Students at the Academy live in small men's and women's households. The households are designed to foster genuine Christian friendship and growth, and the furthering of a sacramental prayer life. Residence life is more than merely living in a "dorm". It is a place where real human development is expected to take place, a place to study, and a place to relax. The residences are, in effect, the students' homes and all residents participate in household upkeep through assigned chores each week.

Prayer life. Residence life is more than merely living in a "dorm". It is a place where real human development is expected to take place, a place to study, and a place to relax. The residences are, in effect, the students' homes and all residents participate in household upkeep through assigned chores each week.

Spiritual Life

Prayer and vocational discernment form a part of student life at the Academy.
Here the female students enjoy a visit and mini-retreat given by Sr. Bernadette of the Sisters of Our Lady Immaculate. 

There are two Catholic churches in Barry's Bay, offering daily Mass, weekly Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and confessions at different times. Normally, the Academy hosts a special Mass each month on important feast days and the liturgical year is kept in the forefront of all we do. The rosary each morning and prayers before classes, meals, and other activities keep Christ the central focus of life at the Academy. Our chaplain and several local priests are available for spiritual direction throughout the year. Madonna House, about a 20 minute drive away from the Academy, is a spiritual haven in Northern Ontario for prayer and a centre for renewing all things in Christ.

Recreation 

Students and staff participate in hikes, organized field trips, special projects or lectures.  There are numerous shrines and pilgrimage sites in the region, as well as many beautiful hills and lakes for hiking, fishing and scenic walks. The Madawaska Valley is particularly famous for the brilliant fall colors of its trees, its fresh air and clean water - elements all conducive to the ordered life of the Catholic student.

Some of the students and staff at an outing to the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, the largest natural ice skating rink in the world at over 7 km. The students are at the northern end of the canal, within sight of the Parliament Buildings.

 On our annual orientation weekend at the beginning of the year, we hike to the top of Bear Lake lookout, with a spectacular view of the eastern edge of Algonquin Park.

Meals

Meals are usually eaten in common in St. Hedwig Church hall. The Academy provides all meals, although, there are several diners and restaurants nearby that students may use when they are not obliged to be present at household or Academy meals. Meals are usually informal, except on major feast days, or when special guests are present.