YEARNING & THIRSTING WITH GOD
Friday 18th October
(7.30 pm – 9.30 pm)
&
Saturday 19th October
9 / 10 am – 1 pm
Clonfert Family Centre
&
Franciscan Convent,
Ballinasloe
H53 NX59
All Welcome
Reservation of places necessary as venue can only accommodate twenty adults
Introduction
Pope Francis recently wrote “Because of the relentless pressures and tensions of an obsessively competitive society, retreats to “recharge our batteries” have become very popular. But a Christian retreat is very different from a “wellness” holiday. The centre of attention is not us but God, the Good Shepherd, who, instead of treating us like machines, responds to our deepest needs as his beloved children”, (Foreword of Austen Ivereigh’s book First Belong to God – On Retreat with Pope Francis, Messenger Publications, 2024).
Mindful of our need to step back from daily demands momentarily, some Network members have committed to gathering on the above evening and morning for a time of shared reflection, conversation, prayer and rejuvenation. We will be supported by Fr. Stephen Cummins OP. Fr Stephen is a very experienced retreat facilitator and presenter, accustomed to accompanying women and men as they honour their need to allow God’s grace heal, enrich, encourage and challenge them to be true to their identity as beloved daughers and sons of God.
We are committed to enjoying one another’s company, to engaging in the conversations that Fr Stephen will invite us into, to pondering God’s graciousness, as revealed in certain sacred scripture texts, and to simply honouring our need of God and of one another in a fast-changing Ireland.
You are welcome to join us as an active participant or quiet observer… subject to places being still available (see below).
Presenter & Facilitator
Fr. Stephen Cummins OP
Stephen is a Dominican friar based in Kilkenny. His ministry is currently in directing retreats. He has also ministered in South Africa, UK and France. Stephen is the Promoter for Justice and Peace for the Irish Dominican Province.
Retreat Outline
FRIDAY 18th OCTOBER 2024
7.30 pm
Participants gather at Clonfert Family Centre
/ Tea & Coffee
7.45 pm
Guided scripture-based meditation to support us enter the spirit of the retreat
8.05 pm
‘Making Space For God’
– Short presentation followed by facilitated conversation
9.00 pm
Time of quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
9.20 pm
Night Prayer
9.30 pm
Participants return to their homes
SATURDAY 19th OCTOBER
9.00 am (Optional)
Shared exploration of scripture readings that will be proclaimed during Mass led by Fr Stephen
10.00 am
Holy Mass in Franciscan Convent Chapel
10.50 am
Tea / Coffee in Clonfert Family Centre
11.10 am
‘Walking with God in a time of transition’
– Second presentation followed by conversation
12.05 pm
Time of silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
& opportunity to avail of Sacrament of Reconciliation
12.45 pm
Closing prayer service including a brief commissioning ceremony based on the conversations of the retreat
Recommended Donation
€20.00 per participant, to be placed in donation box.
Reservation of Places
Interested persons are encouraged to reserve one of the remaining fifteen places by texting, emailing or ringing Justin on 087 6171526 / admin@creideamh.ie
Additional Information
In relation to all other enquiries please contact:
Justin Harkin
Secretary
CREIDEAMH Network
087 6171526
admin@creideamh.ie
Number of Places Reserved
(28th September 2024)
15 places reserved.
5 places remaining
Venue can only accommodate twenty people.
*** ends***
Updated 28th September 2024