Retreat Centres

I will give you living water.

John 4:10–14

Fr Caffarel always thoroughly recommended that Teams members should, if at all possible, take an annual retreat including two nights.  He was not prescriptive about the style or place, or whether it was the couple on their own or with their Team.  He himself always spent every February, June and October away in prayer; only one person knew where he was!

Team members are invited to send details of the places of prayer and tranquility that have enabled them or their Team to enjoy a time of spiritual refreshment.

Submitted by Teams Members

Teams are invited to send their reflections about retreat centres:

Retreat Centres BookThe National Retreat Association is ecumenical and compiles a list of over 200 retreat houses in the UK.  A publication is available (2021 £11.50).   There is an online index www.retreats.org.uk

Douai Abbey

Woolhampton, 10 miles west of Reading

Fareham 2 have enjoyed wonderful Lent retreats at Douai from 2008 to 2010.  Many other Teams members will have also enjoyed the tranquility of the Abbey and its surrounding countryside.  With only 8 rooms, some with double and some twin beds, it is suitable for a small residential retreat.  Meeting rooms are provided for the retreat.  If arranged one or two monks can assist in presenting the retreat or Teams can prepare their own.  We have done both.  Many parts of the guest centre have been refurbished in the last 10 years; the new rooms are finished to a high specification and are fully accessible including ensuite with wet room style showers.

Of course part of the Benedictine welcome is to invite guests to participate with the monks in prayer; but it’s not compulsory to get up at 6!

Centre for Unity

Welwyn Garden City

The Focolare Centre for Unity has two important roles: acting as a home for the Focolare Movement in Great Britain and serving as a significant point of convergence for the Churches and the ecumenical movement and also for inter-religious dialogue.  The centre has just been refurbished, and has a chapel, pleasant meeting rooms and sitting areas, a dining room and some single and double bedrooms.

Madonna House

Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorks

Madonna House is a residential community offering hospitality and spiritual support, and can take small groups – so may be useful for local retreats.

It offers an immersion in a living faith community.  Founded in 1985 as a pastoral centre for the diocese of Middlesbrough, this house lives “hospitality of the heart” by receiving individuals or groups, for family meals, days of recollection, or a tour and a cup of tea.  All are welcome; the ecumenical dimension of our apostolate is growing.

House of the Open Door

near Evesham, Gloucestershire

House of the Open Door welcomes groups and organisations from different Christian traditions, offering individuals the space for time out in a quiet corner, and families the opportunity to relax together.  Day or overnight visits can be arranged for midweek or weekends.

Groups are given the use of their own meeting room during their stay, with all meals served in the dining room.

St Beuno Sprituality Centre

St Asaph, North Wales

St Beuno’s is a Jesuit retreat centre near St. Asaph where you can spend a few days, or more, recharging your spiritual and physical batteries in comfortable accommodation surrounded by outstanding countryside.

A spiritual director provides sensitive guidance which helps you, whether as individuals or as a couple, to plan how to spend each day.  They have a real skill in slowing you down and adjusting your desire to achieve as much as possible in a day, so that you can take advantage of the different pace of life and opportunity for in-depth reflection which St. Beuno’s offers.

Dupuis Centre, Selly Park

Retreat and Conference Centre B29 7LL

Bookings now being taken.
10 en-suite bedrooms, 3 on the ground floor.
One large conference room for up to 80 people, chapel, two smaller meeting rooms, dining room and a one-to-one room.  Available for periods of quiet time or retreat and day conferences.
Ideal for Team weekends or day conferences.
For more information see our website www.sellypark.org
Contact: Sr. Margaret Mattison
Email: margaret.mattison@sellypark.org
Phone: 0121 4156100 (switchboard) or 07811753163

Enrich your married spirituality with Jesus Christ & meet others to build friendships.