The Association for Promoting Retreats (APR) was founded in 1913 to promote the development of the Christian life through retreats, particularly within the Anglican Communion.

Today the APR works in partnership with the Retreat Association, serving alongside each other in strengthening the understanding and importance of retreats within our own Church traditions and to promote the value of retreats: for individuals, for the Church, and for society as a whole. Take a look around and discover not only how a retreat could be just what you are looking for, but where and when you might go.

All our work is underpinned by prayer. Click here if you are looking for resources to help you pray, or connect you with other online praying communities.

We support Retreat Houses across the UK (and beyond) by promoting their work and individual retreats, and through our cycle of prayer. This week, do join us in praying for Josiah English (Warden), and all who live, work or seek refreshment at All Hallows Guesthouse, next to the Julian Shrine in Norwich.

A selection of members’ events is shown below – find more by clicking the Retreats and Events heading.

Noticeboard

Encountering God: APR Autumn Retreat

Join our autumn retreat at Shallowford House, Staffs. from 31st October till 2nd November 2023, led by APR President, Rt Revd John Stroyan.

The retreat will cost £250 per person, which will include all your meals; all rooms have en suite facilities. Booking Forms are available to download here, or we can post you one – just ring us on (01395) 272243.

Entitling the retreat, ‘God who comes to meet us – Encountering God’, Bishop John writes, ‘The Church is not about the church. The Church is about God and the world for which Christ died. In this retreat we will be reflecting on God’s desire that we should know him, not simply know about him. Drawing on the Scriptures and the wisdom that the Church of the East can bring, and also on the arts in their various dimensions, we will explore  how we might deepen our relationship with God and the world which God so loves.’

Friends of APR

We are delighted to welcome new Friends of APR to the fold. These generous donors of our work choose to double (or more) their annual subscription in order to support our Bursary Fund. Every year, we receive dozens of applications for financial assistance for people who cannot otherwise afford the full cost of going on retreat. Since 2013, we have supported more than 150 retreatants to attend retreats at 30 different retreat houses, at a cost of more than £15,000. With the current cost-of-living crisis, we anticipate many more applications for help in the coming months and years.

Would you like to help? Would you like to become a Friend of APR?

If so, please do follow this link, to our membership application page, and choose the ‘Friend’ option. If you are an existing APR member, and would like to upgrade your membership, please contact the APR Administrator directly, by email on promoting.retreats@gmail.com, or by phone on (01395) 272243.

Virtual ‘Oasis Days’

‘Oasis Days’ offer quiet reflection for people who need a day to re-charge their spiritual batteries and enjoy the stimulation of an excellent speaker.

Currently offered online via Zoom, the next one will be led by Cameron Butland, and is entitled, ‘Living with silence: being a contemplative in daily life’. It will be held on Tuesday 13th June, 10.45am – 3.00pm. Please email APR member, Jane Franklin on janefranklinretreats@gmail.com for the Zoom link.