RETREAT LIST 2012
Dear friends,
It is a pleasure to invite you once again to look over our retreat list for 2012 and to visit us and make a retreat here in the heart of Tallaght. The name ‘Tallaght’ does not immediately suggest rest and tranquillity. After Dublin and Cork this the third largest centre of population in the Republic of Ireland; what was once a small village at the foot of the Dublin hills has now the dimensions of a bustling city. But at the very heart of it you find this still centre – so quiet that it surprises even people who live in Tallaght. This Retreat Centre has been in existence since 1936, and during those 76 years countless people have found it a place of peace and prayer.
The bustling city with the still centre: this is symbolic of every person’s life. There is a vast amount of turbulence in our Church and in our country at present. We will not survive the storms by running away from them, but rather by going into the still centre.
It surprises many to hear that Tallaght itself was a place of pilgrimage for a thousand years. People came to honour the memory of St Maelruan, who founded a famous monastery here in the 8th century. The ground is hallowed by the feet of so many who lived a deep life of prayer here. We like to think that something of the spirit of that monastery still imbues the atmosphere and even the grounds of this Centre.
As you see from the list of retreats and courses, we offer a variety of approaches and methods, some of which may appear strange at first sight: tai-chi, pottery, Zen…. These have been wisely called “ways to the Way.” In today’s complex world many people have some knowledge and experience of different spiritual paths, and it is true that some begin to lose sight of the Christian path. Some Catholics react to this by condemning everything that is not already familiar to them. But it was the genius of St Dominic to make connections rather than disconnections. St Thomas Aquinas continued this way by studying ancient pagan philosophies and integrating what was true in them with the Catholic faith. In this Retreat Centre, in our own modest way, we try to gather many streams into the one great stream of Catholic spirituality.
Our prayer is that the Retreat Centre can continue to be a place where the Dominicans of Tallaght and those who work with us can minister with wisdom and gentleness to all who do us the honour of being our guests.
Retreats are normally conducted in gentle quiet, enabling each person to make the most of the opportunity for reflection and prayer. Retreatants have access to the very large Priory garden. Other parks are nearby. Meals are traditional. Retreatants are served at table. Please tell us in advance if you have special dietary requirements. We will do our best to care for you. But please remember that we are not qualified to care for the sick.
Whether you are returning for another retreat or coming to us for the first time, I look forward to welcoming you. And so do we all: Anita, the assistant director; Monica, our housekeeper; and our household staff. Welcome!
Donagh O’Shea OP
Director
The Staff of the Retreat Centre
The full-time staff are: Donagh O’Shea OP (director), Anita Kenny (assistant director), Monica O’Donnell (housekeeper), and the household staff. A large community of Dominicans on campus are available part-time.
ON-GOING EVENTS
Mondays 7pm-9pm Grow Mental Health Organisation
Grow Infoline: 1890 474474
Tuesdays 7pm-8pm Twin Hearts Meditation (1st Tues. of each month)
Contact: Kathy 087 6410110
8pm-9.30pm Zen meditation
Wednesdays 8pm-9.30pm John Main meditation
8pm-9.30pm Youth 2000
10am-2pm Tallaght Cancer Support Group
Contacts: Margaret 087 2176486; John 087 1349827
Thursdays 8pm-9.30pm Meditation with the Mystics
Fridays 8pm-9pm Taizé prayer (last Fri. each month)
SPRING
February 18 The Potter(10 am - 4 pm)
A retreat/workshop that combines meditation and simple work with clay. No previous experience of pottery is necessary.
Led by Donagh O’Shea OP
March 3 A day of Tai Chi and Meditation (10am – 4pm)
The practice of Tai Chi and Meditation are the foundation stones where the dimension of inner stillness can take root and integrate into all aspects of our everyday life. The sessions of Tai Chi will be linked together with periods of guided sitting and walking meditation throughout the day.
Led by Anne Courtney
Anne has been studying Zen meditation practice for the past 15 years. With a background as a professional dancer, she lived for many years in South East Asia, where she studied Tai Chi with Chinese masters for ten years.
March 31 – April 7/8 “Dying you destroyed our death; rising you restored our life”
A Holy Week Retreat, led by Donagh O'Shea OP. The Triduum Ceremonies and the Easter Vigil will be celebrated with the Dominican Community.
Variety of options:
- Entire week, Saturday evening to Saturday after lunch
- Entire week, plus Easter Vigil ceremonies, staying overnight on Saturday at no extra cost.
- Triduum: Wednesday to Friday incl.
- Any one day or number of days
April 21 ‘Breathing Space’ (10.30am - 5.00pm)
A one-day retreat in which you can relax and engage in several healing and nurturing activities: Christian meditation, guided meditation with photography, etc.
Led by Donagh O’Shea OP
April 28 ‘A Gift to yourself’ (10.30 - 4.00)
A day to reflect on your own needs and feelings, to deepen your spirituality and come to a calmer place in your life. The day will include reflection, meditation, with option of Indian head massage, etc.
Led by Marie Finnerty and Veronica Williams
Monday Evenings for Lent (27 February, 5 March, 12 March. 8.00 - 9.30)
“He came among us as a man, to lead humankind from darkness into the light of faith.”
(Preface of the Mass) A time for thoughtful rest, meditation and prayer in preparation for Easter.
Led by Donagh O'Shea OP
SUMMER
June 2 – 8
Pottery and Meditation
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that it may be made clear that the overwhelming power comes from God and not from us” (2 Cor 4:7). This retreat/workshop, which has been running for over thirty years, combines meditation and work with clay. No previous experience of pottery is necessary.
Donagh O'Shea OP
June 9-15
Meister Eckhart and Eckhart Tolle
Ulrich Tolle changed his name to Eckhart. This already suggests affinities between his spiritual teaching and that of the 14th-century Meister, “the man from whom God hid nothing.” This retreat will explore those affinities - themes that touch the heart of the matter - putting classical Christian spirituality in conversation with modern spirituality. Each session will end with a period of meditation.
Donagh O'Shea OP
June 16 – 22
‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....’
Seeking a spirituality for the times we live in. Jesus himself was born into a tormented world. People were searching for him then: “Where is he?” (Jn 7:11). He is also to be born into our tormented world today. Where and how are we to find him?
Tom Jordan OP
June 23-29
"You worry and fret about so many things and yet few are needed" (Luke 10:41).
This retreat will be a prayerful reflection on real living and a resource for coping with the anxieties and frustrations of everyday life.
John Littleton, a priest of the Diocese of Cashel and Emly, is Director of The Priory Institute, Tallaght and a weekly columnist in The Catholic Times.
John Littleton
June 30 – July 6
The Time of Mercy
God has reached down and touched our world with Mercy. This is our Christian message and our Christian hope. The devotion to Divine Mercy has grown in the Church over the last number of years. During this retreat we will endeavour to look at this celebration of God's mercy and what it can mean in our daily lives and for the life of the Church.
John Harris OP
July 7 – 13
Introduction to Zen
The author of Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit, and Zen Gifts to Christians will lead us to a practical understanding of Zen and its significance for today. “Yamada Roshi [his teacher] told me several times he did not want to make me a Buddhist but rather he wanted to empty me in imitation of ‘Christ your Lord’ who emptied himself, poured himself out, and clung to nothing.” (from the Preface of Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit)
Robert Kennedy SJ Roshi
Robert Kennedy is a Jesuit priest and Zen Master [roshi]. He has doctorates in Christian theology and in psychology. He is professor of theology in St Peter’s College, New York. In addition he is a practicing psychoanalyst in New York City, and a representative at the United Nations of the Institute for Spiritual Consciousness in Politics.
July 21st – 27th
Introducing Centering Prayer
This is a silent retreat the purpose of which is to give the retreatant a comprehensive introduction to Centering Prayer as taught by Cistercian Thomas Keating. DVDs will also be viewed covering the six Continuing Sessions. Each day will include Eucharistic liturgy. There will be opportunities for Soul Friending with retreat facilitators.
Fionnuala Quinn OP and
Rose Murphy RSM
Fionnuala Quinn, a Dominican Sister, has been a practitioner of Centering Prayer as taught by Cistercians Basil Pennington and Thomas Keating for twenty-five years. Presently Fionnuala is Regional Co-ordinator for Contemplative Outreach in Ireland. Her ministry includes training new presenters of Centering Prayer and leading Centering Prayer retreats.
Rose Murphy is a Sister of Mercy Southern Province. She was first introduced to Centering Prayer in South Africa in 1999. Rose is Co-ordinator of Contemplative Outreach Cork. Her ministry includes Introductions to Centering Prayer, training new presenters of Centering Prayer and leading Centering Prayer retreats.
July 28 – August 3
“God is light and in him there is no darkness” (1 Jn 1)
A time to look inside ourselves and take notice of what is there, what is hidden and needs attention. We invite God into this space with us as we learn to be open to God's grace and healing. We look at how we can bring light into the dark places in our lives.
Adrian Farrelly OP
4-10 August
The Practical Wisdom of St Paul
St Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is the earliest Christian document; and all his own letters were written before the first of the gospels. In this retreat we will pay close attention to hints and guidance for prayer and living that come to us through Paul from the early Church. The emphasis will be on taking phrases of Scripture into our prayer, meditation and Liturgy.
Philip McShane OP
August 11 – 17
A Healing Retreat
“All in the crowd were trying to touch Jesus, for power came out from him and healed them all” (Lk 6:19). We are invited not only to be healed, but also to become healers. The troubled world of today is in urgent need of healing. We are to awaken and release the God-given healing powers that lie within us – for our own healing and that of others. An essential aspect of that healing is to see our wounds as openings through which the light and grace of Christ can shine into our lives.
Simon Roche OP
18-24 August
The Silent Revolution
In our time there is a worldwide and grassroots return to meditation and contemplation; and there is an immense variety of methods and approaches. In this retreat we will examine several of these and try to help one another find the one that best helps us to “grow in all ways into Christ” (Eph 4:15).
Donagh O'Shea OP
August 25 – 31
"To look for the one who knows the Way" (Tobit 5:4)
This retreat will be an introduction to the life and spirituality of four great modern figures in Christian spirituality: Charles de Foucauld, Dorothy Day, Henri Nouwen and Jean Vanier.
Stephen Cummins OP
Stephen Cummins is a Dominican with wide-ranging pastoral and educational experience in Ireland and abroad.
GENERAL INFORMATION
SIX-DAY RETREATS:
Opening Saturday: Registration from 5.00 pm
Supper 6.30 pm
Opening session 7.30 pm
Closing Friday: Departure after 1.00 pm lunch
Offering: €435 (Residential)
€285 (Non-Residential with meals)
WEEKEND RETREATS AND COURSES
Friday: Registration from 5.00 pm
Supper: 6.30 pm
Opening session: 7.30 pm
Sunday: Departure after lunch
Offering: €170 (Residential)
€100 (Non-Residential with meals)
DEPOSIT:
Bookings for weekend and longer retreats should include a (non-refundable) deposit of € 50. The balance may be paid on arrival.
ONE-DAY RETREATS AND COURSES:
€ 35 (Incl. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea / coffee)
Day retreats begin with coffee and registration at 10.30, and end at about 5.30.
SCHOOL RETREATS:
The Retreat Centre is in contact with a very reliable and low cost bus service if you need a quotation please contact us.
Post-primary retreats/reflection days: These take place from September to May. Early booking is advised. The normal day begins at 9.30 and ends at 2.45. We supply the retreat team. Cost: €17.50 per student. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are provided at morning break and at lunchtime. Students bring a packed lunch or (with the school’s permission) may buy lunch in Tallaght village. Other arrangements are possible; please enquire.
Confirmation retreats: €12.50 per student (incl. fruit juice and biscuits at 10am; bring packed lunch; fruit juice supplied.)
THE RETREAT CENTRE has 30 single rooms, with a lift to all floors; newly refurbished bathrooms; one large and four smaller conference rooms; for very large groups we use a room (7.5 m x 9.25 m) in the Priory. Retreats and Courses are open to people of all faiths and denominations. The Centre is available for Conferences and Seminars. Parish Retreats and Group Retreats available on request. You will find detailed directions to the Retreat Centre on this brochure.
Enquiries and Bookings to:
The Secretary, Dominican Retreat Centre,
Tallaght Village, Dublin 24
Tel. (01) 404 8189 or 404 8123
Email: retreathouse@eircom.net
We keep our programme details up to date on our website: www.goodnews.ie
You can also contact us through the Contact Form provided on this website.
HOW TO GET HERE
By Car:
Leave the M50 at junction 11. Take the N81 westwards towards Tallaght and Blessington. Go straight through the small roundabout, then through a set of traffic lights; at the second set of lights turn right. Turn left at the next lights, and you are in Tallaght Village. Continue about 50 yards and you will see the Dominican church on your right. When you come through the entrance, turn right into a large car park. The Retreat Centre is the free-standing building, with steps leading to a glass porch.
By Luas: Tallaght is the terminus of the red line, from Heuston or Connolly Stations, and Busáras. It is normally possible to catch a taxi to the Priory from the upper level of the Square near the cinema (ask directions), and the cost is about 6 Euro. Ask for the Priory church in Tallaght Village, and then follow the directions through the car park in the previous paragraph. Walking from the Luas: About 12 – 15 minutes, and not recommended if you have heavy bags. Begin walking in the same direction as the Luas was going when it stopped. You will come to traffic-light controlled crossroads with a dual carriage way. Continue straight across, and follow the line of the road. The road bends to the right. You should have the Institute of Technology on your left, and the old Protestant church on your right. Then you will see a high stone wall on your left. This is the Priory garden. Continue around the outside, passing Murphy’s pub on the corner. Turn left here. The next wide entrance is the Priory church. There is a sign to the Retreat Centre.
By Bus: Many buses go to Tallaght, but the most convenient are the 65 from College Green, or the 27, or 77A (opposite Central Bank on Dame St.). Other less direct buses come from College Green. Ask the driver to let you know when you get to Tallaght Village. Ask for directions to the Priory Church, and continue as above.
ADULT EDUCATION SHORT COURSES
THE PRIORY INSTITUTE offers a variety of courses and seminars on a range of themes. In particular it hosts an annual public lecture in January / February in honour of St Thomas Aquinas.
For details contact Fr John Littleton, Director of the Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24.
Tel. 01-404 8128
Email: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com
Website: www.prioryinstitute.com
THEOLOGY BY DISTANCE EDUCATION
THE PRIORY INSTITUTE offers Certificate, Diploma and Degree programmes in Theology by distance education. For details and a copy of our prospectus contace: Head of Distance Education, The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24
Tel. (01) 404 8128
Email: info@prioryinstitute.com
Website: www.prioryinstitute.com
