Watermead Retreats

Unfortunately, since the death of Fr John Daley who led our retreats, we can no longer make these available to people in person. We are, however, consolidating many of Fr John's retreat recordings into online presentations and will notify through our Community News when these become available.

Below are options to help you plan your own retreats and note that we do still have resources to help and guide.

What is a Retreat?

 A retreat is a time set aside for God, when we slip out of our ordinary routine and make space for reflection and prayer. 

Offering retreats has been a regular part of our Watermead Apostolate.

Why make a Retreat ?

To give yourself space
to read, pray, listen;
to learn about Scripture,
explore your faith;
to feel free from your normal routine;
to make time for God.
A retreat is not a selfish escape, it is a time to reflect on all that is happening in our daily lives; a bringing to God our love and concerns for those we care about: our family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, the world. We can reach out in prayer, bringing all that has touched us during our busy lives to God. Traditionally, people wanting to make a retreat would visit and stay at a religious house or a specially equipped retreat centre. Watermead always planned retreats for those who were unable to be be away from home overnight, owing to family responsibilities, work commitments or finance with retreats arranged during a day, an afternoon or an evening.
Sample Retreat Schedules

Below are patterns that worked for us and, of course, these were previously led by Fr John.  You may be able to invite a speaker to lead you, but do note that you don't necessarily need a speaker and you could just pick a topical passage from scripture, or a spiritual poem/story, as your theme. You could then follow the chosen reading with a discussion amongst those who are present. Our advice would be to always have a person to guide the discussion, not by dominating through their own opinions but by gently encouraging all to participate if they so wish - and making sure the time schedule is kept to! Our advice for the discussions would be to form a circle and the person who is chosen to guide the discussion should offer each person in turn the opportunity to speak (or pass).  Everyone has something to offer from their life's journey and we can learn from each other as understandings are shared.  Group discussions can be quite inspirational and sometimes even quite emotional - we can all be spiritual guides for each other.

MORNING RETREATS

10.00 am - Welcome / hot drink

10.15 am - Prayer / Reading

10.30 am - A Talk or Group Discussion

11.50 am - Quiet for Prayer / Reading

11.10 am - A Talk or Group Discussion

11.30 am - Quiet for Prayer / Reading

11.45 am - Holy Hour "Music as Prayer"

12.30 pm - Light lunch (Optional)
AFTERNOON RETREATS

2.00 pm - Welcome / hot drink

2.15 pm -  A Talk or Group Discussion

2.40 pm - Quiet for Prayer / Reading

2.55 pm - A Talk or Group Discussion

3.15 pm - Quiet for Prayer / Reading

3.40 pm - Holy Hour "Music as Prayer"

4.45 pm - Afternoon Tea (Optional)

5.15 pm - Depart
"TWILIGHT" RETREATS

7.00 pm - Quiet for Prayer / Welcome

7.10 pm - A Talk or Group Discussion

7.30 pm - Quiet for Prayer / Reading

7.45 pm - A Talk or Group Discussion

8.00 pm - Quiet for Prayer / Reading

8.15 pm - Holy Hour "Music as Prayer"

9.00 pm - Hot drink (Optional) & Depart
"Music as Prayer"
In 1994 Father John started using the instrumental versions of our hymns during the Holy Hour at retreats. The people were given hymn sheets containing the wording of a hymn and would then be played its music. They were not expected to sing the hymn but listen to the instrumental presentation, following the words as they listened, reflecting on and praying them ~ singing them in their hearts.

As people responded, some letting us know how the music had inspired or helped them, we realised we had found another way of touching hearts through the universal language of music.  We called it "Music as Prayer" and each retreat we organised included this prayerful meditative time with music  ~ usually at the end of the day or evening.

Watermead hymns have all been inspired by a person or an event and many have personal stories that others can relate to.  The music usually comes first and the wording is written relating the Scripture to those stories.  At retreats, before each piece of music was played, Father John shared its story or its inspiration and the music used would usually link with the retreat's theme.
'People of God'

A CD and Booklet Presentation

 For Personal Home and Group Retreats.  Over the years people have asked if we could make available the recordings of the music we used, so that they could have their own 'Music as Prayer' sessions in their community or at home, alone or with friends - a home retreat. In answer to these requests the 'People of God' presentation pack has been put together, containing a CD and two copies of the accompanying meditations book.
 
The presentation title 'People of God' reflects the people who have inspired our hymns and each page of the meditation book has a bookmark naming the person(s) to which the hymn is dedicated, along with a little of the background story and the full wording of the hymn.
(See the video below to listen to sample presentation)
Read a Review of 'People of God'
Visit our shop to purchase