Beginners’ Retreat: A retreat for first time retreatants

A retreat for first time retreatants in the beautiful surroundings of Launde Abbey.

Going on retreat for the first time can feel like a daunting experience. What am I letting myself in for? Will I enjoy it? What about the silence? Will I cope with it? What do I do with it? This semi silent retreat is for those who have never been on retreat before, or certainly not on a silent retreat.

You may have experienced a Quiet Day or been away on a parish weekend, but this is your first residential on your own, and your first try at being silent over a prolonged time. If that is your experience so far, this retreat will be an ideal next step! The aim of the weekend is to help you enter the world of silent retreats gently and with plenty of support. There will be guidance on how to use the time; periods on your own and with the other retreatants and the opportunity to share your experience with others if you wish to do so. During your stay at Launde you can join in with the community’s rhythm of prayer and worship; walk, write, paint, potter or simply rest, as the spirit takes you.

Retreat Leaders:

Mirjam Ngoy-Verhage

Mirjam Ngoy-Verhage was born in Delft in the Netherlands. She moved to England in 2007 to read a Master in Theology & Ministry at Durham University and has since lived and worked in different parts of the country, including Canterbury, London and Gravesend. Mirjam has a passion for spirituality and accompaniment and trained at the London Centre for Spiritual Direction. She currently works as Discipleship Offer at Leicester Cathedral, and is a companion and Council Member of the Community of the Tree of Life.

Revd Claire Goode

Revd Claire Goode works as Chaplain at Launde Abbey. She is an experienced parish priest and retreat leader who was most recently the Vicar of a city centre church in Nottingham. Claire was also one of the team offering Spiritual Direction (Spiritual Accompaniment) and Mentoring in Southwell & Nottingham Diocese.

We want all our guests to be safe and secure when visiting Launde during the current public health situation. For details of our comprehensive Keeping You Safe programme click here.

Early bird price: £240 if booked before 30 June 2021.

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Yes, I’d like to book a place on this retreat.