreat at the beautiful new Copper Ridge Conference Centre before we were all confined to our homes. The spiritually uplifting meditations and talks, coupled with the beauty of the oratory and the surrounding natural beauty have helped sustain me in faith and hope during this COVID19 pandemic and given me more tools for helping others in their spiritual journey.
  
  —Jessica
- I had seen pictures and read about Copper Ridge. I had talked to people who had participated in activities there. But when I attended a seminar for priests, I was really impressed. The oratory is wonderful: it is so easy to pray while looking at the carving of the Crucifixion and the stained-glass windows. The dining room has a stunning view of Howe Sound, and the kitchen staff did a wonderful job. The rest of the house was great for the classes and informal conversations that made those days of formation and fraternity so special.
  
  —Fr. Salva Rego
- Recently an inaugural Business Seminar was held at Copper Ridge. One participant commented: "To me, it was not just an insightful conference but also a guide to living a good life in the secular world, which makes me courageous and brave to never give up or be part of the norm."
  
  —Aiming Higher Business Seminar participant
- I recently participated in a workshop for priests at Copper Ridge Conference Center and had a wonderful time. The peacefulness and the surrounding beauty of God's creation facilitated a time of fraternity and spiritual formation. Every time I looked out of the window I was reminded to live in the presence of God. The sacred art in the chapel helped me go deeper into the mystery of Our Lord's words to Mary and to St. John at the Crucifixion. Thanks to all who contributed to the construction and to the administration for their generosity and professionalism!
  
  —Fr. Robert A. Gahl
- Having four young children and running a boarding house at a high school filled with 50 teenagers, there are few moments in my day that I can describe as “quiet”. Attending a men’s retreat at Copper Ridge was, in a word, heavenly. It was filled with time to consider how to become closer to God and the perfect space to foster and nurture reflection. On the final day, the unquestionable joy I felt rose in my heart. The benefits of being close to the Blessed Sacrament for such a sustained period helped me grow closer to Our Lord and appreciate at a deeper level what I have been blessed with.
  
  —Mark Wismer
- Opus Dei has succeeded in creating a Canadian Catholic Retreat Centre. Surrounded by the beauty of our BC wilderness, the Holy Eucharist reigns supreme. Strongly recommend it!
  
  —Rev. Juan Lucca
- This is the very best retreat ever…. I feel so at home here; overwhelmed with the beauty and harmony of this place. Thank you for all the love poured into this home for “God with us.” Words don’t do the Chapel justice. I’ll probably go back there in my heart a lot.
  
  —Willa
- Every morning when I walked into the dining room for breakfast, I was astounded by the spectacular view - a true experience of the majesty of God's creation. The food was always delicious and the attention to detail made one feel at home. Both the beautiful chapel and the natural surroundings helped foster an atmosphere of prayer. I wish to thank the administration for a wonderful experience of "convivencia"
  
  —Fr. Jason Kuntz
- The experience I had when first driving up to Copper Ridge was reaffirming - I felt a calm presence of the Holy Spirit - something I wasn't expecting but needed. I feel grateful that I live so close by to a place that provides such a unique opportunity for growth, connection and community. I guarantee any event here, whether business, networking or retreat is completely worthwhile, and you'll be looking to sign up for more.
  
  —Erica
- Copper Ridge Conference Centre is Spectacular: As you walk into the Centre's dining room you look down into Howe Sound in all its splendour of calm water and Anvil and Gambier Islands. It is so easy to lift your arms in exaltation and sing the popular Church hymn: Sing to the mountains, sing to the sea, or simply sing a heart song as I did. The chapel's floor to ceiling stained glass windows are only surpassed by the life sized statuary of Mary and John looking up at the Crucified Christ. He in turn gazes down at them. The scene is captivating and realistic! Down the road from the Centre and up a short trail and there is Mary in a natural grotto setting. Two outdoor pews and kneelers accommodate a small group who come to honor Our Lady. Behind the Centre is a mountain side full of cedars, firs and hemlocks and trails for various hikes. In front of the Centre lies the spectacular inland waterway of Howe Sound. The meals are ample and satisfying. Guests dine while seabirds glide in the sea breezes.
  
  —Anonymous
- Everything about CRCC takes one out of the ordinary. The views of Howe Sound are breathtaking. The physical space of the centre is beautiful, serene, and generous. The retreat itself is quiet, directed, silent, with ample time to pray, speak to the priest, attend meditations and talks or sit quietly in natural light and think or read. Nothing feels forced or overly rigorous. Everything at CRCC demonstrates what a more committed, more spiritual life could be. It allows retreatants to experience what it means to be in the world but not entirely of the world. We leave lighter in spirit, less burdened by life, renewed in heart. We are grateful.
  
  —M. Scoretz
- I attended a Priests' Workshop in July 2023 at Copper Ridge and marvelled at the beauty of the place. Set high above Howe Sound and overlooking the surrounding islands and mountain peaks, the natural beauty was breathtaking, and made it easy to see the handiwork of the Divine Artist. The conference center itself was well designed and exceptionally clean, with a beautiful chapel, stunning views from the patio and dining room, and unusually large bed and bathrooms. The food was delicious and always beautifully presented, and the staff was meticulous in their attention to detail. I heartily recommend a visit to Copper Ridge.
  
  —Fr. Justin Pulikunnel

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