Spirituality Programme

Spirituality Programme

Introduction

Mission Statement:

“To continue to be a holy place
that draws and points people to God
and offers them an experience of peace.”

Whalley Abbey continues to be at heart a place of prayer and mission. To this end we provide the opportunity for guests to join in our prayer and worship, for church groups to have time away together, and for individuals to come on private retreat or to participate in our retreat programme.

Prayer and Worship

Holy Communion - Friday 9.15am

Non-residents are welcome to participate in the Chapel service.

Staying as a Private Retreatant

With en-suite study-bedrooms, a chapel, and plenty of gardens to wander in, Whalley Abbey is an ideal place in which to spend time alone on retreat. The Retreats Manager is able to help develop a programme for your stay, incorporating daily worship and private reading, as well as meals, rest and fresh air! It is sometimes possible to arrange for a priest to be available at an agreed time for counselling or confession.

Church Groups and Parish Weekends

We welcome church groups of all affiliations to spend an evening, a day, or a weekend together, taking time out from your normal routine to listen to God and explore together the issues you are facing. If requested in advance, the Retreats Manager may be available to lead group sessions.

SPIRITUALITY PROGRAMME 2008

"Listening Closely" - Beginners' Retreat

Sunday 13th - Tuesday 15th April

We regret this event has had to be cancelled

“The Benedictine Alternative”

Monday 19th - Thursday 22nd May

A few days experience of Benedictine living, observing the daily round of prayer, with guidance on the essentials
of a life of friendship with God.

A Monk of Ampleforth Abbey

"Stop! In the Name of God"

Friday 20th June
As part of the retreat Association's weekend of events, the Chapel will be open from 12 noon until 2.30pm for personal quiet. A short led reflection and prayer will take place every half hour.

"Movement and Painting from the Soul"

Monday 25th - Friday 29th August

We regret that this event has had to be cancelled

"Roots and Roads"

Spirituality and the Changing Church

Saturday 6th September 10am-4pm
Fresh thinking about faith and the challenges faced by the Church in her life and mission in an age of continuing change.
Ven John Hawley (Archdeacon of Blackburn)

Celebration Evening

Sunday 5th October 6.00pm
An evening of pilgrimage, worship, fellowship (and a hot pot supper) in anticipation of the Feast of Paulinus, whose feast day is later in the week.

"Still Mind - Open Heart"

Friday 10th - Sunday 12th October
A weekend of silent meditation drawing from the Christian and Buddhist contemplative traditions.
Brother Nichola Alan SSF (St. Mary-at-the-Cross Monastery, Glasshampton)

"The Gospel of Falling Down"

Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd November
Explore how falling and failure can often lead to much truer glimpses of God's grace than the seeking of perfection.
Rev Mark Townsend (Magician, writer and priest of the Diocese of Hereford)

"Clay Wrappings"

Saturday 6th December 10am-4pm

"He laid his glory by, he wrapped him in our clay" sang Charles Wesley. A day of worship, music and reflection
providing time out from Christmas Shopping.
Susan Witts (of the Diocesan Board of Education and Worship Leader at St Gabriel's Church, Brownhill) and John Wilson (Retreats Manager at Whalley Abbey)

For further details, and to book, please contact the Abbey

Tel 01254 828 400

e-mail: office@whalleyabbey.org