Bookings open for Catholic People's Week events

Mar 13th, 2024

Bookings are open for a Catholic People's Weeks residential event this summer. For those who don't know CPW a big focus of the events is the community that is built up during the time together.

Innovative liturgies that seek to include children of all ages play a big part and it's a chance for people to step back from the busyness of their everyday lives and focus on community, friendship and faith - and then to go back to those everyday lives re-energised. Families of all shapes and sizes, couples and single people are welcome.

Thornbridge Outdoors, Sunday 4th - Sunday 11th August

What are we doing at Mass?

Depending on our background and current relationship with God and/or the Church, each of us may put the emphasis on a different word in that question. According to the Catechism, 'the Eucharist is the Source and Summit of Christian Life', but what does that actually mean for us? By contemplating, experimenting and creating, by discussing, praying and celebrating, by being challenged and by having fun, as well as uncovering the history and scriptural foundations, we shall try to understand what is really going on at Mass, what our part is in that and what it means for how we interact with the world and the people around us.

The centre is on the edge of the Peak District in a beautiful part of the country.

Cost: adult £400, school-age child £300, pre-school child £200.

A long weekend in the autumn is fully booked but interested people can register on a waiting list. See the website for more.

* Alton Castle Thursday 31st October - Sunday 3rd November

Eat, Pray, Love

"Know that even when you are in the kitchen, Our Lord is moving among the pots and pans."

At Alton Castle this autumn we want to explore the relationship between food and faith; to understand the symbolism of the food we eat as Christians on a day-to-day basis and at our special times in the year. We will cover topics such as food poverty, food sustainability and how our faith can impact our relationship with food. Your own experiences and insights will play an important part in the weekend.

The dates of the weekend coincide with Hallowe'en, All Saints and All Souls and we will be linking each of these days, with all their various traditions, to the programme.

There will, of course, be cooking…it is a self-catered event after all…and making and sharing food will be a key part of our time together (as well as clearing up all the mess afterwards). Your enthusiasm and willing participation will be essential!

Alton Castle is a remarkable Grade II listed neo-Gothic building designed by A.W. Pugin and constructed in 1847. It stands within the evocative ruins of a medieval castle dating back to approximately 1176, and is designated as a Grade I listed scheduled ancient monument.

It is now a youth retreat centre owned by the Archdiocese of Birmingham and has been used by CPW since 2004.

Cost: £235 adult, £160 school-age child, £130 pre-school.

Cost options:

For both events there are three cost options:

* Standard is what we think the actual cost will be.
* Pay more is 20% extra for those would like to help cover the costs of discounted places.
* Pay less is 20% less if the actual cost is a stretch.

(Bursaries to cover a discount of more than 20% are available - please ask)

In addition new members on receive a 25% discount for their first event.