1 Online & In Situ Christian Retreats led by Donna Worthington (For Retreats in August Ireland 2026, see below, the second part of this information). For bookings, please see the website or contact Donna Worthington: drworthington@live.co.uk www.christianretreats.live JULY 2026 (ONLINE)
FAIRY TALE WISDOM | Thursday 9th July 6.30-9pm We will dive deep into the fairy tale 'Rumpelstiltskin', exploring its rich symbolism such as 'greed' and 'gold' and ask ourselves: What vices do we not want, what virtues do we want to live by? Attentive to the insight of Bishop Anthony Bloom, we will focus on 'gold' in a different sense, as a gift given by The Magi, The Wise Ones, and what their journey can reveal to us about prayer and how we can live well. The fairy tale throws up a compelling question: What grim bargains do we make in our lives? We will reflect on this question and on how Christ often turns things upside-down, enabling us to move into greater freedom...
HOLY ISLAND RETREATS (NON-RESIDENTIAL). Monday 12th to Friday 16th October 2026 NOVEMBER 2026 (ONLINE) 2 SESSIONS | An exploration of the importance of 'Play'. We’ll contemplate ‘play’ in Creation, meditate on Biblical texts and consider Jesus’ words: ‘…Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ (Mark 10:15) Being attentive to a fairy tale and a film extract will help our journey of reflection on ‘play’. We’ll be asking compelling questions such as: What if play is the opposite of fear? Come and enjoy, play, think, explore and move deeper in your faith…
Thursdays 12th Nov and 26th Nov, 10am-1pm. Cost £40. 2 (IN SITU RESIDENTIAL RETREAT) THE BOOK OF RUTH - Based on an incredibly strong woman, the book of Ruth is a treasure chest of gifts. We will dive deep into the text, and swim in its fascinating symbolism. A creative onewoman short theatre piece ‘The Red Thread’ will be presented; this will creatively bring us into the roles key woman played in the salvation story. There will be an opportunity for discussion and a beautiful space to reflect on themes and soul-questions. We will approach this crucial text attentively and prayerfully. So come and enjoy engaging with The Bible, all are welcome! 16-20th Nov 2026. Bookings should only be made through Scargill House: Scargill House, Kettlewell, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5HU. Contacts:admin@scargillmovement.org 01756 760500.Cost to be confirmed.
JANUARY 2027 (ONLINE) AN INVITATION TO GAZE AT THIS REMARKABLE ICON AND TAKE YOUR PLACE AT THE TABLE OF THE TRINITY | We explore Rublev’s exquisite and profound 15thC Holy Trinity icon.
Sunday 31st January, 2-5pm APRIL 2027 (ONLINE) THE TREASURE OF THE CHURCH CALENDAR | A deep gift to live in, move in and be inspired by the underlying spiritual journey it invites us to experience. Entering into this wisdom creatively, we will encounter various forms of prayer including silent waiting, Ignatian guided imaginative prayer, viseo divina with an icon etc.
Come and soak in the beauty of The Church Calendar. Sunday 15th April, 6.30-9.30pm JUNE 2027 (ONLINE) TOUCHING THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT | A retreat exploring the gospel text of ‘the woman with the haemorrhage’ (Luke 8:40-48). We will dive deep into this text using short dramatic monologues, wisdom from The Cloud of Unknowing, our own attentiveness to the invitation to go to the hem of His garment for healing, imaginative guided prayer etc. There is a wealth of spirituality and wisdom here – come and enjoy exploring it! Friday 18th June, 10am - 1pm 3
NOVEMBER 2027 (ONLINE) THE HEALING OF LEGION | (Mark 5: 1-20) In Mark’s Gospel, emerges an incredible text. It’s a glimpse of a possessed man isolated, harming himself, violent, and living among the haunting landscape of tombs; the Greek word for ‘tomb’ can also mean ‘memory’. Modern understandings of this character called ‘Legion’ would probably see him as suffering from PTSD. Then the brave, discerning, healer Christ crosses the sea to face the man’s belligerent demons… and later, the villagers are amazed at the man’s transformation. This encounter of such hope will provide a potent space in which to invite Christ into our chaos; the calm, knowing and healing Christ who sits down beside us, listens and offers us freedom. Saturday 6 th November, 10am - 1pm 2026
Retreats in Ireland AUGUST 2026 THE RAISING OF LAZARUS | From the tomb and beyond, the road to Resurrection... If this earth-shattering event recorded in the genius of John's Gospel is true, then it has utterly profound implications. We will dive deep into this narrative which speaks into a compelling hope and a God who cries out for our freedom. Through a short theatre piece, theological and spiritual reflection, prayer, meditation on shimmering soul-questions, we will travel to Bethany ('The house of the afflicted'), encounter the family loved so much by Jesus and create a space to explore our own journeys into freedom. (Including Mass at 11.30am) Led by Donna Worthington. Sunday 9th August 2026 Please bring a packed lunch, tea and coffee will be provided. Coffee from 10am, then start at 10.30am, until 4.30pm. Free parking. Cost 25 euros.Venue: Avila Carmelite Centre, Bloomfield Avenue, Morehampton Road, Dublin D04 YF66, Ireland Tel: +353 (1) 643 0200 Email: info@avilacentre.ie Twitter: @avilacentre 4
Exploring The Interior Castle: Saint Teresa of Avila was a pioneer of the inner spiritual landscape. The Interior Castle is a treasure chest of guidance, hope and wisdom, a well of insight for the spiritual seeker. Over the course of 1 day and 2 evenings, we’ll explore various aspects of the text in a reflective and prayerful way. This is not comprehensive; this is simply an exploration of just some of the beautiful themes of The Interior Castle. All are very welcome. Tuesday 11th August 2026, 7-9pm. Sunday 16th August 2026. (Mass included at 11.30am). Please bring a packed lunch. Coffee at 10am, then starting at 10.30am, until 4.30pm. Tuesday 18th August 2026, 7-9pm. Total cost 50 euros Tea and coffee will be provided at all 3 events. Free parking. Ideally participants will be able to attend all 3 events - the Sunday and the 2 evenings. However, if not, please feel free to book just 1 or 2 of the events. (Costs: Sunday 25 euros / each of the evenings 12.50 euros.) Venue: Avila Carmelite Centre, Bloomfield Avenue, Morehampton Road, Dublin, D04 YF66, Ireland Tel: +353 (1) 643 0200 Email: info@avilacentre.ie Twitter: @avilacentre
The Woman at the Well - an invitation to journey to the well, to Christ the Living Water. Saturday 15 th August 2026 At Jacob’s well, Jesus broke strict rules of his time in order to reach a woman who was struggling with past relationships, exclusion and isolation; he listened to her in a non-judgmental way, saw her huge potential and she was transformed, finding her own confidence and her own voice. We will explore this intriguing Gospel passage, which helps to illuminate our inner soul journeys and offers an invitation to walk to the ‘well’, to Christ the 5 One who restores us. The day will include a short theatre piece, presentation, discussion, imaginative guided prayer etc. Venue: The Dominican retreat Centre, Tallaght village, Dublin 24 Email: retreats@domrc.ie (01) 404 8123 / 404 8189 +353 (1)40481234048189 10am Coffee, then 10.30am-4pm Cost 70 euros (includes lunch and tea and coffee breaks) Free parking available.
THE WOMAN WHO ANOINTED JESUS 22-28th August 2026 We will dive deep into this incredible Gospel text including exploring themes such as loss, theft and spiritual reclamation. The retreat will include quiet reflective time, a variety of creative approaches to prayer, and some group discussion. Ballyvaloo Centre Blackwater, Enniscorthy Co.Wexford Y21 X392 For bookings: Email: office@ballyvaloo.ie Telephone: 053 913 7160 Cost 710 Euros