Ammerdown: Living Theology weekend - 'Reading the signs of the times'

Ammerdown

'Reading the signs of the times - Where do we see the Spirit blowing in the modern world?' is the theme of this year's Living Theology weekend, 21-23 June, to be held at Ammerdown, near Bath.

'Reading the signs of the times' has become familiar to us through the writings and sayings of Pope Francis in his publications and his speeches. For many of us, however, it is difficult to discern what the Holy Spirit might be saying. We think especially of John 3:8, "The wind blows where it pleases…." (Jesus's own metaphor for the movement of the Spirit). The purpose of our weekend is to give us an opportunity to think this through, to seek a closer relationship with and receptivity to the Holy Spirit, and to give closer attention to what Pope Francis has been saying through prayer and study. We hope to become more receptive in our hearts and minds to whatever the Spirit might be saying to us.

Once again we can offer an exciting team of lecturers - one old friend, one new, and we are delighted to announce that Bishop Crispian Hollis has very kindly agreed to join us and to give the keynote lecture, introducing our themes.

Fr Brendan Callaghan SJ returns to Living Theology after an absence of some years, and this will be his first visit to Living Theology at Ammerdown. Brendan trained as a clinical psychologist. He became a Jesuit in 1967. Among his past roles he has worked as Principal of Heythrop College, 1987-1995, and Master of Campion Hall, 2008-13. On a wider front he has fulfilled many roles in consultation and counselling. He is now Superior of the Manchester Jesuit community.

Dr Anne Inman, a lay theologian, joins us for the first time, and we are very excited to welcome her. Anne holds a PhD from Heythrop College, University of London and has lectured in Theology both in England (St Mary's; Birkbeck; University of Roehampton) and the USA (Notre Dame, Indiana). She has spent her life in research and writing, as well as taking an active role as Director of Education for Parish Service, London, for four years until 2013.

Bishop Crispian Hollis was installed as Bishop of Portsmouth in January 1989 and retired from active ministry in 2011. However, since then he has been an occasional correspondent to The Tablet, expressing views which many of us have shared! We look forward very much to the opportunity to hear him speak.

Brendan and Anne will tackle our urgent topic "Reading the signs of the times", in three lectures each, following our now well established pattern, and we hope that together with Bishop Crispian they will help us to clarify our thoughts and to renew our determined efforts to be sensitive to the message(s) of the Holy Spirit.

Ammerdown has proved during the past five years to be an ideal location for Living Theology. Quiet, peaceful, beautiful and relaxing, Ammerdown offers everything that Living Theology needs. Full residential facilities include, a beautiful ecumenical chapel for our liturgies, well equipped modern ensuite bedrooms, first-class catering in a comfortable and friendly dining room, plus teaching and lecture rooms with excellent audio-visual equipment, a well-stocked library covering a wide range of relevant Christian (and other) literature, delightful grounds in which to walk and relax at leisure (with swimming pool) and, last but not least, friendly and very helpful staff.

From 5pm on the evening of Friday 21st June 2019, to close at 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd June the residential cost (£210) covers bed and full board (two nights, Friday, Saturday) plus all lectures and plenaries, with access to Ammerdown's extensive facilities as above

Non-residential: The cost (£100) covers lectures, plenaries, liturgies, communal living during the day, lunch and evening meal, but does not include bed or breakfast. For those wishing to be non-residential, Ammerdown can provide details of various hotels and B&B locally.

For more information and booking forms see: www.jesuit.org.uk/living-theology-ammerdown-2019

For further details of the Ammerdown Centre see: www.Ammerdown.org or call 01761 433709