1-2-5 Campaign

There’s a beautiful moment in the Gospel (John 21: 4-6) when the disciples, after a long night of fishing with empty nets, are ready to give up. Exhausted and discouraged, they hear Jesus’ gentle voice urging them to try once more — to cast their nets on the other side, in waters where they least expect a catch. And to their amazement, those empty nets are suddenly overflowing. It’s a tender reminder that God often meets us in the most unexpected places, offering abundance where we thought there was nothing left.
At the Martha Retreat Centre, we witness this same mystery unfolding every day. In a world that often feels hurried and heavy, people arrive carrying burdens they barely have words for. And yet, in the quietness of the chapel, in the warmth of a welcoming smile, in the stillness of a peaceful grounds, they encounter grace. It might come through a conversation, a silent prayer, or a moment of rest — and often in ways they never anticipated.
For 125 years, the Sisters of St. Martha have served with love and hospitality. The order was founded in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and their charism was rooted in Gospel Hospitality. Meeting the needs of the people in their communities became one of their central ministries. Many people came alongside them, and together they served directly in the Lethbridge community for over 90 years — building the Martha Retreat Centre in 1967 and opening its doors in 1968. Over the years, they touched the lives of many.
When you think about your own journey with the Martha Retreat Centre, how did it begin? Did you experience genuine love, acceptance, and a warm welcome that keeps you coming back?
One of the greatest gifts in life is to experience love — both receiving it and giving it. Being part of something greater than yourself is deeply fulfilling and gives richer meaning to life.
The Martha Retreat Centre is rooted in this tradition of great love.
The Sisters of St. Martha intend to donate the property and building we know as the Martha Retreat Centre to the Society by August 2026. In their wisdom, they helped form a Society in 2018, as they returned to Antigonish in 2019. With an average age of 87, they recognized that a younger generation would be needed to continue the operations of the Centre.
The ministry has now transitioned without the presence of the Sisters for six years. During this time, their financial support has continued, assisting the charity through its start-up years — especially during government closures in the pandemic. As their financial support gradually changes, their hope is that future investors will come from you, and perhaps from people you know.
We are launching the 1-2-5 Campaign as an invitation to you: to invest in the future of impacting people’s lives through the Centre.
We continue to be a sacred, safe space where people come to explore, reflect, and experience the invaluable gift of stepping away to nurture body, mind, soul, and spirit. Our goal is to help this ministry live on for years to come.
To date, we have built a base of over 30 monthly donors. Our goal is to grow this to 125 monthly donors.