Retreat Inspires Sudbury and Hadleigh Communities

On the final Saturday of March, parishioners from Sudbury with Hadleigh gathered at St Joseph’s Church, Hadleigh, for a Parish Lenten Retreat entitled Pilgrims of Hope. Pam Smith, Coordinator – Charismatic Diocesan Service of Communion for East Anglia reports.

The retreat was organised by the Charismatic Diocesan Service of Communion and featured Fr Stefan Park OSA as both speaker and principal celebrant.

Upon arrival, participants encountered a profound atmosphere of peace and calm, a grace which gently imbued the entire day. In his opening session, Fr Stefan reflected on the theological virtue of Hope, presenting it as both a natural human passion and a deep yearning for what is yet unseen. He explained how Hope stirs us to action, moving us to become pilgrims on a journey towards God, the source and summit of all goodness. It grants us confidence and assurance, guiding us along the path of faith.

The afternoon session turned to the challenges of our modern world, characterised by confusion and darkness. In response, Fr Stefan encouraged attendees to embrace three spiritual practices: to persevere in prayer, confident that our petitions are heard by a living and attentive God; to foster community with friends who share the same Faith and Hope; and to exercise careful discernment over what we choose to watch, read, and listen to.

Sincere thanks are extended to Fr Antony and the parishioners of Sudbury with Hadleigh for their generous hospitality and warm fellowship throughout the day. Special appreciation is due to our priests – Fr Stefan, Fr Antony, and Fr David Middleton OSA – for celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, and leading the renewal of our baptismal promises. The retreat concluded with a time of Adoration and prayer, invoking the graces of the Holy Spirit.

We are also grateful to musicians Adrian, Simon, and Clare Fox, who led us in uplifting Praise and Worship, as well as to the prayer ministry teams and all who served so faithfully throughout the retreat.

The day was a powerful reminder of our shared pilgrimage of Hope, and a testament to the enduring strength of faith within our diocesan family.

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