Retreats

For many people, the idea of going on a retreat might seem rather intimidating. But in fact there are many retreats for ordinary people at any time in their lives. At most retreats no expectations are placed on those who attend; you don’t even need to be a churchgoer. Retreats vary in length from as short as a day, or a weekend, to a week or even longer. Often, retreat centres ask only for what you can afford to pay.

Do you:

  • wish for some quiet time?
  • want to know more about prayer?
  • need some time for reflection away from work or family?
  • desire to deepen your spiritual life?

If the answer is ‘yes’, it might be worth speaking to one of the clergy or having a look at some of the links below.

Annual parish men’s weekend

It has become a recent tradition that each autumn a group of men from the parish spend a weekend together at Hilfield, a Franciscan friary where a community of friars and a group of lay men, women and families live and pray together. Set in the heart of Dorset, this eco-friendly community offers a wonderful few days of hospitality during which people are welcomed into the rhythm of prayer and have the opportunity to attend daily Holy Communion. We usually invite a guest facilitator experienced in retreat-giving, and all muck in with cooking in the self-catering facilities. It’s really enjoyable, as well as providing the chance to reflect and deepen our relationships with one another. In the past people have found it to be ‘transforming’, ‘refreshing’, ‘an eye opener’ and ‘renewing’. Please contact the parish administrator for details about the next weekend.

Women’s weekend

2019 saw the parish’s first women’s weekend, at Stanton House in Oxford, and another took place in 2022. If you would be interested in attending in future, please contact Revd Mary Copping.