The National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians
Site Overview
The National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Stony Point, NY, is a peaceful 160-acre pilgrimage site overlooking the Hudson River. Operated by the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Shrine features outdoor devotional areas, a retreat center, youth facilities, and chapels that host thousands of visitors each year for Mass, retreats, and Marian celebrations.
Volunteers support the Shrine’s mission through hospitality, retreat coordination, youth ministry, and faith formation. They assist with sacramental preparation, lead prayer experiences, and help maintain a welcoming atmosphere for pilgrims and guests seeking spiritual renewal.
Available Ministries
- Catequesis & Retreat
- Parish
- Youth Centre
Location
Time Commitment
Opportunities
Current Volunteers
Ministry Background
The Salesians of Don Bosco began working here 75 years ago by opening a technical high school and a shrine to Mary Harlp of Christians. During the late 1960s, the school closed and was converted into a retreat house to compliment the shrine. Today the Marian Shrine is a vibrant apostolate with the shrine chapel, Don Bosco retreat center, a gift shop and over 100 acres of wooded areas for meditation and prayer.
Purpose & Objectives
The Marian Shrine, a ministry of the Salesians of Don Bosco, offers people of all ages, especially young people, opportunities to deepen their relationship with God. We emphasize devotion to Mary Help of Christians and the pastoral style of St. John Bosco and his Oratory in our apostolic endeavors.
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
At the shrine we focus on daily confessions, a Mass at noon and special events to foster the spiritual life of pilgrims who visit here from all over the country. The retreat center offers retreats for young people, adults and specific groups such as AA, Pre-Cana, etc. I-9 Sports uses the athletic facilities (gym, ballfields & basketball courts) to offer youth centered sport programs throughout the year.
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
We look for (1) ordinary people who do their best, offering their extraordinary work as a prayer of service to the Lord, (2) people who are cheerful, celebrating God’s presence in their lives, and sharing their joy and hope with others, (3) people who seek to grow in their relationship with Jesus as their friend and guide, (4) people who embrace the sacraments of the Church for nourishment of their spirituality, (5) people who have devotion to Mary, the Help of Christians.
Useful Academic Preparation
College level studies in spirituality, education or theology are helpful tools, but not required.
Useful Experience
Experience in youth ministry, Peace Corps, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Catholic school education, parish ministry and related areas will be helpful to the person in relating to the needs of those we serve.
Special Challenges/Conditions
The lay missioner would be an assistant to the retreat coordinator and the shrine coordinator for the various programs held at Marian Shrine.
Involvement with the religous community
Area Information
The lay missioner would be an assistant to the retreat coordinator and the shrine coordinator for the various programs held at Marian Shrine.
Involvement with the greater community
The Salesians offer support to five parishes in the county. The lay missioner will have the option to participate in the outreach, as long as we don’t need him/her for a retreat at the same time.
Special Challenges & Conditions
Not all of the facilities are ADA compliant.
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
We have four washers and dryers in the residence. We wash our own laundry and bed linens.
Access to ATM
Local Diet
Breakfast is cereal, toast and donuts, self-serve. Lunch consists of leftovers or cold cuts, unless there is a retreat, during which a cooked meal is served. We have a cook that prepares dinner every evening.
Local Medical Facilities
There is a health clinic in town. We are a 20-minute drive from two major hospitals in Rockland County, Bon Secour Good Samaritan Hospital and Montefiore Nyack Hospital.