Saturday 27 June 2026: John of the Cross, Our Spiritual Guide on the Path to Union with God - Retreat Day at The House of Prayer, 28 Seymour Road, East Molesey, Surrey  KT8 0PB

Frequently referred to as the ‘Mystical Doctor’ for his writings on the intimacy of union with God in prayer, John of the Cross is a sure guide for our spiritual lives.

Join us as we explore the life and teaching of this great 16th Century Carmelite saint and close associate of St Teresa of Avila.  John knew the extremes of poverty, hardship and pain but in the depths of suffering also knew the beauty and goodness of God dwelling deep within his soul.   He believed that God pours these gifts on all of creation, clothing everything entirely in beauty and dignity.  We come to know and understand this more and more as we are drawn into intimate union with the Beloved.

As we pray with some of John’s writings, so rich in Scripture, may we too rejoice in our Beloved and learn to behold ourselves in his beauty (cf. Spiritual Canticle, 36).

For further information and to book see John of the Cross – Our Spiritual Guide on Path to Union with God — The House of Prayer

 

Finding Stillness - 'Come away and rest' - Isle of Iona, Scotland - 23 to 27 October 2026

As Autumn gives way to Winter you are invited to join us for a time of slowing down, of rest and prayer.  Using Scripture, poetry and imagery - as well as the natural wonders around us - we shall seek to become still, to hear the gentle voice of God who invites us to rest in love and peace.

Led by Audrey Hamilton & Jane Kindlen.

For further information or to book please contact Jane Kindlen on tel 01681 700369 or mail@catholic-iona.com / www.catholic-iona.com 

 

'Lord, Teach us to Pray' - 7 week online prayer course on Tuesdays 7-8.15pm beginning on 27 October 2026 via the House of Prayer, East Molesey, Surrey 

Prayer is at the heart of any relationship with God, and this plea from the disciples to Jesus is the universal plea of all who long to draw closer to God.  And yet God is already closer to us than we can ever imagine.  Prayer helps us realise that.  Our short course will look at different ways of praying, with emphasis on the relationship with God that they foster rather than as techniques to be mastered.   Themes will include the Lord’s Prayer, that response of Jesus to the disciples’ request, along with Lectio Divina/Sacred Reading, Imaginative Prayer, Praying with Art and Centering Prayer.   Sessions will consist of input on the particular theme of the evening, with times of silence followed by a plenary session as we grow together into a praying community.  Additional material will also be offered at the end of each session should people wish to go deeper in their own prayer time during the subsequent week. 

For further information and to book see ‘Lord, teach us to pray’ — The House of Prayer