An Oratory retreat is an invitation to encounter God. We step back, draw breath and take time to enjoy our friendship with God.  Click ‘Retreat Dates’ for a list of upcoming dates.

We hold five separate day retreats in the Oratory every year (March, May, July, October & December). We also hold three virtual day retreats online for those who find travel difficult or live some distance away (January, April & November). Each retreat enjoys  a clear focus.

Our emphasis is to journey deeper towards the heart of God through attentiveness. We explore the many aspects of personal prayer.

‘Thanks so much for our day of reflection. A great way to start the year for me. It made me realise that our spiritual life needs the help of a structure or framework to enrich our relationship with God. It poses a challenge! Thank you for such a wonderful day.‘

Oratory retreats are built around four core components,

  • Relaxed engagement in practical, guided, contemplative prayer.
  • Creating material designed to lead us further in our encounter with God.
  • Time for personal attentiveness and reflection.
  • Opportunities to learn from each other.

‘A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken’   Ecclesiastes 4:12

Retreat days are for everyone who seeks to discover the reality of God and find out more about who they are created to be and to become. They support and encourage us on our journey of self discovery.

We each benefit from paying attention to the still small voice that calls us onward and directs our steps as we learn to grow increasingly attentive to the presence of God. As St. Nicolas Cabasilas, a layman who pursued God in the 14th Century, declared,

‘Everyone should keep his art or profession. The general should continue to command; the farmer to till the land; the artisan to practice his craft. And I will tell you why. It is not necessary to retire into the desert, to take unpalatable food, to alter one’s dress, to compromise one’s health, or to do anything unwise, because it is quite possible to remain in one’s own home without giving up all one’s possessions, and yet to practice continued meditation’

Some Participants’ Comments

Oratory Garden

‘As the day progresses the sense of God’s presence and love increased as we were lead just to experience God’s presence’ Karen Frances

‘Micha and Jayne’s leadership of the Advent retreat combined Scripture, Reflection, Contemplation, Prophetic and Good Hospitality with time to share and to be. No pressures, lots of encouragement and space.’ Rev. John Oliver

‘I learned some new ways to be still with God even though I’ve been to many retreats before. A fantastic day.’

‘I found the day very stimulating and well structured in terms of personal space’ Eric Giachardi

‘A great day to engage with God and others in a loving and relaxed atmosphere.’ Paul King, 

‘A treasured space to dig deeper in my relationship with God. Relaxed and safe’ Sally Newman

‘Micha & Jayne instantly create a safe and loving space for guests to be themselves’ Sarah Roach

‘It helped me to see more clearly what has been going on in my life and has taken away fears of the future’ Jean Giachardi

‘An intimate space I felt free to engage in’

‘I loved the whole day, Micha was inspirational and very honest.

‘It offered me a chance to draw aside, reflect and listen to God. I found the retreat affirming and a contemplative lift. Both the venue and the food was great.’

Practicalities

  • Retreat days are restricted to no more than SIX participants. This creates a sense of an engaged community. Retreats are neither teaching days nor training days. They are days where you can connect directly with God. 

 

  • Micha & Jayne ensure that there’s time for personal interaction in a welcoming home environment. Both Micha & Jayne engage in spiritual accompaniment and coaching.

 

  • In recognition that we are integrated, whole people, at one with God and God’s creation, all food is home prepared and drawn from healthy sources. Lunch is taken together as a general rule and the table conversation is itself always a source of joy and encouragement. Our consistent refrain, ‘This is the day that the Lord has made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it’.

 

  • The recommended donation for the day, inclusive of all materials, refreshments and lunch, is £50 per person. It is at your discretion as Micha & Jayne have chosen to run the Oratory on a faith basis. For this to succeed we look to our participants to exercise their faith muscle and contribute to the Oratory vision. The proceeds all go to ensure that the vision of the Oratory as a Home of Prayer continues.

Accommodation

  • If you need overnight accommodation for a retreat, we have one en suite room in the Oratory available for £75 B&B or £90 Bed, Breakfast and evening meal. Alternatively we can give details for the Wisdom Centre in Romsey (three miles away), where they have a self contained cottage.