Diaconal retreat
St Teresa & St Therese:
A Comparison in Prayer
Friday 4th - Sunday 6th October [2024]
A retreat for permanent deacons, to include spouses, examining the teachings of St Teresa and St Therese on the life of prayer
Preached by Fr Michael Miners, OCDS of the Diocese of Birmingham
As the Year of Prayer progresses, this retreat will be an opportunity to re-engage with two, towering figures of the interior life: St Teresa of Avila and St Therese of Lisieux. At a time when the faithful are continually and increasingly called to prayer for peace in the world and for the conversion of hearts, the retreat will aim to offer nourishment for both the deacon’s own life of prayer and for his ministry of preaching.
The retreat will make particular use of the “Interior Castle” to examine St Teresa of Avila’s understanding of prayer, comparing this with the influence of St John of the Cross in St Therese’s writings.
The option is also available to arrive the day before, on Thursday evening, and to extend the retreat with a further 24 hours of private recollection or time out.
- The retreat is offered specifically for permanent deacons, married or unmarried
- Deacons’ wives are welcome to attend and participate
- Single and twin rooms are available on a first come, first served basis
- The retreat will be preached, with opportunities for confession.
- The retreat timetable will include daily Mass, a Holy Hour and Compline.
- Option to arrive on Thursday for an extra 24 hours of private recollection
Father Michael Miners o.c.d.s was born in Blackburn in 1953. He read theology at St Johns College, Durham, becoming a Catholic there in 1974. He undertook postgraduate research in Durham and then at Keble College, Oxford, before joining Ushaw College Seminary. He was ordained as a priest of the Order of Discaled Carmelites in 1984. Fr Michael has worked in both parish ministry and in formation as a novice master and master of students. He edited the Spiritual Journal “Mount Carmel” for eight years, and has a long experience of preaching retreats and offering Spiritual Direction. After five years as Catholic Chaplain at Keele University (1993-1998) he became a priest of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Fr Michael lectures in Ecumenism at Oscott College and was Chair of the Diocesan Ecumenism Commission.
Theodore House offers a wonderful venue for any retreat. The tranquil and beautiful surroundings of the Stonyhurst estate offer a peaceful setting and endless opportunities for walks.
All accommodation is en-suite, with comfortable facilities and a beautifully lanscaped garden.
For more information about Theodore House, please click here.
For those arriving on Thursday, check in is available from 3pm onwards.
Arrivals are welcome on the Friday from 3pm for a 6pm start.
Departures on Sunday are from 3pm.
Cost:
Retreat only
Single room: £230 per person*
Twin room: £330 per couple*
*includes full board from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch
Thursday + Retreat
Single room: £325 per person*
Twin room: £460 per couple*
*includes full board from Thursday dinner to Sunday lunch
Please register below (£50 deposit payment per person required):
Venue & Getting to us:
If you are reliant on public transport, please consider traveling by train to Preston train station. From there, we aim to co-ordinate minicab shares or lifts amongst participants of any given event. If you require further advice or assistance, email us: [email protected]