Retreats, Pilgrimages & Trips
In Christian tradition, retreats are an important part of spiritual formation. Going on retreat allows you to separate yourself from your normal routine and responsibilities so you can be open and ready to listen to God. Every member of the school community is offered a retreat experience at least once per year.
Days of Recollection
Each year group has a Day of Recollection, which takes place off-site. The theme of the day tends to be based on the year group’s Cornelian Principle:
- Joy: We find joy in all we do
- Compassion: We cultivate empathy
- Integrity: We develop strong moral values
- Generosity: We nurture a spirit of charitable giving and kindness for all
- Gratitude: We are thankful
- Respect: Through our actions we show that we value all
- Courage: We have the confidence and resilience to make the right choices.
We are currently partnering with a new project at Ashburnham Place, called Closer to the Land. The purpose of this initiative is to help our students ‘see God in all things’- in Creation, in their relationships, in the stillness of their own hearts. Our Days of Recollection focus on encounter, experience, and creation.
Pilgrimages
In July 2024 five Year 13 students went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes with colleagues from Ampleforth. They spent a week immersed in prayer and dedicated service to Our Lady of Lourdes, embracing this special time for reflection, spiritual growth and praying for our whole school community.
Trips
In June 11 girls from Year 8 travelled to Worth Abbey to take part in the annual diocesan Good Shepherd celebration.
Staff Retreat
At the end of the Spring Term, all staff members are invited to a staff retreat day. This day helps build a sense of community between all the different departments within the school. It is a day to promote wellbeing, mindfulness, contemplation, as well as faith based activities and fun.
