Ushaw Discernment Retreat Weekend
This article on the Ushaw Discernment Retreat Weekend of 1-3 Feb 2008 has been kindly written by Martin Wheaton, from Blyth, on his first visit to Ushaw.
‘Do not be afraid…’ : If you feel your relationship with the Lord is developing to the stage where a vocation to the diocesan priesthood may be a possibility, you will have nothing to fear from attending a discernment weekend at Ushaw College.
On the contrary, I received a friendly welcome from Staff and Students alike!
If nothing else, you will gain an insight into an authentic Christian Community. Besides the talks and open discussions, you will also have the opportunity to join the staff and students at prayer and Eucharst.
I personally found the authenticity of the Ushaw Community to be highlighted in the relationship between the staff and students – which appears to be genuinely built on mutual trust and respect.
This is manifested to the visitor in the warm and relaxing Christian atmosphere.
There were six Enquirers from our Diocese who attended this weekend retreat, two of whom were enquiring about the Permanent Diaconate.