November
November 1st – 5th (Weds to Sun) – LED: Contemplative Awareness
A led retreat that explores embracing of a way of life that is open to finding God in all things and all things in God. We’ll draw on the wisdom of Celtic Spirituality to help us learn to see the simplest of daily tasks as a sacrament. We will explore aspects of contemplative life and prayer and how these can be expressed in everyday ordinariness that we might live our prayer and pray our life.
A *suggested donation is £80 per night. This is based on full board in an ensuite room.
November 6th to 9th (Mon to Thurs) – Inner Outer Pilgrimage Retreat
This retreat involves both inner pilgrimage – a journey of inner work, silence, study, peace and rest and an opportunity for the ‘Heart alone with God’ – and outer pilgrimage – an opportunity to explore the rich Christian heritage of Northumbria through outer, physical pilgrimage to nearby Celtic Sites. The Nether Springs Chapel, Poustinia, Labyrinth, gardens, woodland and local country and coastal walks are also available to all guests and provide time with God in Creation and space for the inner-outer pilgrimage.
A *suggested donation is £80 per night. This is based on full board in an ensuite room.
November 13th – 17th (Mon to Fri) INDIVIDUALLY GUIDED: Seeking God at the Crossroads
This is what the LORD says, ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’ – Jeremiah 6:16. A chance to reflect on life-transitions with someone who will listen with you to God’s work at the crossroads. You may also, of course, choose to explore other themes with your retreat guide.
This retreat is suitable for anyone who is interested in exploring God more deeply, on a personal level and includes three, one-to-one sessions with a retreat guide, alongside our monastic rhythms.
A *suggested donation is £90 per night for an individually guided retreat, which includes 3 one-to-one sessions. This is based on full board in an ensuite room.
November 20th to 23rd (Mon to Thurs) – Community Introduction
This retreat will enable you to learn more about who we are as Community. We are aware that many people may have ‘found’ us during this season – through our daily prayers, leadership reflections, prayer network or Monastic Living blog – and are wanting to explore further what it would mean to journey with us. Priority will be given to those who have already expressed an interest in postulancy or the novitiate but there are likely to be other spaces available.
A *suggested donation is £80 per night. This is based on full board in an ensuite room.
November 24th to 26th (Fri to Sun) – LED: Northumbrian Spirituality
Northumbria, once considered ‘a cradle of Christianity’ holds treasures old and new to inspire and illuminate life and faith for believers and seekers, explorers and pilgrims in our changing world. Join Roy Searle to explore the landscape of the earth, the spirituality that was shaped on the anvil of a changing Western world and the landscape of the heart that provides wisdom for today wherever in the world we find ourselves.
A *suggested donation is £80 per night. This is based on full board in an ensuite room.
About *suggested donations
As a registered charity, The Northumbria Community Trust does not ask for a set fee to cover the cost of a retreat. Instead, we invite donations to support the life and work of the wider Community as a whole.
Many retreatants welcome a suggestion as to what might be an appropriate donation. This is always a difficult question to answer. However, for your guidance, the suggested donation is indicated with the retreat information. We ask that you make as generous a donation as is possible without risking hardship. Through the work of the Community, the generosity of those who can afford more will benefit those who have less. As the weekly and monthly costs of running the Community are substantial, we would greatly value your integrity and generosity in this regard.