21
Apr, 2008
Individually Guided Retreats

Berwick-upon-Tweed

An Individually Guided Retreat is being offered in the house of the Mercy Sisters at Berwick-upon-Tweed from 19th to 28th September 2008. The director of the retreat will be Hilary Alflatt, a member of the congregation of Sacred Heart Church, Northallerton. Hilary has long experience as a spiritual director and retreat giver. He trained at Loyola House, Guelph, Canada and St Beuno’s in Wales – where he still directs.

The early nineteenth century house was a convent of the Sisters until two years ago and retains an atmosphere of quiet and prayer. It is located on a quiet street and has a large attractive garden which backs on to the town’s walls and is only a few minutes from many wonderful places to walk: around the walls, up or down the coast and up the river Tweed with its splendid display of wading birds feeding in the mud flats.

A retreat of this kind seeks to enable each retreatant to discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit in her/his life. Each retreatant meets individually with the director each day. This meeting gives space to share what has happened in the past day and to discuss what scripture or other passages are likely to be most helpful for the basis of prayer in the coming day. Retreatants decide, after discussion with the director, how many periods they will pray each day and how long these periods should be. In between such periods, retreatants are free to use the time as they wish – walking, writing, craftwork, etc. Silence is kept in order to enable all taking part to be more attentive to God. Because of the individual nature of the retreat, it is suitable for people of all kinds, whether or not they have any previous experience of retreats. The only group events (apart from meals!) will be the daily mass and exposition for those who wish to attend.

To make the retreat as accessible as possible, the cost has been limited to £300 (subject to personal circumstances). Anyone wishing for more information or desiring a booking form should contact Hilary on (01609) 771637 or e-mail st.fiacre@btinternet.com

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