Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

Appointment of Bishop Richard Moth

The Conference of Religious England and Wales welcomes the appointment of Archbishop Richard Moth and offers its prayers and support as he begins his ministry in collaboration with the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

Bishop Richard Moth - Picture by Jonathan Brady / PA

The members of the Conference of Religious of England and Wales (COREW) congratulate Bishop Richard Moth on his appointment as Archbishop of Westminster and we offer our gratitude to him that he has agreed to take on this new ministry.  We are aware that, during these last years, he has spoken out on behalf of the Bishops Conference on a range of justice issues and we trust that he will continue to enable the voice of our Church to be heard during the very challenging times in which we live.  We also are aware of the synodal approach that he followed in drawing up a new plan for the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, and we trust that he will promote synodality throughout the Church in England and Wales. We look forward to working in partnership on these and other issues with Archbishop Moth and other  members of the Bishops Conference.    

We are also hoping that we can continue to build on relationships already formed between Archbishop Moth and members of the executive of COREW through the meetings of the Mixed Commission of Bishops and Religious.   

Archbishop Moth has spoken of the importance of two religious communities in supporting him and we now promise the prayerful support of all our members, hoping too that we can continue to build on relationships already formed between Archbishop Moth and members of the executive of COREW.  We wish him every blessing in the years to come.

We also extend our thanks to Cardinal Vincent Nichols for his years of faithful ministry as leader of the Church in England and Wales and we send our very best wishes for many years of happy retirement. 

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

Pax Christi Resources for Peace Sunday 2026

Pax Christi offers new resources to reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s call for an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace this Peace Sunday 2026.

Theme of Pope Leo's World Peace Day message: Peace be with you all: towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace.

Once again, Pax Christi, the international Catholic movement for peace, has produced a variety of online and printed resources to support this year’s theme. These materials are designed for parishes, communities, and families, and encourage creativity in marking the occasion in different places and at different times.

In a message to parishes, Pax Christi’s National President, Bishop John Arnold, says:

Dear Father,

Peace Sunday - 18 January 2026

Earlier this year, I was appointed President of Pax Christi England and Wales. I look forward to my new role, and I hope to do all I can to help promote peace, justice, care of creation, and all that is involved in building bridges between communities. One of my first tasks is to encourage you to celebrate Peace Sunday in your parish, underlining that it is the task of all of us to be peacemakers.

The Catholic Church marks the World Day of Peace, instituted by Pope St Paul VI, on 1 January each year. The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales designate the second Sunday in Ordinary Time as ‘Peace Sunday’ – on 18 January this year.

Every parish in encouraged to reflect on the message of Pope Leo XIV which is: Peace be with you all: towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace. This is a challenging but exciting goal. He is telling us that peace should not rely on fear, threats, or weapons. Peace should have the capacity to resolve conflicts and open hearts through mutual understanding and hope.

With the support of the Bishops’ Conference, Pax Christi provides parishes with resources which can be used on Peace Sunday (or on any other Sunday if more convenient). Enclosed with this letter you will find a liturgy booklet with homily notes on the theme and bidding prayers. There are separate resources for children and young people, and others on the Pax Christi website https://paxchristi.org.uk

The Bishops’ Conference has produced a very helpful statement on this topic: Called to be Peacemakers. In this, they urge the UK to forsake its nuclear arsenal, support the global ban on nuclear weapons and promote ‘general and complete disarmament’. The bishops advocate for a shift from a ‘logic of fear’ to an ‘ethic of responsibility by fostering trust and dialogue’.

We are in a world torn by violence and war; a time of uncertainty; a time when strong leadership can help disperse doubt and show us a positive way forward in full hope.

Pax Christi gives a practical expression to this hope through its outreach work promoting the Gospel message of nonviolence and offering peace education in schools. It is a national organisation but with a small team of just three members of staff. I know that the generosity of our parish communities each year makes a big difference to the funds needed for its vital work to continue. I invite you to take this opportunity to support us with a collection or donation on Peace Sunday. Your help is greatly appreciated.

With every blessing,
Bishop John Arnold
President, Pax Christi England and Wales

All Pax Christi’s resources can be accessed here: https://paxchristi.org.uk/peace-sunday-2026/
For further information, Pax Christi can be contacted at: info@paxchristi.org.uk

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The Distance Learning Programmes in Catholic Theology

The Distance Learning Programmes in Catholic Theology, led by Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies.

Explore Catholic Theology by Distance Learning

 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.  Applications are open for 2026-27.

In addition to the Postgraduate Certificate, the Postgraduate Diploma, and the MA, students can enrol for a single module: ‘Catholic Theology: A Preliminary Tour’, and NEW FOR 2026/27 single modules in Catholic Social Thought and Practice and High Medieval Franciscan Theology.

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 of all options are available at Distance Learning - Durham University  including videos from current students.

Bursary funds are available for 2026-27, including 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 Funding - 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.

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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

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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.

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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.

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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.

 

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

The ANNA Trust Foundation: Upcoming Webinars & Initiatives

Supporting Catholic sisters worldwide to age with dignity, health, and the care they deserve.

The ANNA Trust 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

Is Dementia Preventable, December 15 2025
This webinar provides some strategies to reduce the risk of developing dementia or at least mitigate its development. 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.

Safeguarding for Senior Female Religious - Challenges and Directions, January 21 2026
This webinar seeks to explore the particular challenges for safeguarding senior female religious face today, and to identify directions for a future rooted in safety and dignity. The speaker will be Fr. Hans Zollner, SJ, Director of the Institute of Anthropology. Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care (IADC) at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. The moderator will be Sr. Siobhán O'Keeffe, SS.H.J.M, The Anna Trust Cognitive Impairment Program Director.

Religious Life: Caring for the Past to Build the Future, January 22 2026
A prayer often attributed to St. Oscar Romero was in fact written by US Bishop Bishop Ken Untener. It expresses the idea that our efforts in life often only bear fruit in a future that we do not live to see. Care of our elderly members honours that prophetic dimension of their lives and shows the value we place on the contribution they have made to an unknown future. The speaker will be Sr. Gemma Simmonds, CJ, a senior research fellow at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, Cambridge where she teaches pastoral theology and Christian spirituality and the moderator will be Sr. Siobhán O'Keeffe, SS.H.J.M, The Anna Trust Cognitive Impairment Program Director.

The Psychological Impact of Dementia, February 11 2026
This session will explore the emotional and psychological impact of caring for someone with Dementia, focusing on ways we can understand our own responses and how to support ourselves. The speaker of the event will be Dr Ruth Watson.BSc,Clin.Psy.D., C.Psychol, AFBPsS, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Lead for Later Life Psychology in the British NHS. The moderator will be Sr. Siobhán O'Keeffe, SS.H.J.M, The Anna Trust Cognitive Impairment Program Director.

To register please visit the website resources page https://annatrustfoundation.org/en/resources/webinars/

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.

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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.

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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.

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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.

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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.

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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

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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

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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.

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Bernadette Kehoe Bernadette Kehoe

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.

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