Sanctuary: A Retreat hosted by The Nottingham Diocesan Catholic Youth Service Exclusively for Altar Servers
The Briars Retreat Centre, Crich | 7-9th May 2027
Step away from the busyness of parish life and bring your parish altar servers for a unique and uplifting retreat weekend at The Briars. This special gathering is crafted to celebrate your ministry, strengthen your faith, and build lasting friendships with other altar servers from across the diocese who serve on the altar just like you.
Sanctuary is a residential retreat for altar servers in Years 7–13, offering a weekend of prayer, formation, friendship, and fun.
The Programme
The retreat opens on Friday with dinner and engaging team-building activities, followed by “Encounter – Finding Friendship with Jesus,” a reflective session inviting young people to deepen their relationship with Christ. The evening concludes with a peaceful time of night prayer.
Saturday continues the journey with an inspiring session on discipleship, enriched by personal testimonials that brought faith to life. Participants will then take part in a teaching Mass, giving them a deeper understanding of the liturgy, before heading outdoors in the afternoon for a fun and energising activity.
The retreat will come to a meaningful close on Sunday with a Vocations Panel, where servers will hear honest, hope-filled stories from those living out different callings in the Church. Final inputs wrap up the weekend before everyone heads home—renewed, encouraged, and inspired in their ministry.
- Download your leaders packs and return to events@ndcys.com. Bookings close Friday 23rd April 2027
Experience a weekend at The Briars designed especially for altar servers — a time of fun, friendship, and renewal, where you can pause, receive, and journey alongside others who share your ministry.
The Briars Retreat Centre, Crich
Friday 7th – Sunday 9th May 2027
Arrival from 6pm on Friday. The programme begins | Finish at 2pm on Sunday
Key Information
- Cost: £50 early-bird (first 20 places), then £65 per young person
- Early booking discount: The first 20 places across the whole retreat are priced at £50 per young person, regardless of which parish group they are from.
- Standard price: Any places booked after the first 20 are £65 per young person.
- Payment can be made in instalments: £20 deposit and final payment due 2 weeks before arrival to secure booking.
- Parish leaders: Free of charge
- Early booking discount: The first 20 places across the whole retreat are priced at £50 per young person, regardless of which parish group they are from.
- Groups: Parish groups only (minimum of 2 leaders; 1:16 ratio thereafter)
- What’s included: Accommodation, all meals, full programme, and NDCYS Mission Team support
- Booking deadline: Friday 23rd April 2027
Download your leaders packs and return to events@ndcys.com. Bookings close Friday 23rd April 2027
