Retreat & Workshop Hosting
‘Return to The Centre’
Spirituality Retreats & Workshops with Dr Meath Conlan
‘Return to The Centre’ Retreat Hosting
Instructions
If you wish to explore hosting a retreat or workshop with Dr. Meath Conlan please complete and submit the information requested below.
Please go to the ‘ABOUT’ page in this website, and to the drop-down sub-pages for a list of retreat topics that may suit the needs of your local people. This list is being developed constantly.
Please review this page (below) for Dr. Conlan’s preferences regarding daily schedules and room arrangements.
Dr. Conlan normally does not handle retreat registration. You will need to provide the name and contact information of a registrar or the process whereby participants can make their retreat reservations. This will also help with promoting your retreat date and venue in Diverse Journeys’ website.
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RETREAT TOPIC & DATE |
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Retreat Topic |
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Preferred Date |
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Alternative Date(s) |
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YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION |
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First Name |
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Last Name |
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Tel |
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Fax |
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HOSTING FACILITY INFORMATION |
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Facility Name |
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Facility Website |
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Facility Address |
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REGISTRATION CONTACT INFORMATION |
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Registration Contact Person
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Registration Tel
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Registration Email
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Registration Website
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Nearest Airport / Rail Station |
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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS / QUERIES |
Retreat Centre Guidelines
Retreat Schedule
Here is the typical schedule for my retreats (workshops are scheduled differently). It is a suggested schedule, which may vary with the specific needs of those sponsoring the retreat.
Friday
7:00 pm Opening welcome / conference, then a break, followed by group meditation
Saturday
8:00 am breakfast
9:00 am twenty minutes of silent, group meditation
9:30 am conference
12:00 lunch
2:00 pm twenty minutes of silent, group meditation
2:30 pm conference
4:00 pm liturgy (or prayer service)
5:00 pm supper
7:00 pm conference
8:30 pm silent, group meditation
Sunday
8:00 am breakfast
9:00 am meditation
9:30 am conference
11:00 am final sharing
12:00 lunch, departure
Silence
Most of my retreats are in silence or nearly so. Participants are encouraged to maintain silence in the conference room so those who wish to arrive early or stay after the conference can meditate. Workshop meals are not silent. Retreat meals are usually in silence. Participants are encouraged to maintain a co-operative ‘spirit’ of silence throughout the weekend. Sometimes the silence is adapted to fit the group.
Note on the Liturgy or Prayer Service
The suggested time for liturgy depends on clergy availability at that time. If the schedule of the retreat house has a set time for the liturgy then the schedule adapts accordingly. In ecumenical settings the time for liturgy or prayer service is adapted to the group.
Seating for Myself
I usually deliver my talks seated at a small table.
Seating for the Participants
If indoors, I prefer the rows of participants’ chairs be slightly curved, in amphitheatre style.
Microphone
It is best to have a microphone available when the group is relatively large. Otherwise my voice will carry.
Taping
Typically, I do not allow taping of my conferences. If the facility inviting me to speak wishes to tape, arrangements for the possibility of this must be made in advance.
Power-Point
I often prefer to use Power-Point programs to illustrate workshop talks. Though I do bring my own lap top, I would appreciate having access to venue facilities. I provide the CD or DVD for this purpose.
Handouts
When handouts are used, I will send master copies in advance of my arrival.
Suggested Reading / Book Sales
For my retreats or workshops I sometimes have one or more suggested books. Retreat venues are free to have their own stocks available for purchase. I typically bring my own books, audio sets and the suggested readings to the retreats – e.g. “Bede Griffiths: Friend & Gift of The Spirit” 2006, Templegate, Il.