In addition to our programme of Saturday morning meetings, the ISN is committed to providing a programme of retreats - some residential, others for just one day.

But if you've never been on retreat before, you may well be asking yourself "What will happen?"  Will I be bored?"  "Is it really for me?"

June Young had these and many other questions in mind last September, when she signed up for our first residential retreat in the beautiful setting of Old Lonan Church Farm Cottages.

We are very grateful to June for sharing her thoughts on the retreat and if, like June, retreats are new for you, we feel sure June's story will answer some, if not all, of your questions ....

Picture shows ISN Planning Group members in the dining room at Old Lonan Church Farm Cottages, putting the final touches to the retreat programme. 

We have now enjoyed two most successful retreats - the first led by well-known and very popular author Margaret Silf, and more recently  - in September - we were pleased to welcome Sister Anne for another very blessed and refreshing time of prayer, reflection and fellowship. 

Keep checking this section of the site for news of 2012 retreats

A RETREAT…. have you ever thought of going on one? Have you ever wondered what might happen there? Would it be interesting -  or boring?  Was it a place just for very religious people to attend ..... Priests, Clergy, Lay Readers and such like? Or would it be some where for me to explore, to learn from?

According to a concise English dictionary..  “A retreat...... is a safe, quiet or secluded place”. 

Just go…do it. I said to myself as I read about A RETREAT called “Sacred Spaces”. A Residential Retreat, which was taking place at Old Lonan, Church Farm Cottages. So now I will share with  you a very brief outline of my experiences there. THE RETREAT began on a  beautiful morning. The sun was shining and there was a light breeze in the air, with fluffy white clouds sailing across the sky. As I drove my car along the country lanes the wonderful colours of the autumn leaves were captured by the sunlight…and somehow I just knew I was going to somewhere special…. all was well… and I smiled!  

On arrival…the welcome one received from the group was just great. We were  a very mixed bunch of people from all walks of life, various churches or religious groups, and all ages…( I was the Young one!! ) it was very encouraging. Very soon we were all chatting quite happily together over a sandwich lunch. Some were well versed on procedure; for others it was the first time….. To RETREAT

Margaret Silf led The RETREAT . She was so encouraging, interesting, informative, approachable, that she made it really easy for one to relax and get fully involved, as she explained about “Sacred Spaces” in ones life’s journey. We heard about, journeyed to, the High Cross, we went down deep and dark Wells, we shared the Groves and Springs and travelled beyond the Horizons. We had time for discussion, time for quiet and silent reflection. We made a  “pilgrimage” to nearby St. Adamnan’s Church, followed by an act of worship. One could easily imagine and feel bygone years there within the silence of the stones . There is a wonderful, profound feeling about the place. 

The RETREAT did end…. after three days. (I had no time to be bored!) It was amazing how we managed to get through so much information in such a short space of time. Now, for me, another incredible journey has just begun and I welcome a different silence into my life!!  I also have books and CD’s as a gentle reminder of The RETREAT to explore further in my own silence!  

But…I have still a question to ask.

When is the next RETREAT and will YOU be joining me ??? 

PS  Thanks goes to Margaret and all the ISN Planning Group for giving us here on the Island the opportunity to share such a wonderful experience.   God Bless you all.