Advent Retreat: Disrupted by Grace

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Join us this year for our 2025 online Advent Retreat beginning Monday 24th November at 7:30pm. Each week Avril will be joined by a special guest to explore our theme “Disrupted by Grace”, by delving into the stories of some of Jesus’ more disreputable ancestors in Matthew 1

As ever, we look forward to many of you joining us live on Monday evenings (and sharing comments and questions via the chat), while others can catch up at a time that suits them (either individually or as a group).

Week 1 – Tamar

Jessie taught at several institutions in South Africa before joining St Patrick’s Pontifical University in 2014. She was the first lay and first female Dean of Theology and now directs the Centre for Mission and Ministries. She lectures in Sacred Scripture, is a founding member of Godly Play Ireland, and is part of the Tarsus Scripture School team.

 

Jessie speaks about the story of Tamar which can be found in Genesis 38.  Tamar is also named at the end of the book of Ruth 4:12, and as one of Jesus’ ancestors in Matthew 1:3.  The strangeness of Tamar’s story reminds us that God’s grace breaks into messiness, broken families and situations that are stuck with little hope of resolution. 

Reflective Questions:

  • Can you allow God to Shine a light into messy situations in your own life?
  • What would your prayer be, as we enter this period of waiting for Jesus’ coming?

Week 2 – RAHAB

Michelle and her husband Pete were founding members of the Sion Catholic Community for Evangelism.  She travels the world as a speaker, teacher and evangelist, and was formerly President of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services in the Vatican.

Michelle speaks about the story of Rahab which can be found in Joshua 2. Michelle linked Rahab’s story grace which “can turn our lives around”.  Rahab’s story teaches us about the power of faith, courage and God’s grace which is present within our own lives. Michelle reminds us that “our lives are permeated by grace”. In this season of waiting and preparation, let us be ready to be surprised by the Spirit.

Meditative Action:

Michelle invites us to sit daily with your hands held open. Let them remind you that you bring nothing and receive everything from God. Become aware of your poverty, and let that awareness draw you deeper into the truth that God is all you need.  

Week 3 – Ruth

Fr. Matt Blake is a Discalced Carmelite priest.  He is a distinguished speaker and retreat director, specializing in Carmelite traditions and speaking on figures like Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. He is currently a member of the Carmelite community in Kensington, London.

Week 4 – Bathsheba

Canon John Udris of Northampton Diocese is the parish priest of St Peter’s Parish Marlow. He is a spiritual director and gives retreats all over the country and beyond. He has a particular love of Chesterton and Therese of Lisieux.

 No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor human heart imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.

1 Cor 2:9