Stepping Into Stillness
An Introduction to Contemplative Praying and Living - In the way of Franz Jalics SJ (The Gries Path of Prayer)
Many people discover that their prayer changes over time, drawing them increasingly towards stillness and silent attentiveness before God. Stepping into Stillness offers a series of residential and online retreats for those who feel this invitation and wish to explore it more deeply.
These retreats are rooted in Franz Jalics SJ’s Way of Contemplative Praying and Living, also known as the Gries Path of Prayer. This path gently supports participants in entering a contemplative way of prayer that is grounded, embodied, and attentive to God’s presence in everyday life.
“There are many paths to contemplation. I show you one of them. I myself have walked the way I describe; should it help someone else to find his or her way, I am satisfied.”
— Franz Jalics SJ
The retreats are suitable both for those new to this way of prayer and for those already familiar with it, offering structured guidance, silence, and a prayerful rhythm of living.
20–24 April
St Rita’s Centre, Honiton
An introduction to the Gries Path of Prayer, with the option of a short retreat for those already familiar with this way of praying.
Further details: Retreat Co-ordinator, Paddy Rylands – paddyrylands@gmail.com
11–20 May
St Augustine’s Priory, House of Prayer, Old Colwyn
An 8-day contemplative retreat for those experienced in this way of prayer, while also welcoming those for whom the Gries Path is new.
Further details: House of Prayer Administrator – enquiries@houseofprayer.org.uk
18–27 August
St Rita’s Centre, Honiton
An 8-day contemplative retreat. The retreat team will include the current Director of Haus Gries, Fr Lutz Mueller SJ, along with Margaret Castro and Paddy Rylands.
Further details: Retreat Co-ordinator, Paddy Rylands – paddyrylands@gmail.com
1–8 November
Haus Gries, Wilhelmsthal, Germany
A 6-day contemplative retreat in English, welcoming English-speaking retreatants from across the world.
Further details: exerzitien@haus-gries.de
Online Programme Starting 22 September 2026
Tuesday evenings | 7.00–9.00pm (UK time)
A 7-session online (Zoom) introduction to the Gries Path of Prayer.
Further details: enquiries@houseofprayer.org.uk