What is Cornerstone? Women’s Cornerstone is a retreat experience that begins Friday evening, 6:00 - 9:30 pm, continues on Saturday, starting at 7:00 am, and concludes with the 5:00 pm Vigil Mass Saturday evening(no overnight stay at the church).  Cornerstone allows participants (25 years and older) an opportunity to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, reflection, personal witness talks, faith-sharing, and fellowship. Participants - candidates- are invited to reflect on their life journey, recognize God's presence and action in their lives, and encounter Christ as the true Cornerstone. 

The retreat experience fosters spiritual renewal, conversion of heart, and a greater openness to the work of the ​Holy Spirit. By sharing personal stories and faith experiences, participants build meaningful relationships and find support within a caring community of fellow disciples. Many participants discover lasting friendships, spiritual mentorship, and a renewed commitment to ongoing discipleship. ​

Cornerstone is ideal for those seeking to grow in faith and become more deeply connected to the parish community.

Why participate?  There are many worthwhile reasons to consider participating. To see what Cornerstone means for women who have attended, please click on the "Testimonials" content on this page!

How much of my time is involved?  Cornerstone Weekend will be an in-person experience at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church.  There will be NO overnight stay at the church.

• Friday's session begins at 6:00 pm and concludes at 9:30 pm.
• Saturday’s session starts at 7:00 am and ends with the celebration of Mass at 5:00 pm. 

Each candidate is permitted to participate in only one Cornerstone Weekend due to the nature of various activities throughout the experience.  Following the weekend, candidates are encouraged to become members of the Cornerstone Team, which is responsible for planning the following year’s weekend.

Who organizes and coordinates the Cornerstone Weekend?  Each year’s Cornerstone Weekend is planned by the Cornerstone Team, a dedicated group of about 30 women who have all made a Cornerstone Weekend themselves. Spiritual Co-Directors oversee and guide the efforts of teams of women, each team focused on a specific type of work in preparation for the weekend.  The team concept on which Women’s Cornerstone is based helps spread the workload and allows women on the Team to direct their talents and skills to the most appropriate areas.

When and how can I sign up for the weekend? Registration opens in November and closes two weeks before the Cornerstone Retreat Weekend.  

Please note that there is a $90 donation per participant. *Please do not allow financial concerns to prevent you from attending this retreat. For discreet financial assistance information, please contact Cristina Folan (973-538-1358, ext. 105).