I have no words to describe the beautiful day. There was not a cloud in the sky and the sounds of music that echoed through the crowds at the event held at the Leipzig Serenity Retreat Sept. 8 were beautiful.
The event was organized by Jon Sloan and Thelma Boychuk. Featured were 16 musicians.
Leipzig Serenity Retreat is a peaceful place to visit with beautifully kept grounds. It is operated by recovering alcoholics and addicts who have changed their lives by using the 12 step program.
For 15 years they took people into their homes to assist them to stay clean and sober in a healthy and safe environment. When they heard that the historical, 1920s, three-storey building was available at Leipzig they purchased the building and began work on a home away-from-home for recovering alcoholics and addicts.
To be self supporting the organization operates a bed and breakfast and hosting events such as conferences and retreats.
Sisters of Notre Dame Convent in Leipzig opened as a school for children. In the early years, it accommodated 20 boys and girls from Leipzig area for elementary school. The parents took the children home on weekends. Eventually it became a residence only for high school girls. The school was also available to day students from the community, and the sisters continued to teach in the elementary school.
In 1969 local residents gathered to say goodbye to the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The building was locked and contents were soon auctioned off.
It is a school again because it is teaching people how to reintegrate into society without using alcohol and drugs.
