St Mary’s Church in Beverley will host a full-day exploration of Celtic spirituality on Saturday 13 September, led by Rev Roy Searle of the Northumbria Community. The event, titled Walk the Ancient Paths, promises to immerse participants in the rhythms of Celtic prayer, worship and reflection, while offering practical workshops designed to connect faith with everyday life, and you’re invited to join.
For more details or to register, contact Steve Parkin at sparkin1955@gmail.com
The day begins with arrival and refreshments from 9.30am, followed by Celtic Morning Prayer in the nave at 10am. Rev Searle will then deliver an opening session, Discovering the Treasures of Celtic Spirituality, introducing the distinctive practices and beliefs that marked the Celtic Christian tradition. After a short break, attendees can choose between two late-morning workshops: one on how Celtic wisdom can shape our lives and communities today, and another offering a chance to explore creative prayer through music and improvisation.
Following midday prayer and lunch, the afternoon sessions continue with two further options. Participants can either walk a contemplative labyrinth as a guide to prayer, or join a Celtic worship singing workshop in the crypt. The day concludes with a candlelit Celtic Eucharist, led by Steve Parkin with Rev Searle presiding, before closing remarks around 4pm.
Celtic Christianity, with its roots in the British Isles between the 5th and 12th centuries, placed a strong emphasis on monastic life, hospitality, the natural world and the idea of “thin places” where the sacred felt especially close. Saints such as Columba, Aidan, David and Beverley’s own St John were key figures, and their legacy has inspired modern revivals like the Northumbria Community, of which Rev Searle is a founder. Many today are drawn to its less institutional approach, its deep respect for creation, and its inclusive sense of faith.
About the organisers
The event is being coordinated locally by Steve Parkin, a Licensed Lay Minister at St Mary’s who has served in that role for two decades. With a background in biology research, mental health support and education welfare, he now helps lead worship at St Mary’s as well as regular Celtic services at St Catherine’s, Leconfield. He also jointly runs a Celtic book club, acts as a spiritual director in the diocese and is active in environmental work through the York Diocese Environmental Justice Team and the Molescroft Wildlife Network.
Rev Roy Searle, who will lead the day, is one of the founders of the Northumbria Community and a well-known voice in the renewal of Celtic Christian practice in the UK. His work has focused on reimagining ancient spirituality for the modern church, combining prayer, community life and social justice.
With prayer, creativity, reflection and song woven into the programme, Walk the Ancient Paths offers a rare opportunity to step into that tradition. It is as much about community as it is about history, giving space to explore how ancient practices can speak into modern lives.
For more details or to register, contact Steve Parkin at sparkin350@gmail.com
Programme for Walk the Ancient Paths – Celtic Spirituality Day
| Time | Activity | Location | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Arrival, tea and coffee | St Mary’s Church | – |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Celtic Morning Prayer | Nave | Rev Roy Searle |
| 10:30 – 11:15 | Session 1: Discovering the Treasures of Celtic Spirituality (with Q&A) | Nave | Rev Roy Searle |
| 11:15 – 11:40 | Comfort break | South Transept | – |
| 11:40 – 12:30 | Session 2 (optional): How Then Shall We Live? (St Michael’s Chapel) OR Creative Prayer Workshop (Choir Vestry) | Various | – |
| 12:30 – 12:45 | Private prayer and reflection | St Mary’s Church | – |
| 12:45 – 13:00 | Celtic Midday Prayer | Nave | Rev Roy Searle |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch (bring your own or explore Beverley Market) | In Church | – |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Session 3 (optional): The Contemplative Path – Labyrinth Workshop (Choir Vestry) OR Celtic Worship Singing (Crypt) | Various | – |
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Comfort break | South Transept | – |
| 15:15 – 15:45 | Candlelit Celtic Eucharist | Nave | Led by Steve Parkin; President Rev Roy Searle |
| 15:45 – 16:00 | Closing remarks and thanks | Nave | – |