Support Programmes
Support Programmes
The Faith Renewal programme at Knock Shrine offers a variety of events based on music, family, parish enrichment and spiritual retreats. Retreats and workshops take place throughout the year and encompass a wide range of topics from art workshops, Scripture, Ignatian spirituality and Sacred music.
These events are aimed at adults and include a series of one-day retreats and workshops to encourage prayer, deepening of faith and spiritual rejuvenation. Take timeout for yourself and join us for some days of quiet prayer, reflection and exploration. Parish groups are welcome and booking is recommended.
For bookings and further information, email faithrenewal@knockshrine.ie or telephone 094 9388100
“ Welcome To The Family”
Exploring the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
Monday evenings from Monday 07 October to Monday 02 December inclusive
8pm to 9.15pm in Knock Prayer Centre
A series of talks by Fr. Eugene Duffy, exploring the meaning and importance of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The Sacraments of Initiation are so named because all three of them are necessary for one to be a full member of the Christian community.
This series will be of particular interest to parents preparing children for these sacraments, for parish teams and for those who wish to better understand the Sacraments of Initiation.
The annual blessing of pets takes place on Saturday, October 5th 2024.
Our pets, however big or small, are ‘one of the family’ and offer us unconditional love and companionship on a daily basis. This blessing service is a wonderful opportunity to thank God for the gift of animals and to ask God’s blessing on all that he has made.
The Blessing will take place in the Shrine grounds, outside the HUB/ Information Centre. All are welcome to attend.
All are welcome
‘Whisper of God’ Silent Retreats
“Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by. …. The Lord was not in the wind … the Lord was not in the earthquake … the Lord was not in the fire … after the fire came a gentle whisper.” Kings 19:11-13
Join us for the “Whisper of God” silent retreats at Knock Shrine. Take sacred time to step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with God in the peaceful, prayerful atmosphere that is unique to Knock Shrine.
One-Day Silent Retreats: Saturday November 2nd 2024 and Saturday, February 8th 2025 at The Knock Prayer Centre
10am to 4.30pm
The one-day retreat offers a serene space for quiet prayer, reflection, and spiritual direction. Participants will be guided through moments of scripture-based prayer, group sharing, and personal spiritual guidance.
Price: €70, including refreshments and lunch
For more information, contact John Farrelly, Prayer Guides Coordinator at Knock Shrine, telephone 086 0108623 or email prayerguidance@knockshrine.ie
‘Advent Journey’ with Knock Youth Ministry Team
Every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm, beginning on Tuesday, November 26th and concluding on Tuesday, December 17th.
This advent journey is suitable for children who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Each week, the interactive, fun workshops will focus on a specific element of the Advent season as we journey towards Christmas.
Viewing and Reflecting: Presentations on the Nativity in Art and Scripture
With Dr. Nora Donnelly & Fr. Eugene Duffy
Saturday, December 7th
10am to 4pm in Knock Prayer Centre
We continue our explorative Christian art series, examining how artists have interpreted the Divine through artistic works. The workshops will be facilitated by Dr. Nora Donnelly & Fr. Eugene Duffy.
Nora, who makes a welcome return to Knock Shrine for this third workshop in the series, is an educator, art critic and artist. She has taught both at Primary and University levels and written extensively about the value of the experience of art to humankind. Nora will offer fascinating insights into some of the great artistic works that celebrate the birth of Christ, concentrating on minute details that we might otherwise overlook.
Regarding Christmas in Art and Scripture
The presentations will include looking at images of some of the events that lead up to Christmas, at the Nativity itself and those that occurred subsequently. Nora Donnelly will show a number of Paintings that depict the various views of some Renaissance Artists while Fr. Eugene Duffy will provide a scriptural reflection on each of the main themes displayed in the art. The approach taken by both Dr. Nora Donnelly and Fr. Eugene Duffy in this series of images and texts is one that focuses on what is at once both simple and profound and their hope is to enhance and strengthen the experience of Christmas as a sacred event and consequently to enable all participants to celebrate it as such.
Cost of the day is €15 (lunch not included) and no advanced booking is required.
The annual All Night Vigil for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception will take place on December 7th 2024. Confessions will be available in the Chapel of Reconciliation from 10pm until Midnight. The vigil will commence in Knock Basilica at Midnight.
The programme for the evening will include Rosary, Holy Hour, Reflections and Prayer and will conclude with the celebration of the Mass at 4am.
All are welcome.
The Blessing for Expectant Mothers takes place in Knock Basilica at 11am on Saturday, December 14th.
Whether you are becoming a parent for the first time, or awaiting the arrival of a new little member to your family, the blessing is a very special time to gather and to pray for yourself and your family as you anticipate the excitement and joy that comes with the arrival of a new baby.
The blessing will include a short time for prayer and then a blessing for all expectant mothers and their families.
All are welcome.
‘Whisper of God’ Silent Retreats
“Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by. …. The Lord was not in the wind … the Lord was not in the earthquake … the Lord was not in the fire … after the fire came a gentle whisper.” Kings 19:11-13
Join us for the “Whisper of God” silent retreats at Knock Shrine. Take sacred time to step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with God in the peaceful, prayerful atmosphere that is unique to Knock Shrine.
Two Day Silent Retreat: December 14th and 15th at Knock Youth Village
For a deeper experience, the two-day “Whisper of God” retreat invites you to immerse yourself in two days of silent reflection. Stay overnight in the peaceful Knock Youth Village, where you’ll have time for guided prayer, spiritual direction, and personal quiet time. A retreat designed to rejuvenate your spirit and deepen your relationship with God.
Price: €200 per person.
Price includes single occupancy in Knock Youth Village, with 2 course lunch each day at St. Mary’s Guesthouse and self service light breakfast and evening tea.
For more information, contact:
John Farrelly
Prayer Guides Coordinator at Knock Shrine
Telephone 086 0108623 or email prayerguidance@knockshrine.ie
Join us for an evening of traditional carols, hymns and festive favourites. Immerse yourself in the joy of the Christmas season with Schola Cantorum Basilicae and Knock Youth Choir. Musical accompaniment on the evening will be by the Con Tempo String Quartet and pianist, Mark Keane.
This is a free event and all are welcome.