Click here to download our 2010 Retreat Programme
Watermead Retreats
Our retreats are a time set aside for God, slipping out of ordinary routine
and making space for reflection and prayer.
Offering such times has been a regular part of our Watermead Apostolate since we began.
Why make a Retreat?
To give yourself space to read, pray, listen; to learn about Scripture, explore your faith;
to feel free from your normal routine; to make time for God.
A retreat is not a selfish escape, it is a time to reflect on all that is happening in our daily lives;
a bringing to God our love and concerns for those we care about -
family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, the world.
We can reach out in prayer, bringing all that has touched us during our busy lives to God.
Where are Retreats held?
Traditionally, people visit and stay at a religious house or a specially equipped retreat centre. Watermead retreats are planned for those who are unable to be be away from home overnight, owing to family responsibilities or work commitments.
Our retreat programme is arranged into a day, an afternoon or an evening - whatever suits.
TYPICAL WATERMEAD RETREAT PATTERNS
|
DAY RETREATS |
AFTERNOON RETREATS |
"TWILIGHT" RETREATS |
|
11.00 am Welcome / hot drink 11.30 am Talk 11.55 am Quiet for Prayer / Reading 12.15 am Talk 12.40 am Holy Communion 1.00 pm Lunch & free time 2.00 pm Talk 2.25 pm Quiet for Prayer / Reading 3.00 pm Holy Hour "Music as Prayer" 4.00 pm Tea & Depart |
2.00 pm Welcome / hot drink 2.15 pm Talk 2.40 pm Quiet for Prayer / Reading 2.55 pm Talk 3.15 Quiet for Prayer / Reading 3.40 pm Holy Hour "Music as Prayer" (Holy Communion) 4.45 pm Afternoon Tea 5.15 pm Depart |
7.00 pm Welcome & Talk 7.25 pm Quiet for Prayer / Reading 7.45 pm Talk 8.05 pm Quiet for Prayer / Reading 8.15 pm Holy Hour "Music as Prayer" (Holy Communion) 9.00 pm Hot drink & Depart
(All times can vary) |
(Retreat patterns are flexible and the above timetables are the ones used here at St Joseph's.
"Away" day retreats may start/finish earlier or later, and are planned around the needs of the particular community.)
OUR DAY RETREATS
St. Joseph's
Our Saturday retreats are usually four times a year and spaced to fit topically around
the Church's seasons - Advent, Lent, Easter/Pentecost and September/October for Mary.
These days usually begin at 11.30 am and finish about 4.00 pm.
Hermitage Retreats
These were began in 1994 by Eric and Marion St. John Foti
from their home at Hermitage Hall, just outside Downham Market in Norfolk.
In 2006 they had to retire and Hermitage Hall was sold, but "Hermitage" retreats continue
to be held four times a year at a variety of venues in the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire area.
Various Venues
These can be anywhere and any day, dependent on who invites us.
Over the years we have travelled to a number of venues in England and Wales
arranging days of prayer and reflection for parishes, schools, liturgy groups, readers, etc.
OUR EVENING "TWILIGHT" RETREATS
St. Joseph's "Twilight" Retreats
These evenings offer opportunity to people whose work and family commitments
do not always allow them the chance of a making a whole day's retreat.
They are usually held once a month, on a Wednesday, from 7.00 - 9.00 pm.
"MUSIC AS PRAYER" HOLY HOURS
The pattern our retreats usually takes is talks followed by a space for personal prayer
and reflection (usually in the church, chapel or garden - dependent on venue).
The talks are mainly given by Father John (sometimes he is joined by guest speakers) and the number of talks varies according to the timing and venue of each retreat.
All retreats, whether day or evening, conclude with our Holy Hour ~
a reflective time where people experience our "Music as Prayer" meditations.