Theological Refreshment in Ministry

Wisdom from the Desert: A Reflective Retreat Inspired by Charles de Foucauld, Carlo Caretto and the Desert Fathers

Date: 24 – 25 November 2025
Venue: Pleshey Retreat House, Chelmsford

This, our annual regional short residential conference, is open to all ordained and licensed lay ministers from the participating churches in the eastern regional dioceses.

In the Judaeo-Christian tradition, the desert is a place of transformation—where God meets us in silence and we meet ourselves. This retreat offers space to explore life lessons drawn from the spiritual writings of Charles de Foucauld, Carlo Caretto, and the Desert Fathers, reflecting deeply on how their wisdom speaks to our journey of faith today.

You’ll experience time for personal reflection rooted in desert spirituality and sacred themes, with quiet times to allow for rest or solitude or to walk and spend time in nature. There will be time in community; time to talk and share, to pray, eat and contemplate.

Our lead speaker, the Revd Canon Stuart Batten, has served as the Diocesan Director of Ordinands in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich for four years. Prior to this role he served as a parish priest for 23 years in urban, rural and estates contexts. Over the years he has grown in his understanding, appreciation, and practice of contemplative spirituality. Stuart is married to Karen, they have four children aged 24, 22, 16 and 11 and a rather silly black labrador called Hudson.

Registration: Theological Refreshment in Ministry
Further details: Arrivals are from 10.30am on Monday 24 November, and departure will be after lunch (1.00pm) on Tuesday 25 November.
Cost: £125 per person which will cover all costs - this can be covered using your CMD funding.