June 2026 Whitby Residential Retreat on the theme of Sea, Creation, Ecology & Prayer

The sea covers a large part of the earth’s surface. It is present throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The sea supports life on earth and the Bible affirms its intrinsic importance and value to God. Recently David Attenborough has said he regards it as key to the future survival of the planet. It has things to teach us about the vulnerability of creation, about economics and ecology, about wonder, beauty and our relationship with God and creation.

Over a weekend by the sea, we will look at some of these themes alone and together with an opportunity to reflect and pray, walk and maybe even have a swim.

The retreat will be led by Liz Hoare, a Spirituality Team Member at St Bede’s. Liz is an Anglican priest offering retreats in the Ignatian tradition and previously responsible for spiritual formation at an Anglican theological college.

The retreat will be at St Mary’s-on-the-Cliff in Whitby owned by the Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus, and will run from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime.

Six single rooms are available – none of the rooms are en suite but each has a sink and there are three bathrooms. The Chapel looks out onto the sea and there is a large lounge/dining room and garden.

Meals will be cooked for you but washing up and other tasks will be shared. The retreats are not silent as we will be working with the theme and content of the days together.