As Advent begins, this retreat invites us to explore the infancy narratives in Matthew and Luke, uncovering their rich connections to the Old Testament. From the annunciations to Mary, Joseph, and Zechariah to the visit of the wise men, these stories reveal Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan for His people.

We’ll reflect on themes of divine purpose, joy, and the biblical parallels that shape these narratives—such as Jesus as the new Moses, the significance of Joseph’s adoptive fatherhood, and the role of Mary’s Magnificat. Join us for a journey through Scripture that deepens our understanding of the Nativity’s profound meaning.

Each year, the Church ends the annual liturgical cycle with the Solemnity of Christ the King. In this Home Retreat, Fr Oswald reflects on the history and significance of this great feast, and what it might mean for each of us as we move as "Pilgrims of Hope" into the Great Jubilee Year of 2025.

This Home Retreat considers how by sharing in God’s mercy and love the believer may truly become like Him. 

Nothing, it is said, succeeds like success. Failing that, a euphoric  ‘feel-good factor’ is the salesman’s staunch friend in loosening purse-strings and skewing judgement. The theological virtue of hope, however, cannot be confused with mere human optimism. What might the Word of God offer us to help distinguish between these two ‘non-siblings?’

The commemoration of All Souls provides a moment to reflect on how we die. Is death something that just happens to us, the thief in the night?

Or is the great transition which we learn how to embrace, the welcome guest?

23 October marks the sixtieth anniversary of the proclamation of St Benedict as Patron of Europe by Pope St Paul VI. Fr Luke reflects on what this means today.

What should our attitude to God be? Should we fear God, be in terror of God, dread God, or revere God? It all began with a question: how should the Hebrew word pahat be translated when applied to the attitude of a believer to God? The obvious, common meaning is ‘fear’ But is ‘fear’ too sharp. Should we be frightened of God? Is it inappropriate to have fear between lovers?

..chosen born nurtured & entrusted to make a real difference to real life & real faith October 2024

‘Richard Rohr asks how we came to populate a religion whose characteristic is ‘belonging’ rather than a religion which is transformative. This retreat addresses this question.

Suggested Timetable for the Home Retreat Day (But do make your own).

11.00 Home Retreat: Transformative Religion

11.20 Coffee Break

11.45 Read the Talk again.

12.00 Watch the video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhPr75g0Ors

13.00 Lunch break

14.00 Garden/Walk/Sleep

16.30 Tea Break

17.00 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnTC4NNIACk

18.00 Vespers Live Stream

20.00 Compline Live Stream

Starting from Psalm 118 verse 143 ‘Though anguish and distress have found me, your commands are my delight’, this home retreat will consider briefly the experience of Elijah, Jeremiah, the suffering servant, Job, Jonah, Tobit, the author of Psalm 87 and then focus particularly on the experience of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.