The Retreat Association comprises six retreat groups concerned with retreats and individual and corporate spiritual nurture:
Individuals, retreat houses, churches and groups can take up membership of one of these constituent groups or of a non-denominational retreat group, Affiliates of the Retreat Association, with membership open to any individual or body in the UK who/which:
The Association provides resources and information, maintains networks and co-ordinates new initiatives. The policy determined by the Executive Committee, which includes representatives from each of the groups, is carried out by the Executive Officer and the office staff, with occasional help from volunteers.
The principal activities of the Association are described below, but we are always open to new ideas about how we might serve the retreat movement.
The Retreat Association is not just for those who are part of the established churches. We are delighted to be in contact also with a growing number of people seeking to further their spiritual journey outside the churches or on their margins. Such people may never have been part of a church, or may have come to feel hurt, disillusioned or no longer nourished by their church.
We are always pleased to help if we can. You are welcome to write, fax or email us (contact information). You can also try ringing the office (Monday–Friday, 9–5), but be warned that the line is often busy!
The Retreats magazine is published annually, in December. It begins with articles by authors personally involved in the retreat ministry, and includes reviews of recent books on prayer and spirituality. It then lists, with a map and a subject index, the names and addresses of about two hundred retreat centres and other places to go for quiet reflection. Whenever possible it lists retreat centres' programmes, which include not just retreats but quiet days, courses, workshops, dialogues with other traditions, holidays and house parties. Would you like to:
Retreats will help with these questions and more. The magazine is available to members of the groups and in some bookshops and by post - further details
The Association also publishes many other leaflets
Individually, office staff are often able to help put people in touch with one another, for example in finding a spiritual companion (see below). Nationally, the Association organises a major residential conference every four years. This is for all who are interested in retreats, as retreat-goers or as retreat-givers.
Association staff meet regularly with retreat centre wardens and members of networks with related interests (see the leaflets Ecumenical networks and Silent prayer groups). Staff also liase with bodies such as Churches Together in England (CTE), Churches Together in Wales (CYTUN), Living Spirituality Network (LSN) and the Association for Christian Communities and Networks (NACCAN).
The Retreat Association promotes and encourages the setting aside of the third Saturday in June as National Quiet Day. We produce a pack as an offering of ideas that might help those organising or leading a quiet day. We do not want to dictate how a quiet day ought to be led but just to offer possibilities.
Many people nowadays are looking for spiritual companions, and there are many individuals around the country who are able to help. The Retreat Association keeps a list of local contacts, who themselves know who is available in their area. The contacts will also be able to discuss different styles of accompaniment, and help you find someone suited to your own needs.
Often spiritual companions are people who find that they are already being used by others in this ministry. Having realised their role, many wish to increase their skills, knowledge and confidence. There are various training courses around the country for those in this position, some of which extend over two or three years, while others are shorter and in some cases residential. The Retreat Association keeps a list of these courses, with costs and the name and address of a contact.
In addition, the Association runs a twenty-four-hour consultation each year for those who lead such courses, encouraging them to exchange ideas and to explore the whole area of spiritual direction training.
For further information about the Retreat Association see contact information at left:
Return to Retreat Association publications list