T H E C O R R E S P O N D E N T

Your monthly newsletter from the Conference of Religious Secretariat

APRIL 2017

General Secretary Technical Co-ordinator Administrative Secretary Br James Boner OFM Cap Ray Wilson Catherine Langridge [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 020 8566 7009 020 8566 7025 020 3255 1085

At this time of year the Secretariat is busy preparing for As always, there is information on A word from the our AGM in Swanwick. Many many conferences, retreats and thanks for those who have workshops, not to mention Gen Sec… already booked. . advertisements and job There are still places, despite the deadline having passed, so please do opportunities, in this edition! apply – especially as we are lucky to have Donna Fyffe as the main Please do have a good read. speaker this year; more about her below. There is also some information about our new Apostolic ; unfortunately he will be out of the country Thank you very much to everyone for our AGM this year, but hopefully he will be able to join us in 2018So far who has paid the Membership fees; there has been a positive response to the forthcoming seminars: only a few outstanding now! Leadership Training and Embracing Change 2. If you have not booked yet, please do so as soon as you can. The forms for the latter will be on our See you in Swanwick! website shortly. There are still places available for both seminars! Embracing Change 2 is being repeated in Salford in October, so hopefully you will all have a chance to attend either in the North or in the South. Br. James Boner

NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO!

The Conference of Religious would like to welcome our new Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop .

Archbishop Adams was born in Philadelphia in 1944 and was ordained a priest in 1970. He did advanced studies in , graduating in 1976 from the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy; since then has served at the ’s Apostolic Nunciatures in various countries throughout the world, replacing Archbishop Antonio Mennini as Apostolic Nuncio to the United Kingdom of Great Britain on 8th April 2017.

DONNA FYFFE – Keynote Speaker at AGM

The AGM theme this year is “Unearthing the Potential of Uncertain Times”, and we are very pleased that Donna Fyffe will be coming over from America to speak to us on this subject. Donna is an experienced process consultant and entrepreneur, and the founder of Community Works. Her expertise resides in community building, leadership development, and process design for furthering the client’s mission and initiatives. You can read more about her on http://cworksindy.com/about/index.php

CECILIA GOODMAN CJ

The memorial Service for Cecilia Goodman cj, will be held on Monday 3rd July 2017 at 2.00pm in York Minster. You are invited to return to the Bar Convent following the service. It would be helpful if you could let St Bede’s Pastoral Centre know if you are coming: contact either Carol Reeves or Diane Granger on 01904 464900 or email [email protected]

CLARETIAN RELIGIOUS LIFE CONFERENCE 2017

This year the Religious Life Conference will be from 30th May to 2nd June, at Botwell House in Hayes. Please contact Fr. Paul Smyth for all details: [email protected]

INSTITUTE OF ST ANSELM – Move to Rome

Sadly, the Home Office has cancelled the Institute of St Anselm’s licence to receive visas for students, despite an appeal. Therefore, the Trustees have decided to move the Institute to Rome. They hope to start their first 18-week course there in January 2018, and then a Diploma course in September 2018. For further information and ongoing updates, please see their website: www.st.anselm.org.uk They would like to invite you to their Final Mass on 29th May - a thanksgiving mass for 32 years of the Institute of St Anselm in the UK; details below. Please let them know as soon as possible if you are able to join them.

The Director, Staff, and Participants are delighted to invite you to join us in Thanksgiving and Celebration for Thirty-Two years of the Institute of St. Anselm, 1985 to 2017, in the UK

Main celebrant: Most Rev Peter Smith, Archbishop of Southwark 11.00 am Monday 29th May 2017 at St. Anne’s Church Cliftonville CT9 3AF

After Mass you are invited to a Buffet Lunch at the Institute of St. Anselm

Institute of St. Anselm, Norfolk Road, Cliftonville, Kent CT9 2EU Tel: 01843 234700 Fax: 01843 234701 Email: [email protected]

THE ART OF DYING WELL – New Website

This is the name of a new website that offers a helping hand to those grappling with issues around death and dying. Based in the Catholic tradition but open to all, it features real-life stories about dealing with the final journey. Expert advice has been sought from professionals in palliative care, ethics, chaplaincy, history and media. Please take a look at the website: www.artofdyingwell.org

As a Catholic approaches death, there are a series of comforting rites and rituals that can help a person spiritually prepare for the final journey; these rites and special prayers for the dying are illustrated in the Catholic Art of Dying Well animation: http://www.artofdyingwell.org/what-is-dying-well/a-good-catholic- death/support-of-the-church which features the fictional story of the Ferguson family, with a narration by the English actress, Vanessa Redgrave.

ST LUKE’S CENTRE

Information on all the services offered at St Luke’s Centre can be found on: www.stlukescentre.org.uk

CENTRE FOR CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT AND PRACTICE

This Centre, the CCSTP, acts as network and focal point through which like- minded groups within the Catholic community can more easily collaborate with one another. It brings together academics, charities, religious orders and social movements who are engaged in Catholic social thought and practice, and facilitates an ongoing conversation about how to think, talk and act in response to our rapidly changing context and the social thought of the Church. The new CCSTP was launched in June, with a new website – www.ccstp.org.uk There will be a place on this website where you can engage with content, such as blogs, videos and more – and you can find out about their latest news, events and projects.

If you would like to write a blog for the page, or if you think the your organisation could work well with the CCSTP, please do get in contact with Joseph Ewing on [email protected]

WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES/RETREATS

COLD ASH CENTRE OF FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY 2017

Seeking Wholeness – “Personal Formation for Gospel Living”: this is a holistic programme which will take place on Mondays to Fridays from 30th April to 17th June 2017, with weekends free. The suggested donation for the 7 weeks, including a Directed Retreat, is £3,400. For any further information please ring 01635 865353 or email [email protected]

RETURNING FROM THE BRINK: Memory Loss

Sr Josephine Bugeja has previously given talks on Age-Related Memory Loss and Alzheimer’s, and she is repeating Episode 1 on 25th May; Episode 2 is on 27th April and Episode 3 on 18th May – all starting promptly at 7.30pm, in Ealing. Please contact Sr Josephine regarding future such topics and also the “Being, Sharing & Learning” sessions, on 020 8810 4432, or email: [email protected]

CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH CHINA (CEC) – Human Rights Proposals & Workshop

You can find the full text of the “National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2016-2020)”, as well as their April 2017 Web Updates, on their website: www.cecchina.co.uk

CEC is also running a one-day conference with workshops, entitled “Faith and Hope in China” on Saturday 6th May 2017 from 10.30am to 4pm, at St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, led by Archbishop . You can book now at: https://cecagm6may2017.eventbrite.com or via CEC at 020 8202 2555 or email: [email protected] There are limited places, so please book early!

THE NILAND CONFERENCE CENTRE

There are several events coming up at the Niland Centre, details of some of which have already been circulated. The next date is Wednesday 10th May from 10am to 1pm: a day entitled “The Daily Call to Truth”.

Your particular attention is drawn to the Training Day entitled “Safe in Faith: Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse”on Saturday 20th May 2017 from 10am to 3pm. Flyer attached.

Then on Wednesday 24th May, from 10am to 3pm, there is a day of “Christian Mindfulness II: Putting it into Practice”, led by Fr Michael Heap M.AFr.

Details on all of the above can be obtained by ringing 020 8950 4000, and/or on the Niland website: www.nilandconferencecentre.co.uk/programmeofevents/

CONFERENCE: “Christian Responsibility to Dalits and Caste Discrimination”

Bishop Patrick Lynch would like to invite you to this 2-day conference, which is a follow-up of the 2014 conference on the above theme. It will be held at Amigo Hall, St George’s Cathedral, on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th May 2017. This conference is being organized by Fr Gerard Mitchell SJ (parish priest of St Anselm’s Church, Southall) and the Christian Network Against Caste Discrimination. For further details, please see: http://stanselmchurchsouthall.com/cancad/ or email [email protected]

COMMUNICATION CONFERENCE

This will take place on Saturday 13th May 2017 at Holy Apostles Church Hall, Pimlico, London. For further information and booking form, please contact Sr Elaine Penrice on [email protected] Places are limited, so please book early. Closing date: 27th April.

CATHOLIC SPIRITUALITY NETWORK

CSN are running an event entitled “Love is His Meaning” – A Day with Julian of Norwich, on Saturday 13th May 2017, 10am to 4pm, led by Chris Chapman, in Lewisham. (Details already circulated). Please contact the CSN Membership Secretary on 07756 864784 or at [email protected]

You may like to save the date for the Retreat Association Summer Event on 14th July 2017 at The Royal Foundation of St Katharine. For details and booking, please contact the Retreat Association on [email protected] or see their website: www.retreats.org.uk

Other dates to save: 12th to 22nd July 2017 for an individually directed contemplative retreat, “An introduction to the Contemplative Way of Life and to the Jesus Prayer”, at St Augustine’s Priory in North Wales. For an application form, please email [email protected]

You can find further details by emailing: [email protected] or on the CSN website: www.csn.retreats.org.uk

CANON LAW WORKSHOP

Entitled “Issues Facing Religious Today”, this workshop will take place on Saturday 20th May and be led by Fr Frank Morrisey OMI, who is a professor emeritus of Canon Law and a gifted speaker. It will be held at DeMazenod House in London, from where you can get further details and a booking form: email: [email protected] or tel. 020 7702 3544 or 07890 020435.

CATHOLIC ARCHIVES SOCIETY

The CAS Conference this year will take place from Monday 22nd to Wednesday 24th May at Brunel Manor in Torquay. The theme is remembering the ongoing pastoral function of archives as tools for mission and ministry, whilst ensuring that archives comply with statutory obligations under canon and secular law. All information is on: https://catholicarchivesociety.org/training-events/conference-agm/conference-2017/ For further information about the conference content, please contact Jim Ranahan on 0121 745 2200 or Email: [email protected] Booking forms and any queries about booking should be addressed to: Sr Benignus O’Brien, Langdale House, 42 Petitor Road, Torquay TQ1 4QF.

ECCO HOMO CONVENT: BIBLICAL PROGRAMMES

The biblical programmes – “Sojourn in the Land of the Bible” - go on throughout the year in Jerusalem; there are still a few places for the June 2017 Programme. Please see the website for further information and application form: http://biblicalformationcentre.com Email: [email protected]

RELIGIOUS LIFE INSTITUTE 2017

The RLI Theology of Religious Life Course will be running on one Saturday per month from January to June 2017. Full details have been sent out, but for further information and registration, contact Annabel Clarkson at the RLI on [email protected] or the College’s postgraduate administrator, Mariann Jakab, on [email protected]

CSAS TRAINING FOR WESTMINSTER DIOCESE

As part of the “One Church Approach” to Safeguarding, the CSAS has devised national safeguarding training for representatives. All safeguarding representatives are invited to attend a one-day course, taking place at St Aloysius Parish Hall, 20 Phoenix Road, Euston NW1 1TA, from 10am to 5pm, on one of the following dates: Thursday 22nd June; Thursday 19th October; Tuesday 5th December 2017.

The training is mandatory and thus important that all representatives attend one of these days. It would be helpful to have completed the Educare Safeguarding E-learning training beforehand. Please note that the places on each training day are limited, and bookings will be on a first come first served basis. Please confirm your attendance, stating which day you are attending, by email to: [email protected] Or ring the RCDOW safeguarding office on 020 7798 9356

WALSINGHAM WAY Vocational Pilgrimage

This is a weekend retreat for those considering their vocation, especially for Catholics aged 18 to 30. It is from Friday 30th June to Sunday 2nd July at The Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. For full details email: [email protected]

INVITATION TO MEETING: DIOCESES & RELIGIOUS ORDERS WHICH PROVIDE SCHOOLS

Attached is an invitation from the CES for you to come to a meeting on Tuesday 4th July 2017, 10.30am to 3.30pm, to discuss how dioceses and religious orders are dealing with the increasing demands on them and their schools as a result of changes to the education system. Please could you confirm your attendance by Monday 26th June to Marian at: [email protected]

MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE ON SPIRITUALITY AND RECOVERY

This 3-day conference will be taking place at St John’s College, Durham University from Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th July 2017, and will explore good practice in spirituality and mental health care. It is an opportunity for clinicians, service users and carers, chaplains, faith and community leaders – and anyone else interested – to come and think about those interested in recovery, and those who wish to promote the importance of spirituality can work together for the benefit of people who are receiving mental health services. For further information and to book your place, visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/conference.booking/

THEOLOGICAL SUMMER SCHOOL

Sheila Curran, the Justice Co-ordinator for AMRI, is organizing, in association with University of Winchester, a theological summer school entitled “Neighbour or Stranger: A Christian Response to Forced Displacement in our World”. This will take place from Friday 14th Jul to Sunday 16th July, in Winchester. Contact: [email protected] Full details are on the attached flyer.

WORKSHOP: “Spirituality for Religious Life in the 21st Century

This workshop will take place on Saturday 15th July, 10.30-4pm at DeMazenod House. It will be led by Fr Mariathas Selverathnam OMI, who has been an Oblate of Mary Immaculate for over fifty years. Further details and booking form can be obtained from Fr Barry on [email protected] or 020 7702 3544.

SUMMER RETREAT: “A heart’s journey …. a sacred journey”

This 6-day retreat will be facilitated by Monica Brown and Hilary Musgrave, from Saturday 15th to Friday 21st July, in County Carlow. Booking is essential, and you can contact Emmaus Productions on +353 894 966/ 995 or +353 347 333, or email: [email protected]

MINSTERACRES RETREAT CENTRE: Preached Retreat

This retreat is entitled “Being Messengers of Compassion and Hope” and will take place from Monday 17th to Monday 24th July 2017 in County Durham. Contact: [email protected] Website: www.minsteracres.org Full details are on the attached flyer.

You may also like to save the date for their 6-day individually guided retreat from 3rd to 8th September 2017.

DOUAI ABBEY: RESIDENTIAL RETREAT

This retreat, entitled “Times of Challenge and Distress – God is with us”, is for all those involved in mental health pastoral care. It will take place from Tuesday 18th to Thursday 20th July 2017 at Douai Abbey. There are only 20 places available, so please book quickly! Email Gail Sainsbury at [email protected] The flyer and booking form are attached.

AN TAIRSEACH Dominican Farm and Ecology Centre

Details of the Ten-week Sabbatical Programme and Retreats run at An Tairseach can be found on their website: www.ecocentrewicklow.ie . Alternatively, you can email: [email protected] or telephone: 00 353 404 61833.

RETREATS AT ST MARY’S KINNOULL 2017

Further details about the Sabbatical Courses 2017 at Kinnoull are now available on their website: www.kinnoullmonastery.co.uk/article/sabbatical-course-2017/ The brochure and booking forms are available on that page.

For information and booking of any of the above, please email [email protected] or telephone 01738 624075. Address: St Mary’s, Kinnoull, Perth PH2 7BP, Scotland.

CELTIC RETREAT/PILGRIMAGE EXPERIENCE 2017

Are you looking for a special way to mark your Jubilee Year or your Sabbatical Renewal time?

Why not consider a unique Celtic Retreat/Pilgrimage Experience from 7th to 17th August 2017. This 10-day pilgrimage will be facilitated by Hilary Musgrave and Monica Brown and will take you to Glendalough, Newgrange, the Boyne Valley, the Hill of Slane, Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenny City and County Carlow, visiting ancient ruins and old burial sites, high crosses, holy wells, medieval cities and sacred places. Through music, song, story and myth, dance, mime, imagery and scripture-storytelling, Hilary and Monica will invite you to listen to your own story in this Celtic Landscape, where you can come home to yourself and to your God. For further information and booking, please visit: www.celticspiritpilgrimage.com or ring 00 353 51 347333. Email: [email protected]

AMRI – Religious Formation Ministry Programme

Now that AMRI has emerged from the membership of CORI and IMU, AMRI is responsible for the Religious Formation Ministry Programme. This begins on 28th August 2017 – further applications can still be considered for this year; however, there is no guarantee that there will be a Programme in 2018-19 as numbers need to pick up. Contact: Ann Concannon SSL on [email protected]

IGNATIAN PILGRIMAGES 2017

The Ignatian Spirituality Centre is the only centre offering Ignatian Pilgrimages and 30 day retreats in Loyola in English. They have the following pilgrimages coming up next year: Ignatian Spain – a Pilgrimage: 27th July to 3rd August 2017. This would include 3 nights in Loyola and 4 nights in Montserrat, in comfortable en-suite hotel accommodation. Jesuit-led guided visit to the places associated with Ignatius of Loyola and daily mass are included.

Ignatian Rome – a Pilgrimage: 15th to 20th October 2017. You would visit sites associated with Ignatius of Loyola, including Ignatius’ rooms, and the Basilicas of St Peter’s, St Mary Major and St Paul’s outside the Walls. There will also be a guided walk of Ignatian Rome, including the Pantheon, and a Wednesday audience with the Pope, followed by the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. Cost: £480. Details of the above two pilgrimages are on www.iscglasgow.co.uk/pilgrimage.html

Full Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius in Loyola, Spain: 26th June to 30th July 2017. These spiritual exercises are with experienced native English-speaking guides in Loyola. Trips to Xavier and Aranzazu, and a tour of Ignatian Loyola are included. Cost: £1,895, to include transfer from the airport. Further details: www.iscglasgow.co.uk/30days.html

Any further queries should be addressed to Fr David Birchall SJ, Ignatian Spirituality Centre, 0141 354 0077.

AFFILIATED ORGANISATIONS

The combined website for USG and UISG is www.vidimusdominum.org . This presents items of interest regarding religious life worldwide. The site is presented in four languages, but the content varies in each language section.

THE RETREAT ASSOCIATION’s latest newsletter can be viewed on www.retreats.org.uk/newsletter . As well as reports from Founding Members and staff, the latest edition includes all their latest news. Do have a look.

NATIONAL JUSTICE and PEACE NETWORK

Refugee Crisis – Ways to Help: Catholic Bishops’ Conference: Refugee Crisis – Open Your Hearts: If you are an individual wishing to host, please sign up here: http://www.paih.org/host-a-refugee/ For more details on how you can help refugees, please do look at the NJPN bulletin: www.justice-and-peace.org.uk Also see Housing Justice: www.housingjustice.org.uk (for London) and the No Accommodation Network: www.naccom.org.uk (for outside London) NJPN is a network of people working at the grassroots for a more just and peaceful world, in the light of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching. It includes diocesan J&P bodies, parish groups, religious orders, national Catholic and ecumenical agencies, families and individuals.

“Come and join us and help us to support you! Membership is open to all who share our aims and values. We only ask £12 a year, but welcome any extra you can give.” Download a membership form from the website or contact the Administrator: [email protected] Tel. 020 7901 4864.

Information on all the work of CARJ can be found on their website: www.carj.org.uk

CORAB – Commission on Religion and Belief

Please do have a look at the CORAB website for background information, National Consultation and Contact. www.corab.org.uk

VINCENTIANS IN PARTNERSHIP: the VIP Justice Group e-newsletters can be found on www.vip-gb.org giving you the latest news from the VIP and Vincentian Family, and actions for the justice campaigns they are involved in.

th 2017 is the 400 Anniversary Celebrations of their charism. Details will follow in due course, but meanwhile, please put the following dates in your 2017 diaries: 24th June - Mass at Liverpool Cathedral th 30 September – Mass at Cardin (near Glasgow)

And ….. Save the date: The SVP National Meeting 2017 will be held on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th June 2017 in Liverpool.

HOUSING JUSTICE: their latest E-news is available at www.housingjustice.org.uk

C L A S S I F I E D S…. C L A S S I F I E D S…. C L A S S I F I E D S

A NEW WEBSITE FOR 2017?

If you need a new website, or would like to update your existing one, Wild Goose Websites is there to help. They have 17 years’ experience in web design in the UK and worldwide, and the majority of their clients are religious congregations. At Wild Goose they are known for making things simple, giving friendly support, and a commitment to excellence. Their advanced tools allow them to make customised “mobile-friendly” websites quickly. If you would like a new or upgraded religious website that’s easy to use and easy to update, please ask for a free consultation. Call Jon Harris on 07814 003376, or email: [email protected] or visit www.wildgoosewebsites.co.uk Website references are available on request.

FOR SALE

The Salesian sisters are refurbishing one of their houses, and thus have some items for sale. There are 12 green chairs with space for books both underneath and behind, and also a large cross – all of which are in very good condition. They are asking £350 for the lot, and they would need to be collected. Please contact Sr Pauline Clark for any further details, on 020 7350 2038, or [email protected]

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

1. St Bede’s Pastoral Centre York is looking for a Director, to take responsibility for the planning and delivery of the courses provided at the Centre, starting in September 2017. Accommodation may be available. For an application, please contact: Carol Reeves on 01904 404900 or email [email protected] Closing date for applications: Friday 2nd June 2017.

2. The Catholic Missionary Union is looking for a part-time (8 hours per week) Education Officer to work from home, or other agreed flexible location, on their “Meet a Missionary” project. For further information please ring Richard Owens on 01704 533708 or email [email protected] , and also look at the websites: www.meetamissionary.org.uk and www.cmu.org.uk

3. The Medical Mission Sisters are looking for a part-time Secretary/Administrator for their Acton office. For full details and application form, email: [email protected] or tel: 020 8992 6444.

4. The Cardinal Hume Centre needs a Volunteer Safeguarding Advisor and Chair. If anybody is interested/able to assist, please contact Cathy Corcoran, Chief Executive of the Centre, for a full role description and application form: 020 7222 1602 or [email protected] ; or via her PA, Christina Marron: [email protected]

URGENT NOTICE from Westminster Diocesan Safeguarding Commission

The Commission urgently requires a religious priest or brother to represent “the brethren” in the diocese.

The commitment consists of four Quarterly Commission meetings, usually at Vaughan House, plus occasional committee or panel meetings for those who can make themselves available. Not all the members of the Commission are catholic, being chosen for their expertise and experience. The matters dealt with are of high importance, and there is a need to deepen the awareness of some lay commission members to the profundity of the christian spirituality and principles on which this ministry must be built.

If anyone thinks he might be inspired to take up this challenge, please contact Fr Jeremy Trood, Vicar for Safeguarding, on: [email protected] or tel: 020 7387 1971.

PROPERTIES AVAILABLE for RETREATS, REST etc:

VILLA PALAZZOLA

This lovely villa is offering good deals for clergy and religious in 2017 and 2018. Please contact [email protected] for dates and photos. Website: www.palazzola.it

NAZARETH RETIREMENT VILLAGES

The Sisters of Nazareth have developed two Retirement Villages – one in Beardwood on the edge of the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, and another one on the Stonehouse Peninsular in Plymouth, Devon. Both villages offer a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, together with a broad range of social and leisure facilities and support services. These include a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, lounge areas, library, hairdressing, 24-hour emergency alarm, handyman, cleaning and laundry services. At Beardwood there is also a minibus and private cinema. Mass is celebrated on a daily basis in the beautiful on-site chapels, and some of our residents are retired priests and sisters.

A “trial in scheme” in a fully furnished and equipped apartment is offered, where you can stay for up to five days to experience life at each of the villages.

For further information, please ring: 01752 229534 (Plymouth) or 01254 677926 (Beardwood), or visit our website: www.nazarethretirementvillages.co.uk

A QUIET PLACE FOR A SABBATICAL or SINGLE LIVING TIME

Anne Alcock, a former religious (Dominican missionary), is offering an upper floor apartment in her house in Cork to any Religious looking for a sabbatical or for some single living time. This would be for a negotiable rent, for 6 or 12 months, either this year or early next year. Contact Anne on 00 353 8761 76193.

ST. MARY’S MONASTERY – Redemptorist Centre for Spirituality

This newly refurbished centre has en-suite accommodation and step-free access throughout the building. It is available for retreats, sabbaticals, conferences, chapters, meetings and for times of recollection. Have a look at their website on www.kinnoullmonastery.co.uk , and for further details ring 01738 624075 or email [email protected]

ACCOMMODATION for RETIRED SISTERS

If any congregation is seeking accommodation for their retired sisters in a Registered Residential Home, with others, please contact the Provincial Council (of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy) on [email protected] for further information.

RETREAT HOUSE CHESTER

This is a year-old charity seeking to offer a thoughtful and open place of retreat in the city, rooted gently and deeply in Christian tradition. They are running retreat-related activities as they work towards opening a non- residential retreat house right in the heart of the city, in Chester’s old retreat house next to the Cathedral. This is a wonderful opportunity to draw on the mission of the religious communities that have served the house, just as their programme draws on and promotes monastic tradition – and they are keen to develop relationships with religious orders and communities. A feature article will be published in the Retreats Handbook 2017. For more information, please see www.retreathousechester.co.uk or contact them on [email protected]

THE BRIERY RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTRE

This Centre is at 38 Victoria Avenue, Ilkley LS29 9BW; tel: 01943 607287; email: [email protected] Website: www.briery.org.uk Following a substantial refurbishment in August 2016, the Briery can now offer 18 en-suite rooms, and can accommodate retreat groups of up to 30 people in the house, plus 3 in the cottage in the grounds. Their retreats are full board, and include home-cooked food, conference facilities and use of their chapel. They have a new brochure for 2017 detailing forthcoming retreats. For further information, please call or email the administration office, as above.

SISTERS OF ST ANDREW

The Sisters of St Andrew welcome individuals and groups to their “Urban Oasis” situated half-way between Lewisham and Blackheath, close to Greenwich and Lee. Their beautiful round Oast House Chapel, with its stained glass windows, provides a space for both personal and group prayer. There is a large attractive garden, with a grass labyrinth, surrounding the house. Individuals are welcome, as well as groups (25 max. day – self-catering), and up to 9 people for individually guided retreats; there is also the possibility to come just for a couple of hours/half a day/overnight to pause, rest, reflect in silence. The sisters are available for input/facilitation/spiritual accompaniment/self-catering retreats/ retreats in daily life/supervision/and outreach by prior arrangement. There are also programmed events throughout 2017: please see the website: www.sisters-of-st- andrew.com or email: [email protected]

ST JOSEPH’S PRAYER CENTRE

St Joseph’s Prayer Centre is at Blundell Avenue, Freshfield, Formby L37 1PH. Tel. 01704 875850. Mobile: 07712 178670. Email: [email protected] Website: www.stjosephsprayercentre.com The Centre runs retreats - either individually guided or preached/directed retreats. Quiet Days: their Oasis Room provides a warm welcoming space for personal reflection, reading and prayer. Guests are very welcome to use the lovely chapels, and spiritual direction is available if desired.

SION CENTRE FOR DIALOGUE AND ENCOUNTER

This Centre offers conference facilities for groups of up to 50 people. It is an ideal setting for inter-faith meetings, conferences, seminars, courses, parish days or in-service training. There is a loop and audio system, powerpoint projector, specialist library, and also a meeting room for up to 10 people. For more information email [email protected] and have a look at their website: www.sioncentre.org

COLD ASH CENTRE

This Centre is ready to welcome not-too-big congregations for their chapters, as they have updated their audio-visual system, including a big TV screen and loop system. They have a purpose-built complex and chapel, plus the use of a beautiful church which seats 80 people. See also under “Workshops” section. For further details ring 01635 865353, or email [email protected]

PSYCHOTHERAPY AND SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Fr Derek Laverty SSCC is now available full time for retreats, spiritual direction, talks and facilitation. He is based in London and can be contacted on 079919 370166.

Fr John Foley CSsR offers a secure and confidential setting in which to talk about whatever issues may be troubling you – whether it is anxiety, depression, repeating patterns of behaviour, addictions, problems in relationships and/or community, bereavement and loss, long-term emotional difficulties, or a lack of fulfilment or sense of meaning in life. John is also a very experienced Spiritual Director and offers ongoing support and accompaniment. For further information and contact details: www.john-foley.co.uk

Sr Frances Woolman FMDM is a BACP accredited counsellor/psychotherapist, has a BSc in Pastoral Counselling, is a trained Supervisor and can also offer community facilitation. She has had experience over many years, working with priests and religious from across different cultures. Sr Frances has also worked in formation and served in leadership within her own congregation. Her training is integrative, which means that she uses different approaches, depending on individual needs. She works in the Coventry and Tamworth areas. Tel. 07752 103861. Email: [email protected] . Website: www.fwoolman.counselling.co.uk

PUBLICATIONS

VISION VOCATION GUIDE: 2018 VISION SPOTLIGHT – “RELIGIOUS POETS” The 2018 Vision Spotlight will be Religious Poets, and the Guide is inviting people to submit published poetry by religious priests, sisters and brothers. The published work of lyricists will also be considered. Please send submissions as soon as possible, together with a short bio of the poet (including why he/she writes poetry as well as what he/she has published), and a high-resolution photo of the poet and screenshot of the cover of the book in which the work is published. A selection of the submissions will be printed in the 2018 VISION Vocation Guide, and the deadline is August 2017. Please send via email to: Jennifer Tomshack, Editorial Director, TrueQuest Communications, at: [email protected]

VISION Vocation Guide is a publication of the National Religious Vocation Conference; see www.vocationnetwork.org

WELCOME TO NEW LEADERS

Daughters of Divine Love Sr Linda Uku has come to the end of her term of office, and the new Regional Superior is Sr Emilia Arum.

Little Company of Mary Sr Carol Pacini has come to the end of her term of office, and the

new Congregational Leader, as from 2nd July, is Bernadette Fitzgerald.

The Community of St John Baptist Sr Jane Olive Stencil has come to the end of her term of office and the new Community Leaders are: Sisters Mary Britt and Anne Proudley.

Order of Carmelites Fr Antony Lester has come to the end of his term of office and the new Prior Provincial is Fr Kevin Alban.

St Patrick’s Missionary Society – Kiltegan Fathers Fr John Roche has come to the end of his term of office and the new

leader is Fr Joseph McCullough.

AGM 2017 (Swanwick) 22nd – 24th May 2017 “Unearthing the Potential of Uncertain Times”

Embracing Change 2 (London) th Buzzacott LLP & Stone King LLP 27 June 2017

Religious Leaders Training Seminar (Heythrop) 29th June 2017

4 GM 2017 (Heythrop College) – Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP 17th October 2017

Embracing Change 2 (Salford) th Buzzacott LLP & Stone King LLP 30 October 2017

PLEASE NOTE that all information received and published herein is accepted in good faith. However, Members and other readers should note that COR accepts no responsibility for the consequences of any action taken, or not taken, arising from information given here. All readers are strongly recommended to take up their own references and/or other appropriate advice before entering into any commitments.