Beginners Retreat at the Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage

This short retreat, facilitated by Sr Lizzie Ruth, is for anyone who has never been on a retreat before or who would value some extra guidance on how to use the space and time in retreat.

Participants will first be given some helpful general advice about being in retreat and helped to enter into the quietness and slower pace of the weekend.  Then every few hours they will be offered a couple of suggestions, along with guidance, of different activities they might like to try out in the space and silence. These will include journalling, going for a walk, using our new labyrinth, praying with a Bible passage, and praying with an icon or picture. These optional activities will  be aimed at helping each participant enjoy some quality time with God in a relaxed setting.

Programmed into the retreat timetable will be a few opportunities for participants to join the Sisters in chapel. Sr Lizzie Ruth will let participants know what to expect ahead of time so that if they are unfamiliar with praying a Daily Office or with the CSMV Sisters’ services, they can go into chapel feeling a bit more at ease.

For bookings please contact St Mary’s Convent Reception on welcome@csmv.co.uk or 01235 76314.