Dean John Mann to lead Commission on Ministry Advent Retreat
A former Dean of Belfast, the Very Revd John Mann, will lead this year’s Advent Retreat organised by the Commission on Ministry and the Church’s Ministry of Healing: Ireland.
The retreat will be hosted at the Manresa Retreat Centre, Clontarf, Dublin, from the evening of Friday 28 November to lunchtime on Sunday 30 November 2025.
The theme, ‘Shall God’s wonders be known?’, teases with layers of meaning, considering its source, which is the beginning of Psalm 88 verse 14: “Shall your wonders be known in the dark or your righteous deeds in the land where all is forgotten?”
John invites you ‘to take forty-eight hours just prior to Advent to explore together how we speak of the Incarnation in a world where the voice of the prophet, pastor or priest is as much sought as ever, and just as much – wilfully or unconsciously – smothered.’
The Advent Retreat provides an inspiring, uplifting weekend as participants take time to listen to God’s voice and explore a biblical theme through periods of reflection and worship, with space for individual contemplation as well as the opportunity to meet and engage with others.
Book your place
The cost of the retreat is €280/£240 and includes all meals. Please contact Janet Maxwell at janet.maxwell@rcbcoi.org or call 00 353 1 4125 621.
Please note that bookings close on Friday 17 October.
Dean John Mann
John spent most of his ministry in the Diocese of Connor, serving most recently as Dean of Belfast (after serving in St John’s Parish Church, Malone). During his ministry in Belfast Cathedral, he created a cross-community youth choir and led the annual Black Santa sit-out for charity. In 2018, Dean Mann was awarded the Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism. John is also the author of a number of books, most recently Moments of Love, a series of eight reflections on the Bible’s poetic allegory of divine love, the Song of Songs, which was launched at the General Synod in May 2025.