A retreat day for people exploring vocation across the Diocese of Leeds offered time, space and companionship in the beautiful setting of Bolton Abbey on Saturday, June 13.
The Vocations Retreat Day, part of the Diocese of Leeds’ Exploring Vocation Together programme, was held at The Priory Church, Bolton Abbey, and invited participants to pause from the busy-ness of daily life to reflect on where God may be calling them in licensed lay or ordained ministry.
The day combined prayer, silence, reflection, conversation and worship.
Readings and carefully chosen pieces of literature helped set a contemplative tone, while a compass meditation gave participants a simple and accessible framework for thinking about their discernment journey.
Those attending also spent time outdoors, walking in silence through the surrounding landscape.
The beauty and history of Bolton Abbey helped root the day in prayer, stillness and the long Christian tradition on the site, where worship has continued for centuries.
Small group discussion was a particular highlight for many, giving people the opportunity to share experiences, encourage one another and discover the variety of paths by which people come to explore God’s call.
One participant described the chance to compare notes with others on a similar journey as “priceless”, praising the kindness and support shown within the group.
The retreat concluded with a celebration of the Eucharist led by the Revd Nicholas Mercer, Rector of the church, drawing together the themes of discernment, worship and service.
Participants were reminded that exploring vocation is not simply an individual exercise, but part of the shared life of the Church as people listen for God’s will in their own lives and in the lives of others.
Feedback from the day was very positive, with participants valuing the grounding rhythm of the retreat, the chance to spend time in nature, and the opportunity to meet others at different stages of discernment.
The Diocese of Leeds’ Exploring Vocation Together events are open to anyone at any stage of discerning God’s call, whether towards lay or ordained ministry.
Future events in the 2026 programme include an evening at St Peter’s Huddersfield, on Wednesday, September 23, and a conversation at Church House Leeds, on Wednesday, November 18.
For more information about Exploring Vocation Together, please see the Diocesan Vocations pages here.