THE ARCHDIOCESE  OF EUROPE

Archdiocesan Retreat 2008

Monday, 10th March, to Wednesday, 12th March 2008, saw our fourth retreat at Wistaston Hall Retreat Centre, Crewe, Cheshire. The retreat took place in the retreat house which is part of the apostolate of Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Although in the suburbs of the town of Crewe, the large tree filled grounds exuded an atmosphere of serenity and calm.

The retreat was a traditional silent retreat, so after the initial 'gathering of our clan' there was no talking. Father Alan Bowser priest-in-charge of the Corpus Christi mission, in Cleveland, in the north of England conducted the retreat. This year though the Retreat Addresses where given by Bishop Lawrence Garner of St David’s, Oswestry, and Episcopal Vicar to the Metropolitan.

On the first day after Mass and the Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament, supper was followed by the Angelus and the first address. Later, after time to read or meditate on the address, the day ended with Holy Rosary and Compline.

The second day commenced with the Angelus, Mattins and Mass; and after breakfast the second address. After private time for reading and reflection everyone met for the Holy Rosary and lunch. After time for study we all met for a conducted Holy Hour, based on the theme of the retreat, follwoed by  Benediction. As on the previous evening, after supper, we met for the Angelus, Vespers and the third address, ending the day with Compline later.

On the third day after Angelus, Matins and Mass, breakfast was followed by the fourth and final address. The retreat ended with the Angelus and Holy Rosary and a blessing from our Archbishop. Lunch gave everyone time to exchange news before departing.

The four addresses that Bishop Garner gave were based on the life, calling, dedication and example of St John Vianney, the Curé d’ Ars. Bishop Garner guided us skilfully through the early life, the difficulties he experienced in his training for the Priesthood, his time as a Curate and finally the many years he spent in Ars.  This remarkable life of dedication of the Saint who is commemorated on the 9^th of August, with its emphasis on prayer, care of souls and hearing of confessions was warmly brought to life. The Curé’s impact on a much wider community than that in which he was resident illustrates his significance for the wider Church. This saint’s humility shines in his cheerful acceptance of the will of God. 

The Curé  d’Ars.

As the hustle and bustle of modern life increases the importance of withdrawing from it, if only for less than two days, to spend time in prayer, meditation and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament becomes of increasing importance. To be able to do this in the silent fellowship of members of the Church is an added bonus.

We thank Fr Bowser wholeheartedly, for all the endeavour, work and organisation that he put into this retreat and for Bishop Garner’s preparation and delivery of four learned addresses. 

Discussions are occurring as to the format and timing of future retreats. May be a weekend?  

A rather poor picture of some members of the retreat in 2007, the same ensemble was present at the 2008 retreat but no photograph was taken!

  A Joyful Archdiocesan Conference.

United in Faith and Purpose.

At the Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace, Middleport Stoke-on-Trent, England.

Friday / Saturday  9th / 10th May 2008

After assembling in the Cathedral's Community Hall the Conference commenced with Solemn Sung Vespers followed by Benediction.

  The archbishop delivers his Charge to the conference.

Following time spent on essential administrative details, such as the declaration of a quorum  an excellent dinner was provided and served by Mrs Yvonne Thwaits, Mrs Janet Dawson, Mrs Stephanie Rylands and Mrs Stella Hamlett.

This is a good dinner!

After dinner the discussion and business of the Conference continued for about an hour.

The second day commenced with said Matins in the Cathedral.  After further discussion Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop in his Cathedral, during which Subdeacon John Lynch was ordained  Deacon and Deacon David Price was ordained priest.

The Archbishop in the Cathedral with Deacon John Lynch and Fr David Price after their ordination.

After Mass the members of the Order of St Benedict renewed their vows. The Order of Saint Benedict is now firmly established in the Archdiocese under its Prior, Fr Pattison.

Members of the Order of St Benedict renewed their oblations at the Conference Mass.

Pictured from L to R : Father David Valentine, Sister Dorothy Griffiths,

Father Prior James Pattison,   and Father Alan Bowser.

 Another truly wonderful and glorious day in the history of the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Grace.

The Conference ended with the Archbishops Assent, closing prayers, and Proroguement.

 Opportunity was taken by all to catch up on news and views over a lunch-time buffet before all departed to their own part of the Archdiocese.

ArAArchdiocesan Appointments.

From left to right: Mrs Janet Dawson (Archdiocesan Secretary), Mrs Stephanie Rylands (Archivist). Miss Naomi Dawson (Chancellor)

The date of the next Conference will be announced in due course. 

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