In 1925, the Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine acquired property at the foot of Hook Mountain in Upper Nyack, New York to provide inner city youth with a setting for fresh air, fun, community, and country experiences.  Initially called Save a Life Farm, this became the Marydell Camp for Girls.  The camp closed in 1988, but Marydell reopened two years later as the Marydell Faith and Life Center, a retreat and conference center.  The Center continues the mission of the Sisters today by providing the communities of Rockland County, New Jersey, the Bronx and Manhattan with a beautiful and sacred place for retreats, days of prayer, conferences and workshops, for both individuals and groups.

View of Hudson River

Mission

The Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine, through the Marydell Faith and Life Center, seek to create a place that by its very existence fosters a respect for the beauty and integrity of the earth.  We are called to host programs that foster a holistic integration of body, mind and spirit, and nurture the gifts of each person to live a fuller life.  We will provide facilities, resources and programs that promote ecological awareness, physical relaxation, spiritual renewal and faith development.  These will be facilitated by our contemplative witness and care and respect for the dignity of each person and the environment.  Our programming will be consistent with our Congregation’s Mission Statement, our option for the poor, and the needs that impact faith and human development.

Winter view

Mountain view just beyond the Kateri Lodge