Led by: Tina Quinn and Sarah van Wely

 “Listen, I am standing at the door knocking.  If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me.”  Revelation 2: 20

This weekend training retreat is for those interested in leading an Open Door Retreat in their parish, pastoral area or other environment. Also, for those seeking to refresh their experience of ODRs.  The weekend will be experienced on two levels: firstly, you will have authentic experience as a retreatant, and secondly, thorough guidance on facilitating/leading an ODR.  All materials will be provided. Participants should have knowledge of Ignatian spirituality, some training and experience in spiritual direction, and ideally attend as pairs with the person with whom they hope to facilitate. ODRs are always facilitated in pairs.

The Open Door Retreat (ODR) was designed in 1980 by two sisters of the Cenacle Community.  Based on the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola it is a creative, flexible, prayer journey and a wonderful way to make space for reflection ‘in daily life’. It is gentle and non-threatening, and suitable for all who want to enhance and deepen their relationship with God. The Open Door Retreat involves a (one and a half to -two-hour) weekly session for nine weeks. Sessions are experiential in nature and include music, art, poetry, reflection, and sharing – firstly from the ‘team’ of two, and gradually from participants.