Archdeacon Mark Reading Days

Archdeacon Mark is holding Reading Days throughout 2019 at Whalley Abbey.

He writes: “Whalley Abbey is a wonderful resource at the heart of the diocese, and the staff are keen to encourage more clergy and parishes to use it as a place of prayer and retreat.

“For those of us ordained in the diocese this retreat house set in the grounds of a ruined Cistercian abbey will always hold special memories of our ordination retreats, but thousands of lay people too have found it to be a place of spiritual refreshment and renewal.

Archdeacon Mark adds: “The idea is simple. Many of you perhaps like me struggle to make time and space for reading and study within our busy diaries.

“So I deliberately block out one day a month to spend at Whalley Abbey, and would love to invite you to be with me if you are free on any of the dates below. There is no formal programme, although Morning Prayer is said daily in the chapel at 9am and I shall say Evening Prayer in the chapel at 4.30pm before I leave.

“We have use of the chapel, Paslew Library, Oratory and Williams suite, and of course the extensive and beautiful grounds. Tea and coffee are available free of charge through the day, and you are invited to bring a packed lunch to eat in the dining room at around 1pm.

“There is no charge for the day, but you need to book in before you come, so that there is space and quiet for those who come. If the dates below don’t suit you, do contact Whalley Abbey direct, and they will do their best to accommodate you on other dates to suit.”

“To book please email Whalley Abbey at office@whalleyabbey.org and also please email my secretary Kelly Quinn on kelly.quinn@blackburn.anglican.org to advise of your attendance.”

Dates:  Wednesday 16th January

            Wednesday 20th February

              Wednesday 20th March

              Wednesday 17th April

             Wednesday 19th June              

             Wednesday 21st August

              Wednesday 18th September

             Wednesday 16th October

             Wednesday 20th November