This leaflet and an accompanying list is intended for those who wish to deepen their awareness of God in silence, within the fellowship of a group. Those listed here are just a few of the groups available. Please write to contact person (with SAE) for further information about local groups. Amendments or additions for the list to: Michael Tiley, c/o The Retreat Association, The Central Hall, 256 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UH.
Local Christian Life Communities combine silent prayer and sharing. They usually consist of 4-8 people who meet once a fortnight, sometimes weekly, to pray together and to help each other to grow more aware of Christ in every part of their daily lives. Their approach to prayer and life is based on the spirituality of St Ignatius of Loyola and many people have found that their membership of a local CLC provides continuing support and inspiration after making an Ignatian retreat. There are over 40 local communities in England and Wales.
CONTACT: CLC Office, St Joseph's, Watford Way, LONDON NW4 4TY e-mail: clcew@iname.com Website: www.clcew.org.uk
This Centre and the groups throughout the UK, are part of the World Community for Christian Meditation, they extend the teaching of Dom John Main OSB on Christian Meditation. The groups are ecumenical. Groups of the London Centre meet on Monday and Thursday evenings at 8 pm and Thursday at noon. There are over 300 groups in the UK & Ireland
CONTACTS: (UK) Desley Deike, The Christian Meditation Centre, St Mark's, Myddelton Square, London EC1R 1XX (020 7833 9615) e-mail: uk@wccm.org Website: www.wccmuk.org
Ireland: Fergal McLoughlen, 7 Ardagh Close, Blackrock, Co Dublin Ireland (00 353 1288 6545) e-mail: mclogf@hotmail.com Website: www.wccmireland.org
Contemplative Outreach UK is a spiritual network of individuals and small groups committed to renewing the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in every day life by encouraging the daily prayer practice of Centering Prayer as taught by Abbott Thomas Keating OCSO. There are 14 groups in the UK.
CONTACT: The Director, TreeTops, Houghton Lane, Hither Walton, Preston, Lancs, PR5 4ED (01772 620746) e-mail: Esmith@aol.com Website: www.couk.org.uk
Fellowship of Christians from all denominations. The method of contemplative prayer practiced consists of mentally repeating words recorded in the Bible as having been spoken by God, either through the prophets or, pre-eminently, through his Son Jesus Christ, so that the words of God may come to work in us. The Rule, obligatory for a year at a time, includes the daily practice of contemplative prayer and weekly intercession for other members. There are about 60 groups in the U.K.
CONTACT: The Administrator FCP, 9 All Saints Close, Asfordby, Melton Mowbray, Leics, LE14 3TF e-mail: mj.hall100@virgin.net Website: www.contemplative-prayer.org.uk
Exists for the study and practice of Christian contemplative meditation, which deepens our communion with God and opens our hearts, minds and bodies to the healing power of his love. Members undertake to meditate regularly, to attend some meetings each year and to endeavor to apply the fruits of meditation to daily life. There are about 50 groups in the UK.
CONTACT: The Secretary, Fellowship of Meditation, 8 Prince of Wales Road,, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1PW (01305 251396) e-mail: fellowship.meditation@virgin.net Website: www.fellowshipofmeditation.org
Hear our silence is not so much a movement as an invitation to silent prayer which takes its name and inspiration from the silence of Carthusian prayer, where it is the seeker who journeys into the silent desert of the heart in order to encounter God. There are 6 groups in the UK.
CONTACT: John Skinner, 1 Furzebrook House, Musbury Road, Axminster EX13 5JG (01297 631313) e-mail: wordman.net@boltblue.com Website: www.hos.cwc.net
Aim to foster the practice and teaching of contemplative prayer and meditation within the Christian tradition. Groups are ecumenical and meet weekly, fortnightly or monthly, providing support through fellowship. No one particular method is advocated - participants are encouraged to find the way that is right for them. There are over 400 groups in the UK.
CONTACT: (UK) Mrs Anne Stamper, The Firs, Lewes Road, Ringmer, Lewes BN8 5EU e-mail: uk@julianmeetings.org Website: www.julianmeetings.org
Worldwide: Hilary Wakeman, Skeagh, Schull, Co Cork Ireland e-mail: worldwide@julianmeetings.org
Our vision is to initiate and resource a network of local opportunities, mainly in private homes and gardens, for prayer, silence, reflection and the appreciation of beauty; for learning about Christian life and spirituality; and for experiencing creativity and healing in the context of God's love. There are 160 Quiet Gardens in the UK and Eire.
CONTACT: Mrs Jackie Lock, Stoke Park Farm, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Bucks SL2 4PG (01753 643050) e-mail: quiet.garden@ukonline.co.uk Website: www.quietgarden.co.uk
A fellowship of small ecumenical groups called Companies (mostly lay, some clerical, some mixed). A Company 'waits upon God' in silence (normally for half an hour) after which there is a controlled discussion, when each member may speak without interruption. Each company adopts a common concern and decisions must be unanimous. There are about 15 Companies in the UK.
CONTACT: Mr & Mrs H D Wilsdon, Well Cottage, The Street, Kilmington, Axminster, Devon EX13 7RW. e-mail: info@sck.org.uk Website: www.sck.org.uk
For further information about the Retreat Association see contact information at left:
Return to Retreat Association publications list