The Kairos Centre is ideally situated as a space to come on retreat, an urban oasis away from the outside world's busyness, noise and distractions.
Retreats
Preached Retreats
These retreats usually last for six days, providing an immersive spiritual experience held in silence. Each day consists of two talks, celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
At Kairos, whilst the focus of the retreats would be determined by the Retreat leader, theme and time of year, they are all founded on deepening one’s spiritual life and connecting with God through prayer and reflection.
Individually Guided Retreats (IGR)
We offer a formal programme of IGRs. These are held in silence with the opportunity to meet with your Spiritual Director daily. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is also available. The celebration of the Eucharist and opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are accessible at the local Parish Church of St Joseph’s (8-minute walk) if not at the Kairos Centre.
Themed Liturgical Retreats
Holy Week and Advent Triduum
These retreats are held before two of the most important liturgical seasons – Easter and Christmas. Similar to the preached retreats, these are held in silence with a daily provision of two talks, celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Private Residential Retreats
In addition to what we host, these retreats are for visitors who desire to direct their own path and spend quiet time at our Centre for prayer, silence and rest. The length of time is naturally determined by the guest but in most cases, these vary from a short stay of three days to a longer retreat of seven or eight days.
Quiet Days
Quiet Days are a very popular option for individuals who wish to avail of a self-directed day of prayer, reflection and stillness within a short timeframe. These are booked in advance. Guests are provided with their own room whilst also having use of the Chapel, Prayer Room, and grounds. Spiritual Direction may be available but must be booked in advance.
The cost for a personal quiet day is £20 per person.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is open to anyone interested in exploring their faith journey, with no specific requirements, just a willingness to engage in dialogue and share their story with another person.
Spiritual Direction can be offered in person or during a retreat. It can also be undertaken less frequently, such as every four to six weeks, in person or online.
Please let us know before your visit if you wish to speak with a Spiritual Director.
Each session costs £35, but the Centre encourages participants to contribute what they can afford, ensuring accessibility for all.
“We define Christian spiritual direction as help given by one Christian to another which enables that person to pay attention to God’s personal communication to him or her, to respond to this personally communicating God, to grow in intimacy with this God, and to live out the consequences of the relationship.”
William A. Barry, SJ and William J. Connolly, SJ
Center for Religious Development
Spiritual Team
We are very fortunate to have a resident trained Spiritual Director, namely Sheila Farmer, at the Kairos Centre.
The Kairos Centre is also blessed to have a team consisting of other trained Spiritual directors and team members who are keen to participate in the various events hosted by Kairos.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to find out more about what they offer.
“I joined the Kairos Team in January 2019 having completed over 20 wonderful and positively challenging years as both a School Chaplain and School Counsellor, working with students, staff and parents.
It was work that I loved, work that gave me the opportunity to accompany people of all ages and also to discover the joy and inspiration of using creativity in spirituality.
I am now delighted to offer Spiritual Direction to anyone seeking support on their spiritual journey, wanting to explore their faith life and relationship with God or discerning their way forward. I have trained as an Ignatian Spiritual Director, a Spiritual Accompanist; a Veriditas Trained Labyrinth Facilitator and as a Vocations Guide. As well as the individual ongoing spiritual direction, I work on the IGRs (Individually Guided Retreats), Quiet Days and School retreats. I can offer the 19th Annotation (Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life). I may also be able to offer the 30-day Spiritual Exercises retreat – this would be dependent on availability within the Kairos Centre.
It is my joy and privilege to accompany others on their journey as they seek to discover, understand, grow and deepen their spiritual life, prayer, discernment and response to God’s call in their lives”.
Sheila Farmer
“I am trained as an Ignatian Spiritual Director and can provide both the 19th Annotation and also a broader form of spiritual direction using visual arts, poetry and writings. I have provided several contemplative art workshops. I have also practiced as a qualified Art Psychotherapist for the last 20 years. In my work I have had an interest in spiritual abuse. I can work with trauma and attachment having also recently learned the practice of EMDR. I am interested in the interweaving of Spirituality with Psychology and Creativity. I welcome people from a variety of faith traditions and none”.
Cari Bridgen
“I come to spirituality from a nursing background. I have completed training in the Ministry of Spiritual Direction at the Jesuit Centre of Spirituality at Manresa, Dublin. I have been involved for a number of years with the work at Mount Street Jesuit Centre. I am happy to offer spiritual direction and the 19th Annotation in daily life. I enjoy the privilege of listening and being a companion to people as they share their journey”.
Mary Goggin
