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If you are trying to think about your faith, you are welcome to visit the monastery and to stay in the Guest House, either for one of our Monastic Experience retreats or at any other time. As part of our Benedictine work we welcome guests and try to share with them the wisdom of the monastic tradition, the peace of the monastery and its grounds, as well as our common life of prayer and worship.
You do not need to be Catholic, or even very sure about what you believe. You may be thinking about your life and the kind of shape it needs to take in response to God. You may already be reflecting on how God is calling you to serve him, and how to deepen the life of prayer we need to do so. You may be exploring the question of vocation to the Catholic priesthood or religious life.
Wherever you are on your journey, the experience of monastic life can be a source of nourishment, a time to consider the path you are on, and look ahead to the next step.
In 2011, we are planning Monastic Experience Retreats for the following weekends:
July 1st – 3rd
September 23rd – 25th
December 19th – 21st (Note this is Monday to Thursday)
Within the framework of the monastic day, we explore the questions of faith and life that participants bring with them; and consider simple ways of prayer, lectio divina that can help tune into God.
Holy Week and Easter: April 16th – 24th
If you want to prepare for Easter or join us for the Triduum, you can come for a few days or all of the period before Easter Sunday. No formal talks, but a chance to get into the rhythm of life and share in manual work, lectio divina and the prayer of the community. Time for your own reading, walking and to talk informally with the monks.
If you are interested in having an experience of the monastic life at Downside then please click here or contact Dom David by emailing domdavid@downside.co.uk or calling 01761 235 162 (voice mail).
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