Cold Ash Centre reopens its doors

The centre is making a fresh appeal for people to visit for retreat following refurbishment

THE Cold Ash Centre has recently reopened its doors as a Christian retreat following refurbishment last year.

The Sisters and Friars at the centre, in the grounds of St Finian's Primary School, particularly wants to encourage youngsters to attend for help and guidance with faith matters, pray, talk and reflect on life.

Sister Helen Fennel heads the team, which also includes Sister Roisin Hickey and Friars Danny Convery and Juniper Adams.

She said: “It's brought a new lease of life to Cold Ash Centre and the heart of our project is our Franciscan community.

“Our focus is on youth – mainly pre/post confirmation or university students. But we also hope to encourage young adults and families to come, as well as collaboration with the local community.

“As well as experiencing a retreat they have fun, as well."

She added: “One of the lovely things is the difference between them coming and going.

“It is fantastic to see it – they go away strengthened in their faith journey.”

Last year, the centre opened its doors for four days to 13 people to spend Christmas there, who would have otherwise spent it alone. Sister Helen said: “They had a fantastic time, as did we. It was a wonderful experience.”

An open day is planned for the summer for people to find out more about the work at the centre.

Originally the novitiate house for the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in the 1930s, 40 years later it was converted into an adult retreat and conference

centre.

Following the work to update the facilities, the Sister and Friars decided to focus on offering services to young people.