Peace, Presence and Poetry

Monday 1st July -  Friday 5th July 2024

Space is available on this event

This quiet week will be an opportunity to relax in the peace of the Essex estuary landscape and
enjoy poetry, walks, meditations and community together. Jane and Catherine have an eclectic
taste for poems including many by Mary Oliver, RS Thomas and John Betjeman! There will be
chances to share your own favourite poems, try writing something yourself and perhaps
bringing something with you that you have always wanted to read or do but never made
time for!
We hope it will be a time of peace and community. There will be chances to practise the
presence of God through shared silences, daily meditations and worship in the chapel of St
Peters at Othona and its beautiful setting. Jane loves walking on the beach and Catherine loves
sea swimming so do bring comfy shoes and bathing things if you want to join them!
The week is being led by Jane Pearse and Catherine Bond. They are both trained as spiritual
directors and have led retreats, quiet days and a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Jane enjoys
poetry, walking, the natural world and Celtic spirituality. Catherine has run a retreat centre, is
trained in Ignatian spirituality, painting, teaches mediation and enjoys creating community.
They were the first couple to receive a blessing in an Anglican church using the prayers of
love and faith. They look forward to being with you.

Arrivals: from 3pm Monday - first meal is dinner at 7pm

Departures: Friday morning 11am

Cost: We have two rates for adults £200 (Basic Rate) or £250 (*Benefactor Rate), If you are able to afford the Benefactor rate this helps to support the work of Othona and enables us to provide bursaries to support those who cannot afford to come.  We may be able to offer a bursary if needed. Please contact us to find out more.

*(Find out about our Benefactor Rate)