Event Planning and Services We Offer

Summer Mass Schedule at the Shrine
Mass will be held in the Shrine Chapel at 1:30 p.m. every Sunday starting on the first Sunday after Memorial Day and ending on the first Sunday of September.

Weddings

Personal Retreats
Many persons find that they are looking for a special place to make a private retreat and the Shrine is one of these places. Individuals may make personal retreats at the Shrine by reserving one of the following facilities: the Hermitage, LeVasseur Cabin, Post Office Cabin or Little Flower Retreat. (See Lodge & Cabin Rentals).

Retreatants should plan on handling their own food needs and they can bring own sleeping bags or linens or request to rent the use of Shrine linens. Those who want the possibility of meeting with a Spiritual Direction can discuss such with the Shrine Director by contacting Thomas Fitterer at (907) 780-6112.

Caretakers Information
The Shrine of St. Therese has caretakers who actually live on site at the Caretakers House. The current caretakers are Jody and Marcia Liliedahl and their many tasks includes opening and closing the facilities, checking in and orientating those who come for retreats, fine cleaning the facilities, at times catering meals for groups, setting up for Chapel and other Liturgies, keeping tabs on the Shrine environment to make sure it remains conducive for its Mission, making repairs as needed, and a whole host of other assignments too numerous to mention. The Shrine Caretakers Site can be reached by phone (907) 789-9815 or by contacting the Shrine e-mail address shrinecaretaker@hotmail.com

Family Reunions
Numerous families gather annually at one of the Shrine facilities to hold their reunions or family gatherings. The Shrine of St. Therese environment is especially inviting for all people of all ages. Besides the scenic beauty of the ocean views with snowcapped mountains as a backdrop, there are colorful gardens that abound the grounds. Frequently, too, wildlife--from eagles to marmots-- can be seen around the Shrine acres, and it is common for whales, sea lions, and seals to display themselves to the viewer a relatively few feet from the Shrine shore. The facilities, Lodge, Jubilee Cabin, Little Flower Retreat, and other smaller cabins (See also Lodge & Cabins) are comfortable and inviting, and we encourage interested persons to contact the Shrine Office at (907) 780-6112 or e-mail fitterer@gci.net

Organized Retreats
Besides the growing number of facilities being used for family reunions, numerous other groups--church, wholistic organizations, service agencies, Twelve Step, governmental agencies, etc.--find the peaceful environment of the Shrine most conducive for retreats or workshops, and once the serene environment is experienced, many return for repeated future retreats/workshops. The Shrine staff tries to meet the needs of the people where they are at, providing sets of linens as needed, catering food if desired, and in general trying to help the user find their time at the Shrine one of renewal. (See also Lodge & Cabins, Catering, etc.)

Catering
If meals are desired by the group using one of the larger facilities, such can generally be provided. The caretakers are generally the persons who prepare and provide for the food needs of those desiring this service. For more information on this topic and prices for meals, contact the Shrine Office at (907) 780-6112 or e-mail fitterer@gci.net

Funerals/Memorial Services
Generally, funerals of the late loved ones are held in their respective community churches, however on occasion there is a request to have a particular funeral at the Shrine Chapel. Memorial Services, too, are held at the Shrine Chapel by arrangement through the Shrine Office. On Memorial Day each spring, a special Liturgy is held at the Shrine Columbarium for the deceased. The military dead are especially remembered on this day; in addition, loved ones of those interred at the Shrine and others no longer living, are also well remembered. Annually, on All Soul's Day, November 2nd, there is a special Liturgy held in the Shrine Chapel to particularly remember all those loved ones who are no longer physically present in our midst. Following the Liturgy, a procession moves to the Shrine Columbarium for a blessing ceremony of the deceased and the Columbarium grounds. See also FAQ #8.

Picnics
Individual, couples families, and small groups are encouraged to come out for a picnic at the Shrine of St. Therese to enjoy the blessings of creation in the air, on the land, and in the water. Please do spend time savoring the uniqueness and serenity of the Shrine of St. Therese.

Laundry Service
At this point in time, the Shrine does not have a laundry service available at the Shrine for retreatants. Those visiting are encouraged to bring enough changes for their stay and anyone staying a more lengthy time may find that they can seek laundramat services at Auke Bay in the Squirres Rest Building.

For more information on event planning and services at the Shrine contact Thomas Fitterer at 907-780-6112 or e-mail: fitterer@gci.net