When is the retreat?
The Altar Servers Residential will take place from 8th–10th May 2026. Arrivals begin from 6pm, and the programme starts at 7pm on Friday, 8th May. The retreat concludes at 2pm on Sunday, 10th May.
Who is it for?
This retreat is for altar servers from Year 7 to Year 13. The weekend is designed to be welcoming and supportive, giving young people the chance to meet altar servers from across the diocese, grow in their faith, and encounter the Lord Jesus more fully through their ministry of service.
What is it?
A retreat is a chance for participants to step away from the busyness of everyday life and spend time with Jesus and with one another. Altar servers will meet peers from other parishes, share experiences, and enjoy a mix of fun activities alongside time for reflection. They will be encouraged to reflect on their own encounters with the Lord and explore how they can grow as disciples and missionary disciples.
Prayer and liturgical celebrations are at the heart of the weekend, including a candlelit procession with the Blessed Sacrament, concluding with Mass on Sunday.
Where will participants be staying?
Accommodation is at The Briars, a Catholic retreat centre on the edge of the beautiful Peak District. Participants will sleep in shared en-suite dorms, arranged by age. Where possible, parish groups will be kept together.
Rooms are organised by gender, with adults nearby at all times to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
The Briars address:
The Briars Catholic Youth Retreat Centre
Derby Road
Crich
Matlock
DE4 5BW
Can a young person attend on their own?
All participants must attend as part of a parish group. Each group requires at least 2 parish leaders, with a 1:16 leader-to-young-person ratio thereafter.
How much does it cost?
Early booking discount: The first 20 places across the whole retreat are £50 per young person, no matter which parish they are from.
Standard price: Any places booked after the first 20 are £65 per young person.
Parish leader places: Free of charge.
What’s included in the cost?
Accommodation
All meals and refreshments
The full retreat programme, including all sessions and activities
Supervision and support from the Mission Team volunteers
How can the parish support altar servers?
Parishes can support attendance in a variety of ways. Fundraising is encouraged and could include:
- A cake sale after Mass
- Hosting a parish quiz or social event
- Sponsored activities such as a walk, cycle, or community litter pick
Parishioners may also be willing to sponsor a young person’s place. Your parish priest could contact the local Catenian Circle to see if they can offer support. Fundraising is a great way for the parish to work together and ensure everyone who wants to attend can do so.
How do I register?
An adult from the parish should register the group using the link above. Once that is complete, you’ll receive instructions for how individual young altar servers can register, as well as how additional parish adult leaders can sign up to join the group.
