Katherine House FCJ in Salford, Greater Manchester, is coming to a close after many years serving the local Christian churches as a spirituality and retreat centre. Here its director, Marie Pattison, shares the message she has sent to the centre friends and participants.
Dear friends,
I am writing to tell you that Katherine House is ceasing its work as a Spirituality and Retreat Centre.
Many reasons have come together to help the FCJ sisters make this discernment. At the present time we don’t know when it would be possible to open again and it would be hard to run socially distanced events due to the size of the house. I am moving on as director to new and exciting things and the sisters have chosen to use the property for their own needs.
It’s been a real privilege to serve the community here and be part of its life of prayer and learning.
The FCJ sisters have offered Katherine House as a resource to people of all faiths and none to serve the area for more than 20 years and all involved have enjoyed being part of the faith journey of those who have learned, prayed and enjoyed fellowship here in this lovely peaceful place. We hope you will remember the time you have spent here fondly.
Every blessing
Marie and the FCJ sisters
Other FCJ centres
Those who enjoy the spirituality of the house might like to follow the work of the FCJ sisters in their Spirituality Centres in Liverpool (FCJ Centre St Hugh’s) and London (FCJ Spirituality Centre Somers Town).
A word from Marie
I’m sad to be leaving the community of regulars and friends that have been such a big part of my life since I came here in 2014. It feels very strange that my ministry here has come to an end. However, new horizons beckon. For the last two years I have been discerning whether ordained ministry is the next step for me and I’m delighted to share with you that I have been accepted by the Church of England to train for the priesthood. I will be returning to my roots to study at Cranmer Hall in Durham (where my accent will make sense) and studying for an MA in Theology and Ministry for two years.
It’s sad that lockdown robbed me of the chance to say goodbye to many of you. I would have loved to have had a last book club, film club, bible study, etc. I’ve learnt so much being here and really enjoyed it. I’ve loved leading retreats and doing some teaching as well as being here to welcome you to whatever was going on here. I’m really going to miss you all.
I hope you will hold me in prayer as I embark on my next step.
