Searching for Springs of Hope: supporting poor communities in a time of austerity

This retreat is intended for members of the CARJ Urban Network and others who are interested in the Church’s mission to support poor communities.  The pressure on these communities will be even greater in a time of ‘austerity’, and we may all need to be actively searching for ‘springs of hope’ in difficult situations.

The retreat will provide an opportunity for quiet reflection, sharing, prayer and discernment.  The theme and a retreat facilitator will provide a light guiding touch.  Group sessions will take the form of meditative dialogue.   The final session will be devoted to open discussion regarding the future development of the Urban Network. 

Prayer and liturgy will be Catholic, but all are welcome and we will do our best to be conscious of the different backgrounds of those attending and include everyone fully.  

The full cost for individuals attending will be £60 (a few bursaries may be available).  Those attending will be asked to arrive in good time for supper Wednesday evening; and we will finish with tea on Thursday afternoon.

The Urban Network brings together those who wish to be involved in the Church’s work with poor communities in our inner-cities and outer estates.  As individuals, agencies and groups, we are committed to the enabling of local people to act together for the common good and to raising issues of public policy relevant to urban communities.  We meet two or three times a year and occasionally organise other initiatives (eg residential retreats).  Membership and full participation in the Network is open to all without cost.  We see ourselves within the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching and of Faith in the City and Faithful Cities. We are a network currently funded, supported and organised by the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ), in which other agencies participate. Chair: Alison Gelder.  Secretary: Richard Zipfel.