A 'network' is a recognisable grouping of people, often geographically separated, who share an activity or interest and who benefit from contact with one another. An ecumenical network typically begins when people who have met at a conference, on a training course or while on retreat exchange addresses and telephone numbers so that they can stay in touch. Alternatively, a group of people with a common interest may agree to form a network to promote this interest more widely.
Networks vary in numbers, nature and purpose, depending on their origins. Usually they start informally; they may remain informal, but to encourage easier networking with growing numbers many later become organised, agreeing a formal structure and appointing a management group.
The networks listed here are Christian groupings in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, involved in some way with retreats and spiritual support. They are ecumenical in that although their origin might be within a particular denomination, they are open to people from other denominations and traditions.
These networks provide contact, activity, support and in some cases training for their members. Most arrange meetings and many provide a newsletter or some other form of regular communication. Some networks cover a whole country, some a particular region, while other are intended for a local area only.
Many people around who are engaged in retreat work and spiritual support feel isolated. They may wish to make contact with others for a number of reasons. For example, they may be seeking spiritual accompaniment or supervision for themselves, they may want to work with others to initiate activities in their locality; they may want to continue to learn, or to be kept informed; they may want to meet others with shared interests. They may be unaware of the number of networks that exist, some of which may even be close to where they live. This leaflet is for people such as these; and perhaps it will lead to meetings between people in a given locality, and in time new networks may emerge.
The Retreat Association is itself a network, as are its member groups. The definition above includes many different 'structures'. As well as organisations specifically set up to provide links between people, the list includes national organisations, groups that organise regular training courses, groups that provide a specific service, prayer groups, and supervision groups.
Below are listed some of the known ecumenical networks around the country, with a few words about each network's nature and purpose.
The list is not exhaustive and networks are developing all the time. Readers are invited to inform the Retreat Association of other networks that fulfil the criteria given above: these will be added to future editions of this leaflet.
Christian Life Community (CLC): National Ignatian Lay Organisation for groups. Contact CLC, St Joseph's, Watford Way, London NW4 4TY email clcew@iname.com Website www.clcew.org.uk
Inspir Sheffield: An ecumenical group for those interested in exploring Ignatian Spirituality. Offer Weeks of Accompanied Prayer, Ignatian Prayer evenings, Shoestring Retreats and training in listening Contact: Muriel Roberts, 20 Clifford Road, Sheffield S11 9AQ Tel: 0114 2551473. www.inspirsheffield.org.uk
Julian Meetings: silent contemplative prayer groups which offer the opportunity to explore praying silently in the way that is natural for each individual. Contact the JM Co-ordinator: Deidre Morris, 32 Alfred Street, Gloucester GL1 4DF
Llysfasi Spirituality Workshop: a national network for people who have completed one or more Llysfasi spirituality workshops. Contact Isabel Gregory, The Old Mill, Littlemill, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3LL
Manresa Link: a network of people in contact with Manresa House in Birmingham. Contact Margaret Weston, 2 Serpentine Rd, Selly Park, B29 7HU Tel:- 0121 471 1566 Email: mweston@fish,co.uk
Mirfield Ignatian Group a small group that meets for support and sharing of experience. Contact Dr Harold Roberts, 20 Clifford Road, Brimcliffe, Sheffield S11 9AQ Tel: 0114 255 1473 or Sr Elizabeth O'Brien, Marie Auxiliatrice, 6 Dryclough Road, Crossland Moor, Huddersfield HD4 5HU Tel 01484 654283.
Salford Prayer Guides Team: for people engaged in providing weeks of guided prayer in the greater Manchester area. Contact Mary Nono, 0161 980 6776
Southern Ignatian Network (SigN): for people in the South of England. Contact Nicky Woods, 136B Chestnut Avenue South, London E17 9EL Tel 020-8521 6099.
Southwest Spiritual Directors' Network: for people engaged in Spiritual Direction in the Southwest of England. Contact The Community of St Francis, Compton Durville Manor House, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5ES Tel 01460 240473
SPIDIR: is an informal network of people practising or interested in the ministry of Spiritual Direction. Contact Rev Alison Price, St Barnabas Vicarage, Thirsk Road, Mitcham CR8 IEA Tel 020 8648 2571
SPIDIR -East Midlands: a loosely organised network to promote Christian Spirituality and to facilitate Spiritual Direction. Contact Rev Lynda Randall, The Recotory, 55 Church Street, Byfield, Daventry NN11 6XN Tel 01327 260204
SPIDIR - 0xon, Bucks, Berks: resources and supports those involved in Spiritual Direction with local supervision groups, reflection and training. Contact the Revd Barbara Doubtfire, 6 Meadow Walk, Woodstock OX20 1NR Tel 01993 812095
Spiritual Exercises Network: a national network for people to promote the Spiritual Exercises. Contact John McGlinchey, 1st floor, Champley's Mews, Market Place, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AE Tel 01751 472320.
York Spiritual Directors' Group: a small group in York to provide support and promote Ignatian spirituality. Contact John McGlinchey, 1st Floor, Champley's Mews, Market Place, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AE Tel 01751 472320.
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