Annual Alumni Picnic

Each year on the first Saturday of August, St. Christopher’s Inn and the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement welcome alumni, families, staff, and friends back to the Holy Mountain at Graymoor for the Annual Alumni Picnic. Hosted in partnership with the St. Christopher’s Inn Alumni Association (SCIAA), this tradition celebrates recovery, community and fellowship

The day begins with the Memorial Brick-Walk Ceremony, a meaningful moment for all to remember and honor alumni, loved ones and members of the recovery community whose lives and legacies continue to inspire us. Following the ceremony, guests reconnect with counselors and fellow alumni, meet current staff members, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere of reunion and gratitude.

Opening remarks and a prayer of blessing offered by Fr. Dennis Polanco, SA, help set the spirit and momentum for the day. Everyone then gathers for a Big Meeting, followed by an optional Mass at Our Lady of the Atonement Chapel, followed by a picnic-style barbecue, and a shared meal. Throughout the day, alumni and their families enjoy sports, music, games, raffles, and other fun surprises (softball and volleyball are often the favorite activities!).

Throughout the afternoon, alumni hear inspiring reflections that highlight the many journeys of resilience, hope and perseverance experienced by Brother Christophers. These personal stories and testimonies serve as a reminder that recovery from substance use extends far beyond treatment and that no one walks the path alone.

Staff information tables are available throughout the day, offering resources and opportunities to learn more about St. Christopher’s Inn programs, services, and community initiatives. Narcan kits are also available for anyone who would like to take one, providing a simple but potentially life-saving resource that can help reverse an opioid overdose emergency.

Whether returning after one year or several decades, alumni are welcomed as valued members of the St. Christopher’s Inn family. The day concludes with a prayer of thanksgiving and an invitation to remain connected through the St. Christopher’s Inn Alumni Association and future community events.

Guests traveling from a distance may also wish to extend their stay. Overnight accommodations may be available through the Holy Mountain Franciscan Retreat Center, located on the Graymoor campus. For information about guest rooms and availability, please visit: here

The nurses are the best part of my day.

The admission process was as fast and painless as it could be.

The medical staff is excellent, they treated me with love and care.

Overall the program and facility at St. Christopher’s Inn is the best, bar none.

Family program is PERFECT please don’t change a thing.

I took part in the GED program and was quite satisfied. I haven’t taken the test yet, but I have very high hopes of passing.

Gained immense knowledge from lectures and treatment plan.

It is very spiritual and I needed the experience.

The care and concern by my counselor and supporting staff shows the love that I didn’t know existed.

Staff is unbelievable, saved my life.

The goals I have reached and the new ones I’ve developed while being here are something of a life changer for me in my future.

I was pleasantly surprised by the existence of the Coffee House. Music is a central and meditative part of my life. The ability to perform for my new brothers here and the staff was unexpected and made this an incredible journey.

I would have nothing if it wasn’t for SCI.

Great people, caring and responsive.

I would like to tell you how thankful I am to you for having this family program available. I want to say thank you for giving me exactly what I needed.

The experience of being here and becoming a member of the Brothers Christopher fraternity has changed my life. Being in the Friars house was a blessing. Their generosity gave me knowledge I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Thank you for the privilege I was given to stay here in your house. God bless you all. I will always keep a piece of St. Christopher’s Inn in my heart.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the hot meals, warm bed and unconditional love you so easily gave to me. I know if it were not for you, I would truly still be a lost soul.

The road to recovery is called Franciscan Way, and the door to happiness lies within the walls of St. Christopher’s Inn.

I never thought someone could care for a drug addict like me. You have shown me that I am worth something. May God bless you a million times.

Thank you for welcoming me in to your home, and granting me a scholarship for treatment. There’s not enough “thank-yous” I could say, so I’m going to show you by staying clean and living a peaceful sober life.

I want to thank you for everything—from my stay here to working in the Thrift Shop. I am so grateful for St. Christopher’s Inn and every staff member that represents this fantastic organization.

I was amazed by the unbelievable generosity of everyone at our Christmas party. A nice scarf and a collared shirt—I have been through hundreds in my life but I have never cared for any of them as I do for these. Thank you for giving me the best Christmas in many, many years.

I love this place. They have given me a place to sleep, food in my stomach, clothes on my back, and a chance at a first-class life. Recovery is here . . . all you have to do is want it!

Today, I am a sober man. I live an honest and simple life. I’m a reliable, employable productive member of society. I have dignity and self-worth and even self-love. All of these things are a direct result of the care and guidance given to me by the Friars and the staff at St. Christopher’s Inn. Some people call it a homeless shelter. I call it home.