At St Hild we believe in working together to foster ‘Deeper Roots, Wider Horizons’ for Christian disciples and ministers. In addition to the regular worshipping and formational input offered as an integral part of the life of our study centres and ministerial programmes, The Centre for Christian Spirituality contributes to this goal by offering:
- A range of taught courses at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, which can be taken as part of a Durham University academic programme, or accessed on a stand-alone basis.
- Opportunities for spiritual refreshment through occasional quiet days and retreats, both online and in-person
- ‘Rooted’: a regular monthly contemplative oasis online
Responding to a Need
Feedback on our introductory Spirituality modules revealed a gap in equivalent provision at graduate and postgraduate level, and conversations about alumni wellbeing surfaced a wider concern: many in ministry felt their own spiritual lives were suffering. In response, alongside the worship and formation already woven into our study centres and ministerial programmes, the Centre for Christian Spirituality now offers taught courses at undergraduate to postgraduate level (as part of a Durham University programme or stand-alone), occasional quiet days and retreats online and in person, and ‘Rooted’, a monthly online contemplative oasis.
Study Courses
We offer a five-week Introduction to Christian Spirituality and Discipleship, annually online and often with an in-person option too. You can choose to integrate this into any one of our undergraduate pathways. Class sizes are limited, but independent students are welcome to join if there is space – email us to find out.
Most of our courses in Spirituality are offered at graduate (Graduate Certificate or Diploma) or postgraduate (Postgraduate Certificate/ Diploma or MA) level, such that it would be possible to study for one of these awards with a strong emphasis on Christian Spirituality. To find out more, see our Specialist Track in Spirituality.
Graduate and/or postgraduate courses in our current offer include:
- Texts and Traditions in Christian Spirituality
- Reflective Practice in Spirituality and Ministry
- Study of a Spiritual Figure, e.g. Julian of Norwich (in 2026), Thomas Merton (in 2028)
- Study of a Spiritual Text, e.g. The Cloud of Unknowing (in 2027)
- Independent Project and/or Dissertation on a topic of your choice
Quiet Days and Retreats
Each year we offer the wider St Hild community at least one online Quiet Day (perhaps in Advent) and one in-person Quiet Day (perhaps in Lent, usually in either Sheffield or Mirfield).
In addition, we offer our Anglican ordinands a choice of retreat weekends in May. When space permits, we are glad to welcome other members of our student body to join us for these. For example, in 2026 the retreat themes were ‘The Celtic Saints’ and ‘Julian of Norwich’; in 2027 we are planning a ‘St Hild Pilgrimage’ in Whitby and a contemplative retreat with the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield.
Rooted
Members of the wider St Hild community are welcome to join us every second Thursday of the month during the academic year for an hour of spiritual reflection. We generally have around 20 minutes of input on a theme, followed by 20 minutes of shared silence, and finish with 20 minutes for shared reflection in conversation. Through 2025-6 we drew on the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers; in 2026-7 our theme will be ‘Scriptures in Season’.
Rooted
Click here if you are a St Hild student or alum for details about the second Thursday-of-the-month online hour of spiritual reflection.
Explore study options
Without the living water of Christ’s Spirit, we will dry up. By drawing together from the deep wells of our Christian spiritual traditions, we can be sustained and fruitful in discipleship and ministry. It is a humbling privilege to see members of our community being inspired by what we’ve been able to offer through the Centre for Christian Spirituality, and we hope to grow that offer for the future.” – Revd Dr Janet Williams, St Hild Vice Principal
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