Vision
Vision for Whalley Abbey
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.”
Its 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:
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.
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
A inspirational place for meetings and conferences.
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.
A retreat programme that attracts people from far and wide.
Parish visits for weekends, vision days, quiet days and Alpha weekends.
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.
Children and young people and schools’ groups coming to engage in outdoor learning about sacred history and the environment.
Ordination retreats and residential courses for curates and ministry discernment panels.
Individuals in need or distress coming for respite and refreshment, referred by their parishes.