When the seed of faith is called to grow
From the 19th to the 21st of June, 17 young people from different counties joined the abbey for a retreat organised by Saskia Hogbin, Leader of the Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Plymouth , in collaboration with the Chemin Neuf Community.
Named “Stewards of the earth”, the week-end aimed at helping the young adults to reflect on their callingS. Creative Art, tour and workshops in the garden, talks by Father Jude (Assistant Priest at Plymouth Cathedral and Chaplain of the University), Morning prayer with the Community, Mass sung by the young people, ice cream at Talland Bay and barbecue in the garden on Saturday night were all diverse and beautiful bites of the together journey.
A specific time was devoted to prayer and reflection, with an initiation to the Ignatian prayer way, and all meals (including washing-up) were shared in a joyful atmosphere. Part of the success of the week-end relied on the commitment of parishioners, friends and even family members who helped the Community to prepare delicious meals.
The Chemin Neuf Community is thankful to the Diocese of Plymouth who is helping it to make the hidden treasure of Sclerder more visible in the UK. Through the Green Abbey, a permaculture project run in the grounds of the huge garden (including vegetables, fruits, but also chickens and runner ducks), the Community wishes to offer all young people a safe place to discern their life questions by joining – for the time they wish and need – the six brothers and sisters in their simple daily life of work and prayer. In the last three years, more than 60 young people have been part of the Green Abbey from all corners of the world.
Sr Amandine, Chemin Neuf Community
Young Adult Week-end Retreat, 19-21 June 2026 at Sclerder Abbey, Cornwall
