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The vision for Whalley Abbey is for it to be re-focussed as a retreat centre, a Centre for Christian Discipleship and Prayer, restoring the Abbey to its
heritage by building a community which combines the ancient practices of
contemplation, prayer and mission rooted in the Apostolic confession “Jesus is
Lord.”
It’s Core Values will be:
Community: An
inclusive community where all are valued – lay and ordained, paid staff and
volunteers, friends, tenants.
Discipleship: A
place apart where people come to deepen their relationship with God and are sent
out with a renewed sense of mission.
Prayer: A
real spiritual powerhouse, where prayer is offered (both gathered, dispersed
and online) for the diocese and the world, and where the eucharist is central.
Learning: A
seat of learning where leaders can grow and be refreshed.
Hospitality: A
welcoming place offering generous hospitality to all, including those in need.
Encounter: A
place of encounter, where seekers and tourists can encounter Jesus Christ.
Sustainability:
living within our means financially, and modelling what it means to live more
gently with God’s creation and reduce our carbon footprint.
Visiting the Abbey you should expect to see a building and
grounds in which Christian discipleship and prayer are central, with a variety
of activities going on such as:
o A
rhythm of daily prayer for the diocese and the world, and a regular eucharist
led by the small resident community in a renewed chapel, which will be
heartbeat of the house, open for prayer at all times.
o Individuals,
lay and ordained, booking in for self-guided retreats, sharing in the
community’s daily prayers and using a revamped library for private study.
o A inspirational
place for meetings and conferences.
o Guided
prayer walks – that engage with the natural surroundings of the site and wider
Ribble Valley, and with bespoke works of art in the gardens.
o A retreat
programme that attracts people from far and wide.
o Parish
visits for weekends, vision days, quiet days and Alpha weekends.
o Joint
events with the cathedral, including pilgrimage walks, Holy Week and events for
the dispersed praying community around the diocese bound together under a
common Rule of Life.
o Children
and young people and schools’ groups coming to engage in outdoor learning about
sacred history and the environment.
o Ordination
retreats and residential courses for curates and ministry discernment panels. o Individuals in need or distress coming for respite and refreshment, referred by their parishes. |
