Quiet Day at the Community of the Resurrection, Mirfield

Alison and Louise from St. Bartholomew’s church with Diane and Ali from St. James church attended a ‘quiet’ day on Saturday 24th May. It was led by Rev. Canon Dr. Philip Hobday of Wakefield Cathedral and held at the Community of the Resurrection, Mirfield. A brilliant Church of England resource.

Our theme for the day was ‘Risen Indeed’. We heard Canon Philip introduce us to the different styles of the Gospel writers and the key focusses of their accounts of Jesus life. At the same time we studied 4 bible passages describing the events of early Easter morning – the day of Jesus resurrection from the dead: Mark 16 v 1 – 8, Matthew 28 v 1 – 5 & 8- 15, John 20 v 10 – 18, Luke 24 v 33 – 38. A key phrase which we say as part of the Creed was “Jesus was crucified, died and was buried, and rose again. He is NOT dead. He IS alive.

After each talk we had a short quiet time to reflect on questions offered for thought and contemplation. Ali and Diane also managed a quick prayer walk round the Labyrinth in the grounds.

We had morning prayer as a group in the Lower Chapel where we were based. At midday we joined in Midday Prayers with the monks in the Upper (main ) Church followed by Holy Communion.

The actual day wasn’t as quiet as we had expected. It was very interesting and thought provoking especially answering the questions to ourselves. The whole set up is very quiet, with a real sense of the many prayers previously said and ongoing. The churches are plain, with the Upper Church being awe-inspiring at the same time. A House of God.