FUTURE EVENTS

The Retreat House at Pleshey (Anglican) runs a programme throughout each year.   Most are open to anyone who would like to attend, for a small charge, if space is still available.   For a current brochure ring 01245 237251, or email: retreathouse.pleshey@virgin.net

Abbotswick, the (Roman Catholic) Diocesan House of Prayer (just north of Brentwood) hosts events, quiet days and retreats.   For information ring 01277 373959 or email: houseofprayer@dioceseofbrentwood.org

See the 'Links' page for Pleshey and Abbotswick web sites

Events specifically for listed Spiritual Directors of all denominations include area meetings, (roughly the three Anglican diocesan areas of Barking, Bradwell and Colchester), and an annual meeting with an invited speaker for all the Spiritual Directors in this region.   All SD's are individually sent the information about these meetings.

Ecumenical Weeks of Guided, or Accompanied, Prayer are being set up by parishes all over the Dioceses of Chelmsford and Brentwood.   Those that we know about are at Saffron Walden and Prittlewell in Spring 2011, Romford in June 2010 and Ongar who are doing five evenings, one per week, on prayer in Lent 2010.    Please email details of any others so they can be added here (Linda[at]spiritual-direction-in-essex.org)

If you are interested in setting one up in your parish information on how to do this, produced by the Diocese of Brentwood, follows.

DIOCESE OF BRENTWOOD

Adult Religious Education & Formation for Ministry

A Week of Accompanied Prayer

“Our first task in approaching another person, another people, another culture, another faith, is to take off our shoes for the place we are approaching is holy.   Else we may find ourselves treading on another’s dream.   More serious still, we may forget that God was there before our arrival.”

(Source Unknown)

ACCOMPANIED PRAYER

In recent years, in some dioceses and parishes, many have found great benefit in taking part in short periods of accompanied prayer.  (Often a week, sometimes longer.)

What has a week of Accompanied Prayer to offer?

A week of Accompanied Prayer provides participants with the opportunity for support and guidance in prayer while continuing with their daily lives.   They are suitable for everyone, including those with little experience of prayer.   They help people to develop a closer relationship with God, to find space for prayer in their daily lives, to cope with difficulties in prayer, and to discover different ways of praying.

Is there a structure to the week?

Participants meet with the team of prayer companions on the first evening.  They are introduced to some methods of prayer using Scripture.   They then meet in small groups with a prayer companion allocated to them.

Each day after that participants meet individually with their prayer companion at pre-arranged times.   All that is shared is confidential.

There are no group meetings during the week.   On the concluding day the whole group meets with the prayer companions.   This meeting enables the participants to look back over the experience of the week and to look forward to the future with hope.   It ends with a prayer service of thanksgiving.

Is A Week of Accompanied Prayer exactly 7 days?

The duration can be flexible.   It is advisable to have at least 6 days, but it can stretch over 2 weeks or more, whichever suits your parish.

What is expected of participants?

Participants are asked to give specific time to prayer each day.   The prayer companion will offer Scripture for refection to help with this.

Who are the prayer companions?

Prayer companions include lay people, religious and clergy.   All of them have received training in this important ministry.   This is not a ministry to be exercised by just anyone who might like to try, or who is interested in prayer.   Prayer companions have supervision in this ministry.

How many people can take part?

Between 8 and 20 is common, but larger groups are possible.

What does it cost?

It is the responsibility of the parish to help defray expenses incurred during the week.   In some circumstances participants may give a donation.   Nobody should feel excluded through lack of funds.

What is the role of the Parish Priest?

The Parish Priest enables the week to happen.   He is responsible for making the initial contact with the Diocesan Office for Adult Religious Education and Formation for Ministry on 01277 265219.   Sister Nuala Gannon will put him or her in touch with a co-ordinator in his or her area to plan the time in accordance with the need of the parish.

How long does it take to set up?

At least 3 to 4 months in advance of the suggested time a parish is planning to offer a Week of Accompanied Prayer.

Who is responsible for publicity?

Parishes undertake all of this.   An introductory talk at all Masses/services at least 6 weeks before the proposed time of prayer is suggested.

An application form will be made available on request for those interested parishes to copy and use.

A ‘taster’ evening is usually offered by the co-ordinator, assisted by some of the prayer companions.

What resources will the parish need?

• A meeting place to accommodate the whole group is required.
• Quiet places are necessary where participants can meet privately with their Prayer Companions.
• Facilities for making tea or coffee.

Can Christians from all traditions and denominations be included?

Yes, this is to be positively encouraged.