Parish and Group Retreats
In addition to the retreats listed below, the Minsteracres Team offers retreats for parishes and/or parish clusters, as well as other groups such as SVP, Legion of Mary, Permanent Deacons etc. The programme consists of talks, liturgy,
time for personal meditation, discussion, sharing and relaxation. For more information, please email the Retreat Administrator at info@minsteracres.org, telephone 01434 673 248 (office hours), or write to Jo:
The Retreat Administrator, Minsteracres Retreat Centre, Minsteracres, Nr Consett, Co. Durham, DH8 9RT.
Residential Retreats in 2008
The Holy Arts of Relaxation and Meditation David Mahon
The aim of this weekend, drawing on rich contemplative and monastic traditions, will be to relax, enlighten and sustain our spiritual growth. Tumble Trust events set out to twin that rare combination of fun and deep down spiritual renewal.
David Mahon is the founder of the Tumble Trust's innovative relaxation workshops.
Friday 25 - Sunday 27 April 2008 £88
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
Renewal Retreat - 'Pentecost is for living' Chris Thomas
How do we respond to the Holy Spirit in our lives? What do we have to let go of to really hear the Spirit? This retreat will be a chance to explore the action of the Holy Spirit in our lives and see how we open ourselves to that Spirit who will invite us to live life to the full.
Fr Chris Thomas is Director of the Irenaeus project in the Archdiocese of Liverpool which was set up to give people space and time to reflect on their relationship with God.
Friday 9 - Sunday 11 May 2008 £88
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
Who Cares for the Carers? Minsteracres Team and Lifespan
A midweek break for those who are currently caring for a loved one. Take time out for yourself, free from pressure. if you choose to, you can enjoy the company of others and benefit from a free complementary therapy such as Indian head massage.
Tuesday 27 - Thursday 29 May 2008; Tuesday 23 - Sunday 25 September 2008 £78
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
A reTreat for Families and Friends of those affected by Addiction Minsteracres Team and Lifespan
Addiction affects people in different ways. If you have a family member or a friend who is affected by addiction, then you are very welcome to this weekend. There will be space and time for you to relax, or to share with others. You can also try one of our complementary therapies.
Friday 4 - Sunday 6 July 2008; Friday 31 October - Sunday 2 November 2008 £78
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
Individually Guided Retreat David Williams CP and Anne McCarthy RSCJ
This individually guided retreat will enable you to discover how God is drawing you. The retreat will be held in silence and you will be able to meet your director every day.
Fr Williams and Sr McCarthy are experienced retreat leaders and spiritual directors.
Sunday 31 August - Friday 5 September 2008 £275
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
Meditation Weekend Laurence Freeman OSB
This weekend enables you to experience the practice of Christian Meditation, an ancient way of silent prayer, discovered and re-introduced by John Main.
Laurence Freeman is a Benedictine monk of the Congregation of Monte Oliveto and Director of The World Community for Christian Meditaiton.
Friday 12 - Sunday 14 September 2008 £93
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
Discover the Wisdom of the Enneagram David Mahon
This weekend will offer an introduction to the Enneagram, an ancient wisdom system of personality. Participants should come in the expectancy of discovering the giftedness of their hidden self. Previous knowledge of the Enneagram is not required.
David Mahon is the author of 'Full Face to God', a classic Christian introduction to the Enneagram.
Friday 26 - Sunday 28 September 2008 £88
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
Who am I? What is my nature? Anna O'Connor SP
This workshop aims to awaken you to the true nature of your being. To explore the deep calling and inner yearning to grow into our own authentic selves, whether or not it conforms to some image of who we ought to be. The goal is to help you move along your journey in faith by providing rich and varied material to help you explore who you are and guide you to a contemplative stance which is 'the place where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need'. (Frederick Buechner)
Sr Anna O'Connor is chaplain at the University of Birmingham, psychotherapist and spiritual director.
Friday 31 October - Sunday 2 November 2008 £88
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
Beginning Experience for Young People(YPBE) YPBE Team
This weekend is specially aimed at young people who have lost a parent through death, separation or divorce. A team of volunteers, including young people who have experienced the pain themselves, are available to help participants.
Contact and bookings: Liz Jeynes 0191 4220742
Friday 7 - Sunday 9 November 2008 £63
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
'The Glory of God is a Human Being, fully alive' (St. Ireneus) Therese Pratt
This reflective weekend will use the techniques of Journalling to write and re-write parts of our own lives, past and/or present to see where God's glory is to be found in them.
Therese Pratt has a background in psychology, and in theology of spirituality and draws on both of these to help us to release our spiritual energy.
Friday 7 - Sunday 9 November 2008 £88
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
Beginning Experience (BE) BE Team
This weekend is for people who find themselves single again through divorce, separation or the death of a partner or loved one. The BE team have all experienced this themselves and will be able to help you work through your grief and pain. The weekend offers space to heal and begin again.
Contact and Bookings: Rosemary Naylor 01207 563672; Pam Gallon 01207 501737
Friday 14 - Sunday 16 November 2008 £83
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
Scripture Weekend - The art of Mark's Gospel Minsteracres Team
This weekend offers a reflective introduction into the Gospel according to Mark. We will look at the backgrounds of this gospel and meditate on texts with some works of art.
Friday 28 - Sunday 30 November 2008 £88
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
Advent Renewal Retreat Sean Conaty and Pat Kennedy
A weekend of reflection on the promise of the old Testament fulfilled in Christ and what this means for us.
Contact and Bookings: Pat Kennedy 0191 2841690; pat@limexhex.freeserve.co.uk
Friday 5 - Sunday 7 December 2008 £88
To book for this Retreat please print, complete and return the form available HERE.
The suggested offerings will help to cover our costs. If you are unable to pay the full amount, please contact the Retreat Administrator for details of concessions.