Upcoming Retreats and Day Conferences at the Dupuis Retreat and Conference Centre

St Paul’s Convent, 94 Selly Park Road, Birmingham, B29 7LL

The Dupuis Retreat and Conference Centre in Selly Park is delighted to share details of its upcoming programme of retreats and day events, offering opportunities for prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal in a peaceful setting.

Quiet Day with the Retreat Association Icon

Reflecting on the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well
Led by Alison MacTier, Director of the Retreat Association

Saturday 18 October 2025
10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: £35 (please bring your own lunch; tea and coffee provided)

This Quiet Day will explore the creation of the Retreat Association Icon, looking at the tradition of iconography and how the image can be interpreted today. Participants will spend time reflecting in detail on the Gospel story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman and consider what this meeting might mean for us in our own lives.

Retreats at the Dupuis Centre – 2025

Individually Guided Retreat (IGR)
Led by Sr Pauline Myers SP and Sr Una Coogan IBVM
Saturday 18 – Saturday 25 October 2025
Cost: £650
(Shorter retreat available on request)

Midweek Preached Retreat
Led by Fr Eamon Mulcahy CSSp
Monday 10 – Friday 14 November 2025
Cost: £400

Preached Retreat – “Freedom to live as the children of God”
Led by Fr Chris Thomas, The Irenaeus Project, Archdiocese of Liverpool
Monday 17 – Saturday 22 November 2025
Cost: £500
(Postponed from March)

Looking Ahead – 2026

Weekend Lenten Preached Retreat
Led by Fr Chris Thomas, The Irenaeus Project, Archdiocese of Liverpool
Friday 27 February – Sunday 1 March 2026
Cost: £225

Weekend Lenten Preached Retreat – “From desert to daybreak”
Led by Alison MacTier, Director of the Retreat Association
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 March 2026
Cost: £225

Individually Guided Retreat (IGR)
Led by Sr Pauline Myers SP and Sr Una Coogan IBVM
Monday 11 – Monday 18 May 2026
Cost: £655
(Shorter retreat available on request)

Preached Retreat
Led by Fr Chris Thomas, The Irenaeus Project, Archdiocese of Liverpool
Monday 21 – Saturday 26 September 2026
Cost: £505

For bookings and further details, please contact:
Sr Margaret Mattison
📞 0121 415 6100
📧 margaret.mattison@sellypark.org
🌐 www.dupuiscentre.co.uk

ANNA Trust Foundation: Upcoming Dementia Care Webinars & Partnerships

The ANNA Trust Foundation works alongside congregations worldwide, with a special focus on those in challenging circumstances, to promote a dignified and healthy aging journey for Catholic sisters. It values their lasting contribution to ministry and is committed to ensuring they receive the care and support needed for the years ahead.

Upcoming Webinars (Autumn 2025)

The Foundation will host three webinars tailored to the spiritual, educational, and pastoral care communities. Offering sessions in English, Spanish, Italian, and French at 3:00 PM Rome time, these webinars are:

• September 15 – Why Study Dementia

• October 15 – Caring With Foresight: Planning for the Wellbeing of Members in Religious Life

• December 15 – Is Dementia Preventable?

Registration and further information is available via their website: www.annatrustfoundation.org

Training Programme (Coming in 2026)

The ANNA Trust will launch a Dementia Care Training Programme for Sisters in 2026. Further details will be announced later.

International Collaboration: Clinical Dementia Education

In collaboration with the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin and its associated UK neurology department, ANNA Trust is developing an International Dementia Certificate Course for Clinical Professionals aimed at global religious communities. This initiative is especially pertinent for sister doctors and other clinicians involved in dementia care.

Additional Initiatives

The Foundation recently launched a Cognitive Impairment Support Initiative, supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, in partnership with the Avila Institute for Gerontology. This program equips sisters worldwide to understand and care compassionately for those experiencing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease—grounded in a gospel-based, compassionate ethos.

About ANNA Trust

The ANNA Trust is a global nonprofit based in Rome dedicated to supporting the collective efforts of congregations globally, especially those in vulnerable contexts, to ensure a healthy, dignified aging process for all Catholic sisters and to help them provide the relevant long-term care needed.

Growing Old Gracefully – Online Reflections for Later Life

Growing Old Gracefully, based in the Diocese of Leeds, offers resources and encouragement for those navigating the later stages of life. Their recent series of beautifully crafted online reflections, led by Paula Shanks and Fr Donal Lacey, explore themes such as hope and other aspects of living well in older age.

Each reflection weaves together psalms, poetry, music, and time for stillness, creating a gentle space for prayer and contemplation. While aimed at older Catholics, these resources are open to all and can be a valuable source of inspiration for individuals and communities alike.

You can watch the recordings on their YouTube channel here: Growing Old Gracefully – YouTube

For more information about their work and upcoming activities, visit the Growing Old Gracefully website

Loreto Spirituality Centre, Llandudno

Tucked beside the Great Orme on the North Wales coast in Llandudno, the Loreto Spirituality Centre offers a peaceful haven for prayer, rest, and reflection. Run by the IBVM/Loreto Sisters, the Centre hosts a variety of individually guided and themed retreats, welcomes groups and conferences, and provides quiet time for individuals seeking solace in beautiful surroundings.

Explore their autumn programme, a rich schedule of retreats, days of reflection, and spiritual opportunities

Website

Retreat Programme for 2025

Monastery of Our Lady and St. Bernard 2025 Programme

You are invited to explore the upcoming programme at the Monastery of Our Lady and St. Bernard in Brownshill.

From reflective weekends and art-based explorations of faith to guided Advent retreats and vocational discernment, these events offer enriching opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal.

For further information or to book a place, please visit www.bernardine.org or contact:

📧 bookings_brownshill@yahoo.co.uk
📞 01453 883084

Book Discount & Global Sisters Report Feature – Becoming Apostolic: Conversations with Older RC Sisters

Dr Catherine Sexton’s insightful book, Becoming Apostolic: Conversations with Older Roman Catholic Sisters, is currently available at a 40% discount through Brill Publishers’ summer sale. The book, which has already sparked much interest among religious, explores how sisters experience their apostolic vocation in later life – a topic that resonates with many.

The discounted price is just over £60 and is available until 31st August 2025 via the Brill website.
Use the discount code DGBSUMMER25 at checkout:
👉 Visit Brill's Website

In addition, Sr Joyce Meyer PBVM (Hilton Foundation) recently wrote a thoughtful blog piece on Dr Sexton’s book for the Global Sisters Report. It highlights the significance of the work and the relevance of the themes explored, particularly around how the term "diminishment" is rejected by sisters, and how a reframing of apostolic life in later years can be both theological and life-giving.

👉 Read the Global Sisters Report blog

We hope these resources will be of interest and support for reflection within your community.

NRVP Conference 2025 – Registration Now Open

The National Religious Vocations Personnel (NRVP) is delighted to announce its 2025 Conference, taking place on Saturday 1st November from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Galleon Suite, Royal National Hotel, 38-51 Bedford Way, London – Euston WC1H 0DG.

This year’s theme is “Following Jesus in a VUCA World”, and the keynote speaker will be Gonzalo Fernández Sanz CMF, offering valuable insight and inspiration for all involved in vocation ministry.

The cost of the conference is £70. Places are limited and early booking is encouraged.

Click here to download the registration form. Please complete and return it by 10th October 2025 to secure a place.

CoR Gathers Members and Colleagues to Oppose Assisted Dying Bill

CoR members and colleagues meet via Zoom to discuss opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill

Following the Conference of Religious England and Wales (CoR) AGM 2025, where over 70 leaders of religious congregations gathered and expressed a united stance against the Assisted Dying Bill, members have continued to come together in shared discernment and solidarity.

Today, CoR members met for an online forum to continue the conversation around this pressing issue. In a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration, the meeting was also open to lay colleagues. The invitation was extended to members, those they live and work with, and their wider networks, recognising that the Assisted Dying Bill, if passed, would have significant implications not only for Religious but also for those they work with and care for. 

Coming together in this way offered a valuable space to share concerns, reflect on developments, and explore how religious and lay partners can use their collective voice most effectively in the public arena.

The forum allowed participants to deepen their understanding of the current legislative context and to discuss practical ways to advocate for a culture that upholds the dignity and value of life at every stage. It also provided an opportunity to strengthen bonds between congregations supporting one another in prayer, action, and public witness.

This ongoing engagement reflects the commitment of CoR members and their colleagues to standing together on matters of moral and social concern. As the national conversation around assisted dying continues, the voices of religious women and men—and their lay partners—remain united in affirming life and compassionate care over legislative change.

Looking ahead, congregations are continuing to write to their MPs and to raise awareness within their communities. Many also plan to attend a peaceful protest in London on 20th June, organised by Christian Concern. Further details are available on the CoR website. Recognising that not everyone will be able to travel to the capital, others are encouraged to take a stand wherever they are in the country, through prayer, local witness, or symbolic acts of solidarity at the same time as the London event.

CoR will continue to facilitate opportunities for members and their colleagues to meet, reflect, and act together on this and other critical issues. The regular online Care Forum, being held on 25th June 2025, will offer a follow-up opportunity to consider the outcome of the debate and potential vote in Parliament on 20th June.

Explore Upcoming Events at the FCJ Centre for Spirituality and EcoJustice

The FCJ Centre in Euston is offering a wide and inspiring programme of events this summer, both in person and online. From spiritual retreats and environmental reflection to community action and creative prayer, the programme invites individuals and groups to engage deeply with faith, justice, and creation.

Highlights include:

• Revisiting Laudato Si’ – Marking 10 years of this prophetic encyclical (7 June)

• Braiding Sweetgrass – An evening of reflection on our connection with the Earth (13 June)

• Refugee Week Vigil – A witness of prayer outside the Home Office (16 June)

• Online Evening Retreat – Exploring the “I Am” sayings of Jesus through poetry and image (26 June)

• Circle Dance & Prayer – A day of movement and meditation (19 July)

• Young Adult Network Walk – A chance to connect with others and nature (20 July)

• National Justice & Peace Network Conference – Attend all or part of this key gathering (25–27 July)

📩 The full list of events can be found in the FCJ Centre’s June 2025 newsletter:
👉 View the newsletter here

📰 To receive future updates directly from the FCJ Centre, sign up for their newsletter:
👉 Subscribe here

These events offer a rich opportunity to engage with themes of spirituality, community, and social justice. Do explore and share with anyone who might be interested.

Residential Property Sought for Religious Community

A religious congregation is currently seeking a residential property within London, nearby surrounding areas, or Brighton. The property should have a minimum of 6 rooms and be appropriate for community life.

If you are aware of any suitable properties or would like to discuss this further, please contact the Secretariat via communications@corew.org.

Conference of Religious AGM 2025: Religious Leaders Unite in Synodal Leadership and Oppose the Assisted Dying Bill

Over 80 leaders of religious congregations gathered last week in Northamptonshire for the 2025 Conference of Religious England and Wales (CoR) Annual General Meeting, held under the theme “Synodal Leadership – Forward Thinking – Outward Facing.” The two-day gathering featured keynote input from Sr Maria Cimperman RSCJ and included space for deep reflection, listening, and shared discernment.

Members explored priorities such as synodal leadership, increasing diversity, nurturing new leadership, and strengthening the collective voice of religious in the Church and wider society.

As part of the gathering, attendees expressed their united opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill, standing together in support of life and dignity at every stage, and exploring ways to respond collectively as people of faith.

The AGM concluded with a renewed commitment to synodality, inclusivity, and collaborative leadership—affirming the enduring value of religious life in service of Gospel witness and social justice.

Shepherds Law News

The June 2025 edition of Shepherds Law News brings the latest updates from the Hermitage, including news on recent building progress, hospitality plans, and a look ahead to October’s Monastic Week.

Highlights include:

• Buildings and Hospitality: The new cloister building is now complete, with further work underway on guest accommodation and renewable energy systems.

• Looking Ahead: The next Monastic Week is scheduled for 19th–24th October 2025.

To stay connected with life at the Hermitage, please visit shepherdslawhermitage.org.

To view and read the full newsletter, click here.

The Distance Learning Programmes in Catholic Theology

The Distance Learning programmes in Catholic Theology, led by Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS), are designed so that participants can work through material at their own pace, studying equally well in any time zone and in many different life situations, alongside work, ministry, family or caring obligations. 

In addition to the Postgraduate Certificate, the Postgraduate Diploma, and the MA, students can enrol for a single module. Students with a BA or BSc who have not studied Theology or a related discipline before, are able to apply for the single module, ‘Catholic Theology: A Preliminary Tour’ and proceed to the MA following its successful completion. Further details are available at Distance Learning – Durham University including videos from current students.

NEW BURSARY FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR 2025-26 – The Janet Erskine Stuart Scholarship Fund, funded by the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ), intended primarily to support teachers or chaplains. Applications are especially invited from:

• Teachers of RE wishing to pursue an MA to enhance the quality of their subject knowledge.

• Teachers of any discipline who wish to retrain to teach RE.

Other bursary funds are also available. Full information can be found at CCS Bursary for Distance Learning 2025-26 - Durham University

If you have any questions about the Distance Learning programmes or bursaries, please contact the CCS Manager - theresa.phillips@durham.ac.uk - 0191 334 3952.

Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality (CACS) Summer Summit and Summer school

Exploring the Spiritual Legacy of Saint Thérèse – Spirituality Summit 2025

The Carmelite Spirituality Summit returns in 2025 with a special two-day gathering on 11–12 July, marking the 100th anniversary of the canonisation of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Taking place at the peaceful Carmelite Priory in Oxford, with the option to attend online, this year’s theme focuses on Living in Hope: The Spirituality of Saint Thérèse.

The summit will feature renowned speakers, including Dr. Susan Muto, who will reflect on Thérèse’s enduring message of hope, and Fr. Vincent O’Hara, OCD, exploring her personal struggles with faith and how they resonate today.

Attendees will benefit from inspiring keynote talks, interactive workshops, and panel discussions, all designed to deepen understanding of Saint Thérèse’s “little way” and its relevance for modern spiritual seekers. Moments of shared reflection and prayer will also create space for personal growth and community connection.

Whether attending in person or online, participants will find the summit a rich opportunity for spiritual nourishment and renewal.

Event Details:

• Dates: 11–12 July 2025

• Location: Carmelite Priory, Boars Hill, Oxford OX1 5HB, UK / Online

• More Info & Registration: carmelite.uk.net

Deepen Your Spiritual Journey at the 2025 Summer School with Dr. Susan Muto

The Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality is pleased to announce its annual Summer School, featuring esteemed scholar Dr. Susan Muto. This enriching five-day seminar will take place from July 14 to 18, 2025, at the serene Carmelite Priory in Boars Hill, Oxford.​

Event Highlights:

• In-Depth Exploration of Teresian Spirituality: Delve into the teachings of St. Teresa of Ávila, the renowned Carmelite mystic and first female Doctor of the Church, focusing on her seminal work, The Way of Perfection.​

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the insights of Dr. Susan Muto, Dean of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality and author of over forty books on Christian spirituality.​

• Comprehensive Programme: Engage in spiritual accompaniment, guided prayer, silence, and peaceful contemplation designed to nurture the whole person—body, mind, soul, and spirit.​

Moreover, attendees will have the unique opportunity to celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with the Carmelite Friars during their visit.​

Event Details:

• Dates: July 14–18, 2025​

• Location: Carmelite Priory, Boars Hill, Oxford OX1 5HB, UK​

• Registration: Secure your place by booking before June 1, 2025.​

For more information and to register, please visit: carmelite.uk.net

CoREW Welcomes the Election of Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV - Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images

The Conference of Religious England and Wales (CoREW) warmly welcomes the election of Pope Leo XIV. We believe his global experience will have a positive impact on his leadership of the Catholic Church in these difficult times.

He has witnessed first hand the struggles that our sisters and brothers are experiencing. We are confident he will be a voice and inspiration for all people.

We join in prayer for him as he continues the challenging task of enabling the Church to listen to the Spirit moving across the world and proclaim the Gospel in a way that speaks to our present age.

Seeking Accommodation for New Missional Community in London

The Missionary Sisters for Polish Migrants are looking to establish a new missional community in the Islington area of London. They are currently seeking accommodation for two Sisters, either in a flat or in a convent located in or near Islington, or within a 30-minute journey by Tube.

If you are able to assist or would like to find out more, please contact the CoR secretariat at 020 3255 1085 or communications@corew.org, and we will be happy to direct your enquiry to the appropriate contact.

Better Together Group

Douai Abbey

The Better Together group is open to anyone, lay or religious, who is involved in supporting Religious Communities caring for the sick and elderly, either within their communities or in their own nursing/care homes. The group is hosted on Zoom by Dr Karen Groves and Queenscourt Hospice, Southport. Most members are either part of religious communities or healthcare professionals who work alongside them. Once a year, the group meets in person for a couple of days.

In April, the group was blessed to be hosted by Douai Abbey (and by fine weather!). This year’s theme was The Heart of Healthcare, with speakers leading sessions on spiritual distress, cardiac health, listening skills, spiritual care for the frail in community, and the link between Catholic teaching and mutual support for well-being. For evening entertainment, the group watched the film Patch Adams. Members also joined the Douai Community for Mass and the Divine Office, and enjoyed the delicious food and other comforts of the Guest House. Particular thanks were given to Brother Christopher for hosting, to Fr Alex the Guest Master, to Brother Aidan for leading a walk, and to Fr Geoffrey for a wonderful tour of the archives.

Anyone interested in joining the group can email Lorna Chamberlain at education@queenscourt.org.uk. Those wishing to explore the group can attend a meeting to see if they would like to become regular members. Meetings take place at 8 am on a Thursday morning once a month, last exactly one hour, and cover different themes requested, and usually led, by members.

Douai Abbey

In Memoriam: His Holiness Pope Francis

It is with deep sorrow that the Conference of Religious in England and Wales joins the Church and the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Pope Francis's life was a profound witness to the Gospel, marked by a deep commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of all people. His leadership, humility, and unwavering faith were an inspiration to countless religious and lay people around the world.

We give thanks for his life and ministry, and we hold him in our prayers with gratitude and love. May he know the fullness of God’s peace and the eternal embrace of Christ, whom he served so faithfully.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

Operation Noah CST Toolkit and Webinar Series

New Resource & Webinar Series: Catholic Social Teaching and Investing

Operation Noah is pleased to share a new toolkit, Catholic Social Teaching and Investing in Climate Solutions, a guide for Catholic organisations seeking to align their investments with CST. This practical resource supports responsible financial stewardship in the context of the climate crisis.

To explore this with other Catholic investors, join the lunchtime webinar series starting on Tuesday, 29th April 2025 at 1pm BST and learn how CST can inform impactful climate investments.

Download the toolkit and register for the webinars here: https://www.operationnoah.org/catholic-social-teaching-toolkit/

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Spirituality Consultation Day “Living the Charism Today for Lay Spirituality”

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is hosting a Spirituality Consultation Day titled “Living the Charism Today for Lay Spirituality” on Thursday, 19 June 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., at the Redemptorist Monastery in Clapham, London.

This special day of reflection and dialogue will explore the rich spiritual wisdom of the Benedictine, Carmelite, Dominican, and Jesuit traditions. Through a series of engaging talks, attendees will be invited to reflect on how these charisms can inspire and support lay people in their spiritual lives today.

The event is free of charge, with donations gratefully received. Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day, and participants are encouraged to bring a packed lunch.

Venue: Redemptorist Monastery, 8 Clapham Park Road, Clapham, London, SW4 7AP (Nearest tube station: Clapham Common)

Booking: Places can be reserved via Eventbrite

This consultation day offers a unique opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of lay spirituality through the lens of time-honoured Catholic traditions.