Loreto Spirituality Centre, Llandudno
“Come with me to a quiet place and rest awhile”
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 2026 programme, a rich schedule of retreats, days of reflection, and spiritual opportunities
Planning for the Future of Religious Archives
Advancing a shared vision to preserve the archives of religious institutes through a central repository at Downside Abbey.
Downside Abbey, Abbey Church of St. Gregory the Great
In June of this year, Dr Simon Johnson and Dr Jonathan Bush spoke at the Conference of Religious Archives and Legacy Planning Workshop in Birmingham, where they shared a vision for a centralised repository of religious institutes’ archives, to be stored and made accessible at Downside Abbey.
This initiative is vital for preserving the rich and diverse history of religious life for future researchers, while ensuring that each institute’s unique charism continues to inspire and evangelise future generations.
Whether your institute is approaching completion or just beginning to consider its archival legacy, we urge you to start planning now. Too many archives have already been lost due to last-minute decisions, particularly as there are so few alternative repository options.
If you are willing to support the establishment of this central repository — whether through collaboration, contribution, or conversation — please do get in touch to find out more.
Dr Simon Johnson
Director, Downside Abbey General Trust
SPJohnson@downsideabbey.co.uk
Dr Jonathan Bush
Vice-Chair, Catholic Archives Society
jonathan.bush@durham.ac.uk
Life and Love Transfigured: Exploring New Horizons in the Franciscan Tradition
An international Franciscan Studies conference hosted by the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University, exploring new horizons in the Franciscan tradition.
The Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University — International Franciscan Studies Conference Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 April 2026 | Durham, UK
Registration is now open for an international conference bringing together academics and non-academics, religious and lay, who share a deep love for St Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan tradition, and its abiding relevance today.
Confirmed speakers/preacher include:
Fr Casey Cole, OFM Prof Richard Cross Fr Dr Michael Cusato, OFM Br Richard Hendrick, OFM Cap Prof Daniel Horan Dr William Hyland Prof John McCafferty Dr Darleen Pryds
Fees: Standard package £150 (registration, refreshments, conference meals). Student package £115. Delegates arrange their own accommodation (options listed on the conference site).
Registration closes: Sunday 22 March 2026. Places are limited.
Queries: CCS Manager, Theresa Phillips — theresa.phillips@durham.ac.uk
Capacitar Wellness Practices Training Course 2026
Capacitar training at Wellspring House, Manchester, offering practical wellness practices for personal and community healing.
Capacitar’s Wellness Practices Training Course offers an inspiring and practical programme for those working with individuals and communities affected by stress, trauma, or hardship. Rooted in body–mind–spirit healing, the training empowers participants with techniques for self-care and for use in their professional and volunteer work.
Through four modules held between February and September 2026 (a mix of in-person sessions at Wellspring House, Manchester, and online modules), participants will learn energy-based wellness practices, Tai Chi movements, breathwork, acupressure, emotional tapping, trauma awareness, and group facilitation methods.
The course is ideal for professionals and volunteers in health, social care, education, psychology, ministry, and community work. It offers a unique opportunity to deepen personal resilience and learn accessible methods to support healing and transformation in others.
The course fee of £650 includes training materials, background resources, and refreshments. A few concessions may be available.
Application deadline: 31 January 2026
Click here for further information and the application form.
Individually Guided Retreat in the Ignatian Tradition
The Sisters of the Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning, Lancashire are hosting an IGR with guest directors in April 2026 and would love to welcome members of religious congregations
The Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning invites guests to take time apart from the busyness of daily life for an Individually Guided Retreat in the Ignatian tradition, running from Friday 24th April to Sunday 3rd May 2026 (8 days) or Saturday 25th April to Saturday 2nd May 2026 (6 days).
These retreats offer the opportunity for a personal encounter and deepening relationship with God, supported by daily meetings with an experienced spiritual director trained in the Ignatian tradition. The week will be spent in silence, prayer, and reflection on Scripture, with the option to join the Bernardine Cistercian Sisters for Mass and the Divine Office.
Three guest directors will accompany retreatants:
Linda Mary Edwards, retired Anglican priest and Jungian analyst
Ginny Newsham, Ignatian spiritual director based in South Cumbria
Donna Worthington, experienced retreat giver and regular retreat leader at Hyning
Accommodation is in comfortable single en-suite rooms, with access to lounges, a library, an art studio, and tranquil gardens set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Carnforth.
Suggested donation:
8-day retreat (9 nights): £750
6-day retreat (7 nights): £620
(£20 reduction for bookings before Christmas)
Places are limited to 12.
For further information and enrollment, contact Sr Mary Bernard at hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk or call 01524 732684.
Click here to view the full flyer.
For Sale: Detached Residence in Birmingham
A spacious detached residence in Birmingham with eight bedrooms, a chapel, and beautiful south-facing gardens, ideally located near local amenities and transport links.
A detached residence is available for sale in Birmingham. The property includes three reception rooms, a chapel, and eight bedrooms (one located on the ground floor), along with ample storage. A stair lift is also installed.
Set back from the road, directly opposite the Catholic Church, the house features a large driveway providing generous off-road parking. To the rear, there is a south-facing garden with both patio and lawn areas.
Ideally positioned for local amenities, the property benefits from excellent public transport links, with M6 Junction 7 just minutes away.
For more information, or to be put in touch with the relevant contact, please email communications@corew.org.
ANNA Trust Foundation: Upcoming Dementia Care Webinars & Partnerships
Supporting Catholic sisters worldwide to age with dignity, health, and the care they deserve.
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 is hosting a series of three webinars tailored to the spiritual, educational, and pastoral care communities. Two of these sessions have already taken place, with the final webinar still to come. Offered in English, Spanish, Italian, and French at 3PM (Rome time), the webinars are:
December 15 – Is Dementia Preventable?
This webinar provides some strategies to reduce the risk of developing dementia or at least mitigate its development.
During this webinar The Anna Trust Certificate Programme Cognitive Impairment Support Initiative - Changing Minds, Transforming Lives will be introduced and the criteria to apply will be outlined. The Anna Trust’s Certificate Program is designed to enhance the skills and care that is provided to your sisters.
Following on from the first of the three webinars the speakers will be Sr. Peter Lillian, O.Carm., BA, LNHA and Alfred Norwood, MBA, BS, Avila Institute Faculty. Moderator Sr. Siobhán O'Keeffe, S.S.H.J.M.
Registration link for the three webinars:
Here is the registration link https://forms.gle/Z9GUGn5e4i3tdbB79 and further information is available via the 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.
New RLSS Safeguarding Training for Elderly Members of Religious Life
The RLSS has launched a new series of safeguarding courses to support the care and protection of elderly members of religious life.
The Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) is delighted to announce a collection of new safeguarding training modules for the care and protection of elderly members of Religious Life Groups (RLGs). These courses have been generously sponsored by the Porticus Foundation and developed in close collaboration with the Conference of Religious (CoR).
This project has been created to strengthen the support available to religious in England and Wales, ensuring that those in later life are safeguarded with dignity, compassion, and best practice.
Since the first course was launched in March, uptake has been encouraging:
Over 200 participants have attended Communicating and Supporting those with Dementia.
The Safe Recruitment course launched in July and has already had 37 attendees.
In September, the much-anticipated Safeguarding the Elderly Needing Care session was fully booked with 20 participants.
In October, the series will expand further with the launch of Understanding Care Needs Assessments.
Over the coming months, RLSS will continue to roll out these tailored training opportunities, focusing on practical skills, awareness, and the unique needs of elderly members in religious life. These sessions aim to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to recognise risks, respond appropriately, and create environments where safety and wellbeing remain at the heart of community life.
Upcoming Courses
Safeguarding the Elderly Needing Care
Tailored for religious members, lay staff, and volunteers who care for elderly adults. Includes scenario-based discussions and case studies to build confidence in recognising, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns.
Dates (via Zoom):
Monday 20 October, 10:00–12:00
Tuesday 4 November, 10:00–12:00
Thursday 11 December, 14:30–16:30
Understanding Care Needs Assessments
An introductory overview of Care Needs Assessments carried out by Social Care Practitioners. Covers legal principles, eligibility, care planning, referrals, and decision-making where mental capacity is a concern. Useful for anyone supporting or living with an adult whose needs may require assessment.
Dates:
Thursday 23 October, 14:00–15:30
Thursday 11 December, 10:00–11:30
Caring with Confidence: Communicating and Supporting those with Dementia
Explores how dementia affects communication and behaviour, offering practical strategies for positive interaction and managing distressing behaviours.
Dates:
Wednesday 29 October, 10:00–11:30
Tuesday 11 November, 13:30–15:00
Monday 15 December, 10:00–12:00
Safe Recruitment
Designed to support those responsible for hiring staff and volunteers. Covers best practice at every stage of the process to ensure safe, responsible, and transparent recruitment, creating a culture of vigilance and accountability.
Dates:
Thursday 2 October, 15:00–17:00
Tuesday 25 November, 14:00–16:00
Monday 1 December, 10:00–12:00
For further details, to book a place, or to discuss RLSS delivering a session specifically for your RLG, please email training@religioussafeguarding.org
Call for Papers: the Centre for Catholic Studies third Lived Catholicism Online Conference
Papers are invited for the 2025 Lived Catholicism Conference, focusing on synodality, possibilities, and tensions
The third Lived Catholicism Conference will take place online on 2–3 December 2025, exploring the theme: “The Church’s ordinary way: synodality, possibilities and tensions.” Building on the conversations of the first two conferences, this year’s gathering will invite papers and presentations from across disciplines and contexts worldwide, with a particular focus on lived experiences of synodality and its challenges and opportunities.
See full Call for Papers details below.
If you wish to propose a 15 minute paper or a 5 minute presentation, please complete the form here by 1st October. The programme will be confirmed by mid October.
Catholic Missionary Union Marks 25 Years with Anniversary Mass and Celebration Lunch
Join the Catholic Missionary Union on 26th October 2025 as it celebrates 25 years of supporting missionary work with a special Mass and celebration lunch in London.
The Catholic Missionary Union (CMU) will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a special Mass followed by an International Celebration Lunch on Sunday 26th October 2025 at 12 noon. The Mass will take place at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 364 Brixton Road, London SW9 0TH, bringing together missionaries, clergy, religious, and lay people to give thanks for a quarter-century of promoting mission and sharing the joy of the Gospel.
Upcoming JPIC Conferences – 2025 & 2026
Two inspiring JPIC conferences are coming up – join in London this October and save the date for Crewe next May.
JPIC (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation) has announced two conferences taking place in 2025 and 2026. The first, JPIC Linking Day: “Changing Futures – Transforming Global Finance for Development”, will take place on Saturday 11th October 2025 at the FCJ Spirituality Centre, London (with the option to join online). Speakers from CAFOD and Results UK will address the urgent need for economic transformation in pursuit of global justice.
Looking further ahead, the JPIC-Links Annual Conference is scheduled for 8th–10th May 2026 at Wistaston Hall Retreat Centre in Crewe, led by environmentalist and author Mary Colwell. This gathering, also available both in person and on Zoom, will focus on an environmental theme.
Second Edition of a Short Renewal Program for Religious - June 2026
Uncovering the inner self in intercultural community living: a path to transformation.
Following the success of the first Renewal Program, a second edition will take place in Steyl, Netherlands, from 15–29 June 2026. This 14-day program combines a 6-day workshop with a 7-day contemplative retreat, focusing on transformation, healing, vulnerability, culture, and self-awareness. Through silence, prayer, and intercultural community living, participants are invited to deepen their connection with God, themselves, and others while discerning their role in mission today.
Upcoming Retreats and Day Conferences at the Dupuis Retreat and Conference Centre
The Dupuis Retreat and Conference Centre is offering a rich programme of retreats and quiet days through 2025–26, with opportunities for reflection, prayer and spiritual renewal.
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
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.
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
Monastery of Our Lady and St. Bernard 2025 Programme
Explore the 2025 programme at the Monastery of Our Lady and St. Bernard.
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.
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 Conference for Vocation Personnel (NRVP) is delighted to announce its 2025 Conference
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 gathered online to continue their united response to the Assisted Dying Bill through shared reflection, action, and solidarity.
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
Join the FCJ Centre in Euston this summer for a rich programme of in-person and online events exploring faith, justice, and care for creation.
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.
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.