A retreat group outside the monastery reception.

HEALING GRIEF led by Nicholas Broadbridge OSB & Benjamin Standish OSB Friday September 23, 5.30pm - Sunday September 25, 2.15pm. This retreat provides a spiritual framework for helping to heal the grief of those who have experienced the death of a loved one. The experience can also be beneficial for those who minister to the grieving. Through prayer, reflection, conferences and small group interaction, participants can grow in their understanding of the grieving process, and draw upon their spirituality as a means of healing. The retreat will be within the context of Christian and specifically Benedictine spirituality, and faith in God's ultimate purpose of healing and wholeness. Those who are leading it are not necessarily qualified in the secular disicplines of psychiatry, psychotherapy or counselling. FULLY BOOKED

LECTIO DIVINA RETREAT led by Gervase Holdaway OSB Friday April 28, 5.30pm - Monday May 1, 2.30pm Experience a way of praying with Scripture, an ancient art at one time practiced by all Christians. It is a slow contemplative prayer which enables one to listen to God's word and to make prayerful response. There will be time for sharing, silence, solitude and reflection. Event 4606, includes the bank holiday. Residential cost £120, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

INDIVIDUALLY GUIDED RETREAT led by Francis Hughes & Benedct Thompson OSB Thusday May 25, 5.30pm - Monday May 29, 2.30pm, includes the bank holiday. Event 4806. Residential cost £150, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

PENTECOST RETREAT led by Simon Hill OSB Friday June 2, 5.30pm - Sunday June 4, 2.30pm. During this retreat we shall reflect on the Pentecost liturgy and reflect on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We shall enable ourselves to be open to receive them. Event 4906. Residential cost £90, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

SILENT RETREAT Friday June 16, 5.30pm - Sunday June 18, 2.30pm Saturday is the National Quiet Day A chance to spend a weekend in silent prayer and meditation. Retreatants will be welcome to take part in the monastic offices, as well as being able to spend time walking in the Berkshire countryside. Event 41006. Residential cost £70, reductions for those on low income; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

HEALING GRIEF led by Nicholas Broadbridge OSB Friday June 23, 5.30pm - Sunday June 25, 2.30pm. This retreat provides a spiritual framework for helping to heal the grief of those who have experienced the death of a loved one. The experience can also be beneficial for those who minister to the grieving. Through prayer, reflection, conferences and small group interaction, participants can grow in their understanding of the grieving process, and draw upon their spirituality as a means of healing. Event 41106. Residential cost £90, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

COME TO THE QUIET led by Elizabeth Rees OCV & Benedct Thompson OSB Monday July 3, 5.30pm - Friday July 7, 2.30pm. A silent individually guided retreat. Relax in God's presence surrounded by natural beauty and supported by the community prayer. Event 41206. Residential cost £150, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

< TRANSITIONS led by Bernard Kilroy & Pamela Lee Friday July 28, 5.30pm - Sunday July 30, 2.30pm. This retreat has helped others to work through a transition, even one that is past,but still feels present - whether the ending of a relationship, an illness, disability or death, a change of role, promotion, retirement or redundancy. You work on your own or in pairs with music, meditation, or perhaps freestyle drawing - in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, respecting everyone's privacy. The weekend is open to both women and men, those of any faith or none, but numbers are limited. Participants may attend some monastic offices alongside the monks. The programme allows time to walk in the Berkshire contryside. Optional massage is available from aromatherapist, Sr Jean Page, for a nominal charge. Event X106. Residential cost, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

THE RULE OF ST BENEDICT led by Christopher Greener OSB Friday September 8, 5.30pm - Sunday September 10, 2.30pm. Bendictine spirtuality for beginners or for those taking an interested look at a slightly different and slower way of life. We shall consider the lives of the Desert Fathers and the Rule of St Benedict. No previous knowledge will be required. Retreatants will share in the prayer life of the monastery, and have opportunity for individual spiritual direction. In addition there will be a guided walk in the surrounding countryside. Event 41306. Residential cost £90, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

TOUCHING GOD WITH MY FINGERTIPS led by Annie Bromham IBVM Friday Oct 6, 5.30pm - Friday October 13, 9.30am. Event 41406. Residential cost £300, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £50; deposit of £50 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

TO GOD THROUGH MUSIC led by Gervase Holdaway OSB Friday October 13, 5.30pm - Sunday October 15, 2.30pm. For many people music creates the atmosphere conducive to prayer. This retreat will give opportunity to grow closer to God through music. No expertise is needed, just an ability to listen. Event 41506. Residential cost £90, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING led by Christopher Greener OSB Friday Nov 3, 5.30pm - Sunday Nov 5, 2.30pm. This retreat will provide a chance to reflect upon this classic work of English mysticism within the context of a living monastery. We shall reflect on how can this be used in our prayer life, if indeed we should use it at all. The retreat is intended for beginners. There will be opportunity for individual spiritual direction. Also there will be a guided walk in the surrounding countryside. Event 41606. Residential cost £90, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

PRAYING THE PSALMS led by Gervase Holdaway OSB Friday Nov 17, 5.30pm - Sunday Nov 19, 2.30pm. An opportunity to discover the psalms, which have been the prayer of Jews and Christians alike and were prayed by Jesus. We will experience singing the psalms in the monastic offices, and will see how they can be our prayer too. We shall also see how they are musical expressions of faith. Event 41706. Residential cost £90, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

< BEING ENOUGH led by Denise Fellows & Hilary Cochrane Friday November 24, 5.30pm - Sunday november 26, 3pm. Carl Rogers the psychologist said, "there is something I do before I start a session, I let myself know that I am enough. Not perfect. Perfect woundn't be enough. But that I am human and that is enough." Through group discussion and individual contemplation we will be exploring and reflecting on what 'being enough' means for us in our work, and day-to-day and spiritual lives. Event X306. For further details and booking contact event@chcl.co.uk or tel: 0118 941 4083 Residential cost £211.50 (inc. VAT) non-residential £164.50 (inc. VAT). Deposit £40.

COME LORD JESUS! A RETREAT FOR ADVENT led by Alban Hood OSB Friday Dec 1, 5.30pm - Sunday Dec 3, 2.30pm. The Church invites us to reflect on the wonder of a people waiting for Messiah. The marvellous gift of Christmas, God-become-flesh, demands a prayerful heart awaiting the coming of the Lord. This retreat will help you prepare to receive God's gift of his own Son. Event 41806. Residential cost £90, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

PRE-CHRISTMAS ART RETREAT led by Oliver Holt OSB Friday Dec 15, 5.30pm - Sunday Dec 17, 2.30pm. Event 41906. Residential cost £90, reductions for those on low income, premium for single en-suite room in the guesthouse £20; deposit of £30 please. Send e-mail to book douaiabby@aol.com

Accommodation is in the Guest House (en-suite): rooms for men are also available in the monastery. Since the Guest House is not only a service but also a source of our livlihood, we appreciate a donation that will cover our operational costs and contribute to our income. We are grateful to those who can give more and welcome those whose means allow for less. Please do not let the cost prevent you from coming. Included within the rate is accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and supper. As most rooms in the Guest House are twin or double, we are having to charge a premium for those who require a single room.

Residential Retreats

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Ministry of Healing

Courses in conjunction with the University of Reading

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