A retreat is a time of prayerful reflection on our lives.
The school retreat programme offers the opportunity for students to get to know one another better in an informal setting, to work together as a team, to explore scriptures from the Bible and to pray together.
Students are regularly given the opportunity to go on retreat during their time at English Martyrs’ School.
Year 7 One-day Retreat
In Year 7, students attend a one day retreat, during the school day with members of their form and their form tutor. Based on Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), we look at how each student is beautifully and uniquely made in the image and likeness of God, and their call to encounter God through their own unique vocation. In recognising this, we are all called to be a part of the body of Christ and to recognise others for their own unique talents and skills. The retreat is held at St Barnabas Cathedral, the mother Church of our Diocese.
Year 7 Residential Retreat
Students from Year 7 have the opportunity to embark on a fun packed, five day, residential retreat to the Briars, the Diocese of Nottingham’s retreat centre in Crich, Derbyshire.
The retreat, organized by the Briar retreat team, challenges students throughout the week to discover more about themselves, each other and God, through a range of activities.
Year 8 One-day Retreat
In Year 8 students have the opportunity to attend a one-day retreat with their form and tutor. The retreat, based on the Encyclical of Pope Francis, Laudato Si, gives students the opportunity to respond to the profound invitation to everyone on the planet to care for our common home.
The retreat is set in the 227 acre site of the Monastery at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey (11 miles from school), and gives students the opportunity to spend time with each other as they explore the Monastery enclosure, taking in the changing environment around them.
Mass is celebrated outside with members of the Monastery’s community and gives students a chance to reflect on their own vocation in life; to think about what God is calling them to do, so that they can bring happiness to themselves and others, while caring for the world around them.
Year 8 Residential Retreat
Students in Year 8 have the opportunity to attend a three-day residential retreat to The Kenelm Youth Trust at Alton Castle, the Archdiocese of Birmingham’s retreat centre in Staffordshire.
The retreat centre encourages visitors to grow closer to God and each other through a unique blend of outdoor activities and inspiring retreat experiences.
Students are encouraged to trust in each other, work together and conquer challenges. Activities include abseiling, archery, team building games, mountain biking, rock climbing, trekking, survival skills and crate stacking.
Year 9 and beyond
Students in Year 9 and above are encouraged to take part in the wider retreat programs of The Briars and Alton Castle.
Students are also encouraged to take part in the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes alongside other young people in our Diocese.
