Commission on Ministry Vocations Retreat
The Church of Ireland’s Commission on Ministry runs a retreat in the early part of each year to help individuals who sense the call of God to enter ordained ministry to discern this call and potential next steps along the way. Bookings are now open for 2026 Vocations Retreat, to take place in the Manresa Centre, Clontarf, between Friday 20 February and Sunday 22 February. Please read on the find out more!
The purpose of the retreat
The word “vocation” means calling. It is a dialogue in which God calls and we listen. Each of us is unique and God calls each one of us in a unique way. In the Church of Ireland ordained ministry is a particular calling to ministry, one which as a church we value highly.
For some the calling to ordination is a moment of decision, for others it is a lengthy process, extending over months and years. We may hear a gentle voice inside us asking questions or we may be prompted by others asking questions of us.
What is important is that we take time to listen to God’s voice. One way in which we may allow God to speak to us about vocation is to attend a retreat where we can meet with others who have heard and responded to that call or to meet with those who are questioning their own sense of vocation.
As part of its commitment to develop ministry, and endorsed by the House of Bishops, the Commission on Ministry is organizing a series of events to encourage vocations to the ordained ministry within the Church of Ireland.
This retreat is for those who may just be beginning to ask whether God is calling them to the ordained ministry. It is also for those who may be further along the road. Wherever you are on the journey, coming to a retreat to hear others talk about their experiences, learning what that might mean for you personally and practically and, above all, allowing God to speak to you, may just clarify that decision for you. The retreat will be a mixture of informal talks, practical guidance, discussion and times of quiet, all held in the beautiful Manresa Retreat Centre in Clontarf, Dublin 3.
The guest speaker this year is the Revd Nicola Moy. Throughout the retreat there will be times of worship and times for silence and personal reflection. There will also be opportunity for informal chats with members of the clergy and members of the Commission on Ministry.
About our guest speaker
Nicola is Vicar of Christ Church W4 in Chiswick, London, having served as associate vicar for seven years before her appointment in June 2023. She speaks at Lee Abbey and other Christian conferences and was previously part of the New Wine leadership team. She also partners with CPAS, an Anglican evangelical mission agency.
Previously a Religious Education teacher, Nicola brought pastoral warmth and theological depth to her ministry. She is married to Revd Dr Richard Moy, Director of Sharing of Ministries Abroad (SOMA) UK, and together they’ve ministered across India, Africa, and Asia. They have three children and a dog.
Nicola’s understanding of the Church is holistic: a place of healing, discipleship, and mission. Her preaching is marked by warmth and clarity, guiding listeners through Scripture with pastoral sensitivity and theological depth.
She weaves personal stories and global mission insights into her messages, making them both relatable and spiritually rich. With a reverent approach to Scripture, she invites congregants to embody Christ’s compassion in everyday life, believing in the transformative power of God’s Word.
Cost
Participants are asked for a contribution towards costs of €75/£65. The retreat is financed through the Church of Ireland Commission on Ministry.
Dates
The retreat will be held from Friday, 20 February - Sunday, 22 February 2026.
Getting there
Manresa Centre is situated in Clontarf, Dublin 3 and the centre’s website (www.manresa.ie) contains information on how to get there by using public transport.
For more information
If you are interested in attending and would like to know more, please contact Judy Peters via the Synod Office at synod@rcbcoi.org
To make a booking
The booking form is available in Microsoft Word format AT THIS LINK.
Please fill out the booking form and email to Linto John at linto.john@rcbcoi.org
Payment can be made electronically through the Representative Church Body. Banking details will be made available on receipt of booking form.