RETREATS

For quite a few years now I have been attending retreats, both organised for groups and as an individual. The suggestion came via my Spiritual Director that I consider this as a regular part of my spiritual development: taking time out to be quiet before God and reflect, meditate and attempt to hear what God is saying to me.

The original suggestions over ten years ago were along the following lines as part of a rule of life:

Weekly pattern of prayer as in Daily Office

A quiet day every three months

A retreat at least annually.

During my theological and ministry training I attended Parcevall Hall each year for specific tutoring ;and had also been there on a Painting and Prayer retreat organised under the auspices of the Creative Arts Retreat Movement which has, sadly, now ceased to function. In the previous ten years I attended two or three other places for a few days for retreats so the concept was one with which I was comfortable.

However by 2015 I found the “gentle Christian ethos”of Holy Rood House. This place had been suggested by my parish priest at the time and I found it amenable, fitting with my own approach and understanding of spirituality. Thus over the years it has become a place to turn to, away from the rigours of routine.  A supportive community where I feel accepted and comfortable.

About 2017 I became a Community Companion of Holy Rood House, near Thirsk, which represents a closer involvement – summarised by three words – Presence, Prayer, Promise. Although not physically present all the time there is that sense of being involved through prayer and the promise of supporting the centre.  We receive a regular companion newsletter as well as the opportunity to attend a Companions Retreat once or twice a year. Its formal title is the Centre for Health and Pastoral Care: this underlies a sense that I have long felt the need to emphasise the healing nature of our faith. I do not necessarily mean curing but being healthy in attitude and spirit in spite of whatever is thrown act us in our lives heron this damaged world.

My current expectation is that I try and make two formal retreats each year: one of the two Community Companions events in either March or September and one or the two Men’s retreats held each year. I would also like to make a further visit but these days I prefer to limit my driving so this would again, entail an overnight stay. I have also availed myself of on-line groups but prefer attendance in person. 

My record on quiet days is less than originally suggested. These can be at a formal retreat house or utilise something like an Open Garden or just spending time in an open church  – waiting upon God in the stillness and quiet.

When I was living on my own it was possible to attend much more often, taking in a Christmas house party as well but now as I am in a partnership with all its concomitant commitments I have to allocate my time wisely and well. There are other demands.

I would make a strong plea to those reading to consider a retreat, from time to time, as an important part of their spiritual diet. I tend to look to the one place for myself but there are places around the country where the provision of a space for time away with God is available .

Where I live we are fortunate to have a number of facilities relatively close by: Scargill House, Parcevall Hall, The Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield and The Briery in Ilkley – all within easy reach. There are others around and one of them might suit you. my wife finds that Scargill House is the one for her, for example.

For me my main focus is Holy Rood House. I often share their regular Facebook posts reflecting on specific seasons and natural seasonal events and what I find heartening is that these arouse positive feedback from my social media contacts so emphasis how much it speaks to a wide variety fo individuals including many who are not in regular contact with church activities as such.

Ii has benefited myself enormously and I commend the concept.

RT/November 22