Date: 21 - 26th August

Maybe you have not been on retreat before? Maybe you are wondering about attending one?
Our August retreat offers you three varied times and duration that will surely fit in with your other activities.
We encourage you to consider taking the step of lifting yourself out of your current routine and encountering a different rhythm for a few days.
Each day includes morning reflection, evening prayer, a daily spiritual direction session, and plenty of space for your own reflection. Everyone has a single room to themselves, with two large communal areas and a small prayer room also available. The retreat is fully catered and linen is included.
There is also scope for those who would like to do their retreat in silence.

There are 3 options:

5 Day Option
21-26th August
Friday to Wednesday

Arrive from 4pm Friday
Opening session 7pm.
Concludes after midday Wednesday
Spiritual direction offered each day

Cost: $688
($20 non-refundable with registration, balance $668)

2 Day Weekend Option
21st-23rd August
Friday to Sunday

Arrive from 4pm Friday
Opening session 7pm.
Concludes Sunday evening,
Spiritual direction offered each day

Cost: $288
($10 non-refundable with registration, balance $278)

3 Day Option
21st-26th August
Sunday to Wednesday

Arrive from 4pm Sunday
Concludes after midday Wednesday
Spiritual direction offered each day

Cost: $424
($10 non-refundable with registration, balance $414)

Are you involved with ministries on Sundays? This could be a great option for your professional refreshment and renewal.
A directed retreat that fits your schedule in a peaceful rural setting at the eastern end of the Rimutaka Incline walkway. This is your opportunity to try a multi day retreat if you have never done so.

Each day will offer:

  • Morning Prayer and optional other resources for the day
  • Evening Prayer to close each day
  • Daily spiritual direction session (30-40 mins)
  • Plenty of space for your own  reflection
  • Practicing the 'great silence' - 9.30pm-9.30am
  • Art materials will be available
  • Provision will be made for those who want to make a fully silent retreat

Venue: Magnificat Retreat Center
Address: 60A Cross Creek Road, Western Lake 5773, Featherston
The Magnificat Community is a Catholic Lay Community based at Cross Creek Farm in the Wairarapa, at the eastern end of the Rimutaka Incline walkway. They provide a rural retreat space where people can come to be spiritually nourished and deepen their relationship with God.
There are two large communal areas and a small prayer room, there will be designated spaces for people in silence.
Everyone will have their own room with a bed with linen provided, all rooms will have a heater as well as a window facing outside. This retreat is fully catered - let us know if you have special diet as the Magnificat Community will endeavour to make your retreat as comfortable as it can be.
Facilitators and Prayer Guides: Adrienne Thompson, Neil Vaney and Jules Badger

Any Questions? Contact SGM Wellington: Jo.

    Register here
Registration closes on 7th August 2026 unless the retreat become full beforehand.
We are very grateful for a grant from Longview Trust, that enables us to offer this retreat at a significant discount this year. We realise that cost may still be a barrier for some, so we are also grateful that we can offer the option of application for individual grants to the Wallis Trust through SGM Wellington. Please contact Jo at [email protected] for more details. 
The deadline for applying grant for this retreat is 26th June, 2026.