On 28 June, men over the age of eighteen – whether married, single or clergy – are invited to a spiritual retreat in the spectacular glen of the Comeragh Mountains. The retreat will give participants the opportunity to grow in faith while being nourished by the sacraments of the Church in a relaxed atmosphere to facilitate good conversations, and faith sharing.
The setting is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the retreat will give the participants an opportunity to grow spiritually under the guidance of Father Patrick Cahill, and Mr Pat Reynolds, who both have extensive experience at the cutting edge of youth ministry in Ireland.
The organisers are following the example of Jesus who encouraged His disciples to come away to a quiet place to nourish their souls. 2000 years later the same counsel is just as valid today. As the disciple Mark said, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while” (Mark 6).
By definition this novel retreat is for like-minded Christian men from around the country, and abroad, to converse freely about topics concerning men.
The retreat came about following anecdotal evidence of a lack of men’s groups around the country, which had the effect of leaving men feeling unsupported. In addition, contemporary Ireland is marked by rapid cultural change, with concomitant increasing challenges for men, who have responsibility to their families and, at the same time, wish to remain true to Christian values. As the poet John Donne famously said: ‘No man is an island.’
For participants, there will be plenty to discuss over a barbeque, camp fire, while engaging in ‘Air Soft’ – which is like paint balling, and axe-throwing. The friendships made at retreats often endure beyond the few days spent in the idyllic location.
To find out more information on this retreat see https://www.holyfamilymission.ie/event-details/mens-retreat and to book your place email [email protected], or call 052 6133181.
Our gratitude to Father Mark O’Farrell for contributing this story to Sharing Good News.
ENDS
