Our popular residential retreats, now in their second year, are for anyone who is curious and searching for a way to explore and deepen their experience of God in a Christian context. On crossing over to this ancient island of prayer, Lough Derg offers a unique opportunity to step back from a busy life, into prayer and reflection, and towards a deeper relationship with God.
Over the course of four days, each of our residential retreats provides a comfortable, full-board stay on the island, with the option of a guided walk along the ancient pilgrim path on the lakeshore. Each retreat is structured around daily prayer, input from renowned facilitators, and personal time. Without fasting or walking barefoot, retreatants have the opportunity to join pilgrims making the traditional Lough Derg pilgrimage for Mass and Night Prayer.
Retreatants will join three-day pilgrims for Mass and Night Prayer
and will have the option of walking the Pilgrim Path on the lake shore.
There will also be time for reflection and personal prayer.
Residential Retreats do not require fasting or walking barefoot.
Emerging From the Mess
Sunday 9th – Thursday 13th June 2024
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As we emerge from the mess of what has been a difficult few years for so many of us, this retreat uses scripture, story, poetry, song and relaxation for an experience that you will treasure. Taking the theme of a journey from being ‘on the rocks’ to safely ‘arriving in port’, this retreat has a special resonance with Lough Derg.
Jim Deeds, a husband and father from Belfast, will facilitate this retreat. Jim works as an author, poet, retreat giver and pastoral worker across Ireland and beyond. |
Called to Love
Friday 21st – Tuesday 25th June 2024
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Every life is a calling – a vocation to love!
This retreat is specifically for 18-30 year olds on a journey of faith who are asking substantial questions about their calling in life, examining the question ‘how am I called to love?’ With Franciscan Brothers Ronan and Jacopo, you will explore themes such as faith, love of self and our experience of challenges in life. This time of faith and fellowship offers young adults some respite from a hectic life. * Reduced rate available for students/unemployed |
“To Whom Shall We Go?”
Sunday 21st – Tuesday 25th July 2024
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Jesus asks his followers whether they, like the rest, will also leave him (Jn 6) Peter replies: “To whom shall we go…?”
This retreat will explore Jesus’ question and what we ourselves might say if we were in Peter’s shoes. Using artwork, music, sacred texts and prayer, we will rediscover Peter’s words to Jesus “…you have the words of eternal life.” This retreat will be facilitated by artist Eoin Madigan. |
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”
Sunday 4th – Thursday 8th August 2024
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This retreat will explore what it means to be fully alive, to live a life which is truly joyful, and in which our gifts and talents are fully realised through caring for others and for God’s creation. In the context of the Christian life as pilgrimage, we will explore the journey of our relationship with God and others, as well as our mission in life.
This retreat will be facilitated by married couple, Linda Rainsberry and Patrick Treacy, who care for a domestic centre of Christian faith at their home in Kilkenny. |
For more information contact Mark McDonnell, via email: mark@loughderg.org