Armed Forces Retreat Series - 2025

The 2025 series of retreats for Armed Forces personnel have just ended with a 4-day retreat at Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire.  Armed Forces personnel have been offered the chance to go on retreat for many years, and their enduring popularity is testament to how they align with the requirement for personnel to develop their overall resilience, be that physical, social, psychological or spiritual.  

 

The benefits of spending time in quiet and reflection are well recognised.  Indeed, Jesus himself said to his followers, 'Come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while.'  At each retreat, participants were given the opportunity to take part in a daily rhythm of prayer. Led sessions and talks are also given around a specific theme given by a monk or spiritual lead.  There is also plenty of time to be alone, to rest, and to pray.

 

Clearly the retreats are inherently Catholic in nature, but everyone is welcome to attend, and they cater for all levels of faith and knowledge.  The retreats allow personnel to explore their faith and personal resilience in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. 

 

The Douai Abbey Retreat in June was led by RAF Chaplain, Padre Ashley Mitchell.  St Beuno's Jesuit Retreat Centre in North Wales was offered as a venue for the first time.  Feedback was very positive, one service attendee saying, 'it was exactly what I needed.  The relaxed atmosphere and location were excellent.' Another commented, 'Outstanding, but not long enough! I would not hesitate to return, hopefully next year.'

 

In November we returned to a perennial favourite location, Ampleforth Abbey for a retreat led by Fr Richard ffield.  A first-time retreatant, a young RAF Officer, gave this feedback: 'I found it to be the best Force Development I have been on during my 8 years in service.'

 

Plans are already in-hand to offer further retreat opportunities in 2026. As you will see from the comments above, the retreats offer a valuable opportunity for Armed Forces personnel to step away from busyness, if only for a short while, and step towards a closer relationship to God.