RETREATS

Most people who come to St Beuno's on retreat come for an Individually Guided, silent retreat. These vary from weekends through the popular 6 and 8 day retreats to the full Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius. The full Exercises can be done continuously over 30 days or in three ten day sections over three years.

We also offer themed retreats with different topics from year to year. Usually these retreats begin each day with a presentation on the theme of the retreat, then offer suggestions for prayer. On some retreats there is shared prayer or workshops of various sorts.

A retreat is principally a time for you to be alone with God. That is not to say we expect you to be kneeling all day in a chapel.

Many people who come on retreat at St Beuno's take advantage of the beautiful countryside and the safe walking area to breathe fresh air and to exercise. If you are not too mobile you might like to spend time sitting or strolling round the garden. You may find that the use of art materials, or a courntry walk will also be a great stimulus to prayer.

A retreat is a time for leaving behind much of what normally fills our time: television, work, computers, telephones, commuting, preparing meals, chatting etc. and having time to reflect, to ponder, to pray, to be.

Most retreats are conducted in a prayerful silence both during the day and at mealtimes when some quiet music helps to foster a reflective atmosphere.

There is an optional daily Eucharist to which all retreatants are welcome to attend.

More details on what an Individually Guided Retreat entails.

Beginning and ending of the Retreat 

Most retreats, with the exception of weekends, begin with the evening meal on the first day and end after breakfast on the last day.

Weekend retreats, begin with the evening meal at around 6.30pm on Friday and end in the afternoon of Sunday. Ideally if you could aim to arrive between 3pm and 5pm. You can plan on getting away by 3.30pm at the latest.
Long Weekend retreats, which include a Bank Holiday Monday end at 3.30pm on the last day.

- Booking form for a retreat (not for 30-days or 10-day retreats)