LEEDS CARMELITE SPIRITUALITY GROUP - a praying community serving all God s people -

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1 LEEDS CARMELITE SPIRITUALITY GROUP - a praying community serving all God s people PROGRAMME Events in bold are Leeds CSG meetings and events. Other events listed are organised for the wider Church & Carmelite Family and are open to members and visitors if they wish. Group meetings generally take place at St. Theresa s Roman Catholic Church in the eastern Leeds suburb of Cross Gates where a parish Mass is celebrated at 10.15am. Following coffee the meeting (presentation and discussion) begins at 11.30am. At 1pm there is a bring-and-share lunch, followed at 2pm with Lectio Divina Bible meditation. The day normally concludes about 3.30pm. All are welcome to attend all or any part of the day. For general information please contact the convenors Mr. Johan Bergström-Allen leeds@laycarmel.org Miss Mary Gallivan Further information is also available online at The programme of the York CSG is online at ALL ARE WELCOME!

2 Sunday 9 th January, 11.30am Meeting at St. Theresa s looking at the topic of Peace in the Holy Land: A Pilgrim s Perspective with input from Mollie Somerville Mollie went to the Holy Land recently with the Catholic peace organisation Pax Christi. This meeting takes place the weekend before Peace Sunday, and is an opportunity for us to reflect on peace in the land where our Order originated 800 years ago th January Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Our little community includes Christians from a variety of Churches; please take the opportunity of praying especially for Christian Unity this week. Sunday 6 th February, 11.30am Meeting at St. Theresa s looking at the topic of Called to Service: A Deacon s Experience with input from Rev. Tom Marshall Tom is a Deacon in Leeds Diocese, and a member of our Carmelite Spirituality Group. He discerned his vocation to the diaconate whilst at a Carmelite retreat centre, and he will speak about how Deacons and Carmelites like all Christians are called to serve God through service of others. 28 th February 13 th March Fairtrade Fortnight: During this fortnight why not take the opportunity to support our brothers and sisters in the economically developing world. Friday 4 th March Women s World Day of Prayer: Sunday 13 th March, 11.30am Meeting at Lawrence Street looking at the topic of Centering Prayer with input from Most. Rev. Fr. Joseph Chalmers, O.Carm. Fr. Joseph was Prior General of the Carmelite Order between 1995 and 2007, and thus has a wealth of experience in the Carmelite way of life. He is currently Director of Initial Formation at Aylesford Priory, and will attend the meeting with the novice brothers in his care. He will speak about Centering Prayer, which is a form of silent meditation highly valued by many religious orders that promote contemplative living.

3 Saturday 19 th March, 9am-4.15pm Solemnity of St. Joseph Taste and See 3 event in York. The Third Taste and See Day of Bite-Size Spirituality will be held at York St. John University. Interactive workshops from Christians of different denominations (including a Carmelite workshop) will allow participants to discover and reflect on new ways of relating to God and others. Registration costs 12 per person. For further details visit: or contact Johan Bergström-Allen Sunday 3 rd April, 11.30am Meeting at St. Theresa s looking at the topic of The Message of Lourdes and Carmelite Spirituality with input from Fr. Antony Lester, O.Carm. Fr. Tony is Prior of the Carmelite Friars in York. He is a regular pilgrim to Lourdes, the Marian shrine in France where he is a Chaplain of Honour, and he will share with us his experiences of the link between the message of Lourdes and the spirituality of the Carmelite Order. Thursday 14 th April at 7pm Meeting at More House Catholic Chaplaincy in Heslington, York, looking at the topic of Elijah in Judaism Today with input from Rabbi Mark L. Solomon. The Prophet Elijah is given special reverence by the Carmelite Family, and in the three monothesistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Rabbi Mark L. Solomon is Interfaith Consultant for Liberal Judaism. In the days leading up to the Jewish Pesach (Passover) and the Christian Holy Week, he will reflect with us on the significance of Elijah for the Jewish community today. Organised by York Carmelite Spirituality Group. Friday 6 th Sunday 8 th May Sixth National Gathering of the Carmelite Third Order Secular. All Lay Carmelites are strongly encouraged to consider taking part in this gathering at Aylesford Priory (The Friars) in Kent. For details contact Veronica Errington Saturday 7 th May Eckhart Day. A day at More House Catholic Chaplaincy reflecting on the medieval mystic Meister Eckhart, organised by members of York CSG. For details contact Anne Tracy or Maureen Pickman

4 Sunday 15 th May, 11.30am Meeting at St. Theresa s looking at the topic of Mary, Model of the Church with input from Maureen Pickman and Christine Kennally. Mary is regarded as patron of the Carmelite Order, and is revered by millions of Christians. However, the Church s understanding of her has developed considerably since the Second Vatican Council, and Maureen and Christine members of the Carmelite Third Order in York and Leeds respectively will challenge us to think afresh about Mary as a model for today s Church. Monday 16 th May Feast of St. Simon Stock, Carmelite friar Wednesday 18 th May (from about 10am to 5pm) York Quiet Day Group day of recollection. At Thicket Carmelite Monastery, Thorganby, near York. Rev. Ann Coleman and Johan Bergström-Allen, T.O.C., will be giving some input on Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity. Cost approximately 10. For details contact Bryan Lawson or Jo Holland For directions visit Saturday 4 th June Carmelite pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Doncaster. Lay Carmelites from across Yorkshire will gather at the restored Shrine in the Church of St. Peter-in-Chains on Doncaster s Chequer Road. For details contact Walter Whitman Sunday 5 th June at 4pm Leeds & York Carmelite Spirituality Groups pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of the Crag in Knaresborough. Fr. Tony Lester, O.Carm., will celebrate Mass with us in this ancient Marian chapel by the River Nidd. Carmelite NGO Day of Prayer & Action (World Environment Day). Check the calendar of events on for reflection resources. Wednesday 8 th June at 7am Mass in York Minster for the feast of Saint William of York. Our friends at York Minster are kindly allowing us to celebrate the feast of one of York s medieval saints, at the site of his shrine in the crypt. Entry is by the door in the Chapter House Yard at the back of the Minster. The time is early so that people going to work can attend and because the Minster is not available in the evening.

5 Sunday 12 th June, 11.30am Meeting at Lawrence Street looking at the topic of Carmelite Culture (t.b.c.) with input from Fr. Michael Manning, O.Carm. Michael was Carmelite Prior of York several years ago, and returns to Yorkshire to reflect with us on the Carmelite Order s spirituality. Friday 17 th Sunday 29 th June Northern Lay Carmelite Retreat at Minsteracres. This retreat takes place at the Passionist Retreat Centre near Consett in County Durham. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with other Carmelites in the north. Input will be given by Fr. Kevin Melody, O.Carm., a younger friar who is well worth hearing. Contact Teresa Kelly for details Friday 1 st Sunday 3 rd July Midlands Lay Carmelite Retreat. At Boars Hill Discalced Carmelite Priory near Oxford. Fr. Kevin Melody, O.Carm. will again be giving input. Contact Margaret Williams for details Sunday 3 rd July from 12 noon until 5pm Day of recollection at Wood Hall Carmelite Monastery This day, organised by the Leeds Carmelite Spirituality Group, takes place at the home of the Carmelite nuns at Wood Hall near Wetherby (LS22 4HZ). Input will be given by Fr. Pat O Keeffe, O.Carm. For further details contact Johan Bergström-Allen Sunday 10 th July, 11.30am Meeting at St. Theresa s looking at the topic of The Rule of Saint Albert with input from Brother Patrick Mullins, O.Carm. Pat is a friar of the Irish Province of Carmelites, and Director of Studies of the Carmelite Institute of Britain & Ireland (CIBI). He is an expert in the life and writings of Saint Albert of Jerusalem who set out the vision of life for Carmelites 800 years ago. Saturday 16 th July Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Wednesday 20 th July Solemnity of the Prophet Elijah, Father of Carmelites

6 Sunday 7 th August, 11.30am Meeting at St. Theresa s looking at the topic of Pilgrimage to El Salvador with input from Sylvia Lucas and Margaret Siberry. In 1980 the Archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero, was assassinated for preaching the Gospel in defence of the poor. A member of the wider Carmelite Family through his wearing of the Brown Scapular, he is regarded by millions as a martyr alongside other Christians who died for their faith during El Salvador s civil wars. In November 2010 a pilgrimage to El Salvador was organised by the Archbishop Romero Trust. We will hear about the experience from two pilgrims, Sylvia Lucas (convenor of the Carmel in the City CSG in London) and Margaret Siberry (Leeds Diocesan CAFOD Officer). Friday 19 th Friday 26 th August British Province of Carmelites Pilgrimage to Lourdes with the Catholic Association. Contact Johan Bergström-Allen for details Sunday 4 th September, 11.30am Meeting at St. Theresa s looking at the topic of St. Edith Stein with input from Robert Opala, O.C.D. Edith Stein was a remarkable writer and thinker. Having set aside her Jewish faith as a young woman, she embraced Christianity after reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Jesus, and became a Discalced Carmelite nun. Because of her Jewish roots she was interred and killed at Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Controversially declared a martyr, she is also one of the patron saints of Europe. We will hear about her deep spirituality from Brother Robert Opala, O.C.D., a Discalced Carmelite friar from Tabor Retreat Centre in Preston. Saturday 17 th September, 10.30am-5pm Feast of St. Albert of Jerusalem Day for the Carmelite Family. This annual event in St. Bede s Church, Carlisle is an opportunity for the Carmelite Family in the north of England and Scotland to gather for a day of prayer and friendship. For details contact John & Patricia Wilson or carlisle@laycarmel.org Saturday 1 st October Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Carmelite nun

7 Sunday 9 th October, 11.30am Meeting at St. Theresa s looking at the topic of Including Everyone: Signing for the Deaf with input from Shell Roca. Shell Roca is an Anglican who runs the Deaf Service for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster. Her role is to provide pastoral support and enable greater access to the Liturgy for the deaf and the hard of hearing, and she will reflect with us on the importance of including those with disabilities in our Church communities, as well as teaching us some simple sign language. Saturday 15 th October Feast of St. Teresa of Jesus, Carmelite nun Saturday 29 th Sunday 30 th October St. Jude feast weekend at Faversham The Apostle s National Shrine served by the Carmelite friars in Faversham, Kent is well worth a pilgrimage! For details of the programme and local hotel/b&b accommodation contact the St. Jude Newsletter Office or visit Monday 14 th November Feast of All Carmelite Saints Tuesday 15 th November Commemoration of All Carmelite Souls. Sunday 20 th November, 11.30am Meeting at St. Theresa s on the topic of Interfaith Encounter and Dialogue with input from David Jackson. To mark Interfaith Week we will reflect on the document Meeting God in Friend and Stranger which was recently issued by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales to encourage dialogue between Christians and those of other faiths. Our speaker is Interfaith Officer for the Diocese of Leeds. It is hoped to combine the meeting with a visit to York Mosque. Sunday 11 th December, 11.30am Advent meeting at St. Theresa s on the topic Mary: Help or Hindrance to Christian Unity? with input from Rev. Graham Maskery. Graham Maskery is a minister in the United Reformed Church, who serves on the board of guardians of several Marian shrines. He will speak to us about Our Lady being not a sign of division between Christians of different denominations but a beacon of unity and hope. As usual our Advent meeting will include a festive bring-and-share lunch, and will take place at More House Catholic Chaplaincy in Heslington. For directions please visit Carmelite NGO Day of Prayer & Action (World Human Rights Day): check the calendar on for reflection resources Wednesday 14 th December Feast of St. John of the Cross

8 For general information please contact the convenors: Mr. Johan Bergström-Allen Carmelite Projects & Publications Office More House Heslington York YO10 5DX Miss Mary Gallivan Further information is available online at