COLUMBA COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
St Anthonys Retreat Centre January 2015
Welcome Message From Fr Neal
The Columba Community was founded on St Columba’s Day 9th June 1981. For many years subsequently, we published a newsletter informing our friends and interested public of events and forthcoming dates for their diaries. Much has happened in 35 years since we opened Columba House of Prayer and Reconciliation in Derry City. St Anthony’s Retreat Centre, White Oaks for treating addictions, the IOSAS Centre and Celtic Garden, The Sanctuary which accommodates up to 35 residents, all have their story of service and success.
Particularly this year, we are focusing on the revival and restoration of St Anthony’s Retreat Centre as a centre for days of reflection being led by Briege O’Hare. Briege facilitated five separate days last year for up to 25 retreatants each time. The comments and feedback from these days are extremely positive (See below the list of dates for this year and please book early to avoid disappointment.) The four en-suite hermitages are now spic and span. After excellent renovations, these are most comfortable for a few days (or more) for directed retreats. Just phone St Anthony’s on (00353) 749368370.
Now that we have begun a quarterly newsletter, let us have your comments and views on what you have found beneficial over the years. Given the variety of services at our centres; The Blessed Sacrament Chapel at Queen Street, the Healing Masses at Columba House and St Anthony’s weekly, the work at White Oaks where we have treated some 2000 residents and their families, the youth days at IOSAS Centre and Celtic Garden for those preparing for First Holy Communion and Confirmation, the Follow the Star Christmas story attended by over 1000 parents and children annually, and the days and weekends for groups and individuals both at The Sanctuary and St Anthony’s Retreat Centre. The Columba Community and staff members of the above facilities would like to hear from you as to how these ministries and places have helped your development.
Lastly, may I take this opportunity to thank all of you for using our centres in a beneficial way. In thanking all our board members, community members, auxiliaries, staff members; may I say that this all has been for me a dream come true. At times it seemed more like a nightmare, but not for long!!
May God bless you with vision, love, trust and courage. Above all, may He give you friends and Christian companions. It is there that we will find out that with all our faults, we are Heirs of the Father, beloved brothers and sisters of Jesus, Our Lord and Saviour. It is there that we find out what love is.
Enjoy the days and years you have left this side of heaven,
Neal Carlin
We Offer
Quiet space and time to be apart with God to reflect and pray
Spiritual direction through one day or residential retreats
Picturesque countryside to enjoy God’s presence
A haven of tranquility to be still and know God
Exceptionally attractive full board retreatant packages
Contact Details
St Anthony’s Retreat Centre
Dundrean, Co Donegal
Tel (00353) 749368370
Email: sarce@eircom.net
“Contemplation, Mindfulness and Relaxation”
Six week course led under spiritual direction of Fr Neal Carlin
Date: Begins Ash Wednesday 10th Feb 2016
Time: 11am-12noon
“Serenity Retreat: 12 Steps and True Spiritual Awakening
Retreat held under spiritual direction of Fr Neal
Date: Sunday 20th March 2016
Time: 3pm-8pm
Cost: £10/€15 including light refreshments
Retreats days and weekends led by Briege O’Hare
“Take off your shoes”
Retreat led under spiritual direction of Breige O’Hare
Date: Sunday 28th February 2016
Time: 11-3pm ending with Holy Mass
Cost: £10/€15 including light refreshments
Further upcoming dates as follows:
Sunday 22nd May, Sunday 19th June, 15th-24th August(residential), 29th-30th October and 27th November.
