We are a spiritual family in the traditions of Irish Monasticism.
One weekend a month we invite young adults (18-38 years) to step aside from our over busy world in order to be still and experience the true meaning of life.
Young people who are committed Catholics and those who are searching are equally welcome.
Our venue is Dowdstown House in Dalgan Pk., near Navan, a place of great beauty and peace.There are extensive wood and parklands for walking and these cradle two rivers , the Boyne and the Skane.
We also organise retreats at some Irish Monasteries, joining the monks for prayer.
We try to keep a balance between a sense of community/friendship and provision of personal space for reflection and so we keep the number of retreatants small on a particular weekend.
We celebrate the Eucharist and the Prayer of the Church in joy. Then there is lectio divina (prayerful reading of the Scripture), also some talks from invited speakers. There is a library facility and an opportunity for personal spiritual direction and/or the sacrament of reconciliation for those who wish.
A donation of 55 euro is suggested for the weekend
To make contact:email: youthretreats@gmail.com
To get to Dowdstown Hse. from Dublin: Take the N3. About 6min drive after Dunshaughlin you will see a blue sign on your left indicating Dalgan Park Mission Awareness Centre. Turn left into the grounds and follow the sign for Dowdstown Hse. Or take the Navan, Cavan or Kells bus from Busarus (one every half hour) and ask to get off at St. Columban's, Dalgan Park -there is a bus stop at the gate.
Next retreat : Mellifont Abbey: 7-9 August 2009
What young retreatants have said -
Rose- It was great to get away from the rat race for the weekend. I felt renewed and better able to face back by Sun. afternoon. Joy and happiness come from nourishing your spirit at a retreat.
John- I have met wonderful friends at the retreats. We often meet for coffee in town now. I am very grateful for this as it is hard to meet genuine friends who are into their faith.
Welcome Witamy Fáilte Bienvenu Willkommen
Bernard- Whow! I met my future wife at a retreat. I had almost despaired of meeting a girl who put God first in her life.
Maura- A friend brought me along to a retreat last year and frankly I was not much of a Catholic at the time. I went because I had nothing else on that weekend. I could not believe how happy people were when they got to know Jesus in their lives. Now I am a regular myself.
Sean- I love the variety of speakers. A missionary, a monk, a committed layperson, etc. may come along. This helps one to appreciate the variety of Christian callings and to see where God might be calling me.
