A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
Property Description
A Spiritual Place Providing Hospitality and Spiritual Wellbeing
Minsteracres Retreat Centre is a Christian place of prayer with a resident community of Roman Catholic Passionist priests and lay people. Our resident community provides a homely and welcoming atmosphere.
As we will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the first Passionists here at Minsteracres, our retreat theme for 2024 is “The Saving and Transforming power of the Cross” in which we will explore what The Passion of Jesus means for each of us as Christians today because it is through the story of the Cross that Jesus touches us and brings us His salvation.
We welcome people who share our values and we invite you to enjoy our hospitality, food and accommodation. Minsteracres is set in a beautiful 110 acre estate in the North East of England. Within our historic buildings and estate we have spaces for prayer and rooms to hire for retreats and events.
Accommodation on Offer
- Accommodation for up to 75 people across the Main House and Retreat House depending on combination of singles/doubles/twin rooms.
- The Ballroom for groups up to 90 people. A magnificent room with a wood-burning stove.
- The Parlour for groups up to 30 people. Another magnificent room with a wood-burning stove.
- The Retreat House Lounge (with wood-burning stove) or Lecture room, each of which can accommodate 55 people.
- The Library for groups up to 25.
- The Bethany suite for groups up to 20 which also includes tea and coffee making facilities and a microwave oven.
- A beautiful chapel with the use of a keyboard.
- Various prayer spaces.
- All forms of Audio Visual equipment are available for presentations etc.
- 110 acres of grounds, parkland and woodland in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. We have a number of walks for all abilities. Have a look at our Visitor’s Map for more information.
Retreat Centre Facilities
Types of Retreat Offered
2024 Events
February
Friends Retreat Minsteracres Team
“The Saving and Transforming Power of the Cross.” A retreat exploring Passionist spirituality. We will begin by ‘Entering the desert’ a gentle introduction to the weekend giving people time to find space and try to leave behind them their cares, worries and problems. This will be followed by sessions on Passionist Spirituality.
Tuesday 16th from 6:30pm to Thursday 18th February at 2pm
£ Donation
March
Monastic Music Hours Dominic McGonigal & Alison Meardon
A weekend immersed in the beauty and serenity of the music of the monastic office hours. Slip into the rhythm of monastic life and let the music give you time for reflection, meditation and prayer. Sung by a professional group of singers, the music of the hours will transport you to a spiritual place while our retreat leader will give us insights into the power of liturgical music and its role in monastic life.
Friday 8th (from 6:30pm) to Sunday 10th at 2pm £250
Quiet days of reflection during Lent
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
- Wednesday 6th Rev. Chris Smith
- Wednesday, 13th Sr. Sheila McNamara RSCJ
- Thursday, 21st Pat Kennedy
All from 10am to 4pm, with lunch provided. £30
Holy Week retreat Minsteracres team
Join the community on their journey towards Easter, with time for reflection and the opportunity to take part in the ceremonies of Holy Week.
Thursday, 28th from 6.30pm to Sunday, 31st at 2pm £240
April
Walking Retreat Minsteracres Team
Enjoy a walk of seven to ten miles through the beautiful countryside around Minsteracres, with time for prayer, reflection and sharing the beauty of creation. You will need suitable walking boots, warm, weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch.
Wednesday 3rd from 10am to 5pm £20
A Circle of Prayer – Circle Dance Joyce McAndrew
This is an inviting programme which explores the beauty of music whilst incorporating responsivemovement which echoes both feelings, and mood as non-verbal self-expression which touches both the soul and the imagination.
Saturday 20th from 10am-5pm £30
May
Quiet Day of Consolation Chris Smith
An opportunity to join us on this poignant retreat day, for people who have experienced bereavement, grief, loss or significant change, giving them an opportunity to share a safe space, to be heard, to share with others who have had similar experiences and finding courage, hope and consolation. Lunch and refreshments included.
Wednesday, 1st from 10am to 4pm £30
Open House
Have you ever wanted to have a look around our house and grounds? Now’s your chance! With exhibitions, tours, moments of reflection, tea, coffee and good home cooking.
Monday, 1st May,from 10am to 4pm £ Donation
The Embodied Contemplative Terry Doyle
The Embodied Contemplative Retreat will explore finding inner stillness and peace through the practice of both Christian Meditation and gentle Tai Chi movement and breath work.
Saturday, 4th May from 6:30pm to Sunday 15th at 2pm £30
“The Saving and Transforming Power of the Cross” Minsteracres team
A retreat exploring Passionist spirituality. We will begin by ‘Entering the desert’ a gentle introduction to the weekend giving people time to find space and try to leave behind them their cares, worries and problems. This will be followed by sessions on Passionist Spirituality.
- May, Friday, 10th to Sunday, 12th
- October, Friday, 4th to Sunday, 6th
- November, Friday, 8thto Sunday, 10th
All from 6:30pm on Friday to 2pm on Sunday £190
Jesus breathed on them and said receive the Holy Spirit Fr Chris Thomas
In this Pentecost retreat we will reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in John’s Gospel and pray for the release of the Spirit in our lives, that we may learn how to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with our God. There will be times of input, times of silence and times of prayer and praise to help us open ourselves more fully to God.
Friday,17th from 6:30pm to Sunday, 19th at 2pm £190
Walking retreat Minsteracres team
Enjoy a walk of seven to ten miles through the beautiful countryside around Minsteracres, with time for prayer, reflection and sharing the beauty of creation. You will need suitable walking boots, warm, weatherproof clothing and a packed .
Saturday,25th from 10am to 5pm £20
June
Quiet day Minsteracres Team
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. Lunch, tea and coffee are provided.
Wednesday, 5th from 10am to 4pm £30
On a Journey with the Northern Saints Minsteracres team
Spend a week at Minsteracres following in the footsteps of the Northern Saints such as Aidan, Cuthbert, Oswald, Hilde and Bede. Find out about their spirituality and motivation, early Celtic spirituality and visit the iconic places where they lived out their faith. Includes visits to Holy Island, Bamburgh, Durham Cathedral and Hadrian’s Wall.
Monday 10that 6:30pm to Friday 14that 2pm £460
Walking retreat Minsteracres team
Enjoy a walk of seven to ten miles through the beautiful countryside around Minsteracres, with time for prayer, reflection and sharing the beauty of creation. You will need suitable walking boots, warm, weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch.
Wednesday,26th from 10am to 5pm £20
July
3 day walking retreat Minsteracres team
Three days with walks of 8-10 miles through the beautiful countryside around Minsteracres. Every day starts with a reflection. You will need suitable walking boots and weatherproof clothing.
Tuesday, 16th from 10am to Thursday, 18th at 5pm £190
August
Living the Rosary Minsteracres Team
A wonderful opportunity to gather in honour of Mary, Mother of God. We will explore the beauty of praying the rosary and how to integrate it into our daily life as a mindful prayer of contemplation, praiseand intercession. Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon.
Saturday 10th12 noon to 3pm £ Donation
Individually Guided Retreat ISC Glasgow at Minsteracres
This retreat is held in silence and will be led by members of the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow in collaboration with the team at Minsteracres.
Friday, 30th August from 6:30pm to Friday, 6th September at 10am £650
September
The Embodied Contemplative Terry Doyle
The Embodied Contemplative Retreat will explore finding inner stillness and peace through the practice of both Christian Meditation and gentle Tai Chi movement and breath work.
Friday, 13th from 6:30pm to Sunday 15that 2pm £190
Walking retreat Minsteracres team
Enjoy a walk of seven to ten miles through the beautiful countryside around Minsteracres, with time for prayer, reflection and sharing the beauty of creation. You will need suitable walking boots, warm, weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch.
Saturday, 14th from 10am to 5pm £20
Quiet day Minsteracres Team
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. Lunch, tea and coffee are provided.
Wednesday, 18th from 10am to 4pm £30
A Circle of Prayer – Circle Dance Joyce McAndrew
This is an inviting programme which explores the beauty of music whilst incorporating responsive movement, which echoes both feelings and mood as non-verbal self-expression, which touches both the soul and the imagination.
Saturday 21st from 10am to 5pm £30
October
The Divine Right of Transformation John Bell
John Bell is a member of the Iona Community's Wild Goose Resource Group, hymn writer, author and occasional broadcaster.
Friday, 11 at 6:30pm to Sunday, 13 at 2pm £220
Walking retreat Minsteracres team
Enjoy a walk of seven to ten miles through the beautiful countryside around Minsteracres, with time for prayer, reflection and sharing the beauty of creation. You will need suitable walking boots, warm, weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch.
Wednesday,16th from 10am to 5pm £20
Quiet Day of Consolation Rev. Chris Smith
An opportunity to join us on this poignant retreat day, for people who have experienced bereavement, grief, loss or significant change, giving them an opportunity to share a safe space, to be heard, to share with others who have had similar experiences and finding courage, hope and consolation. Lunch and refreshments included.
Wednesday, 22nd from 10am to 4pm £30
November
Quiet day Minsteracres Team
An opportunity to step aside, listen to God in scripture and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. Lunch, tea and coffee are provided.
Wednesday, 6th from 10am to 4pm £30
Advent Retreat Sr. Sheila McNamara
Welcome to our Advent Retreat, where we discern the idea of waiting on the Lord. As we begin to prepare for the feast of Christmas, we challenge ourselves to use this time to reflect on our spiritual readiness for the gift of Christmas.
Friday 29th from 6pm to Sunday 1st December at 2pm £190
We look forward to welcoming you!
The suggested offerings indicated for each event help us to cover our costs. However, no one should feel excluded for financial reasons and concessions are available through our Bursary programme.
Disclaimer: The running of all retreats is subject to achieving a minimum viable number i.e., 6 people for day events and 15 people for residential events. We endeavour to do everything we can that is within our control to ensure that retreats run, but when we are unable to achieve these numbers, we will cancel. Notice will be given.
Retreat Centre Location
Minsteracres Retreat Centre, Minsteracres, Consett DH8 9RT, UK