Carmelite Friars Open Their Doors to Three Young Men in Channel 5 Documentary, May 24
Our community of Discalced Carmelite friars has welcomed three young men to the Carmelite Priory for a week-long immersive experience, filmed for the Channel 5 documentary series Trading Places.
The programme follows the young men as they swap their everyday lives for the rhythm of prayer, silence, community, and manual work that defines the daily routine of the community.
How to watch:
- Channel 5, Sunday, May 24 at 10pm
- Watch the promo video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ukd0LpjEwHI
- Stream online now: https://www.channel5.com/show/trading-places
- Channel 5 App on Apple: https://apple.co/2sHmfTx | or on Android: https://bit.ly/4dQMLL8
Visit our Trading Places webpage for more information.
Spiritual Enrichment Lecture Series – Lecture 5
Join us for the fifth lecture in our annual Spiritual Enrichment Lecture Series (SELS) on Wednesday, May 27, 2:00-3:00pm (UK time). Speaking on the theme: “A Dwelling Place for God: The Trinitarian Spirituality of Elizabeth of the Trinity”, Dr Joanne Mosley will lead us into Elizabeth’s contemplative vision of the indwelling God, revealing how her profound insights speak to our modern longing for interior stillness and divine intimacy. Together, we will explore what it means to live each moment “as a praise of glory,” allowing the life of the Trinity to unfold within us and through us in love. Register here.
Contemplative Spirituality Summit, July 10-11
This year, the CACS Contemplative Spirituality Summit will be focused on the theme: “Contemplative Creativity & Human Flourishing.” This two-day conference, scheduled for July 10-11, 2026, brings together thirteen spiritual scholars to explore how the contemplative tradition of St John of the Cross can renew creativity and restore the human spirit in our time. Learn more here.
Within God – A Music Concert, July 11
On the Saturday evening (July 11, 2026) of the Contemplative Spirituality Summit, we invite you to an extraordinary act of prayer in music. Within God is a concert of five original pieces inspired by the mystical poetry of St John of the Cross — jazz, classical, and contemporary worship woven together by vocalist Angel Anyamele and pianist and cellist Simeon Elderfield. Book tickets here.
Spirituality Summer School, July 12-16
Beginning the day after the Contemplative Spirituality Summit, our Spirituality Summer School (July 12-16, 2026) offers a deeper immersion in the spiritual wisdom of John of the Cross. Guided by Dr Susan Muto and the Carmelite friars, participants will journey through John’s Sayings of Light and Love across five days of teaching, prayer, silence, and community life, with time to explore Oxford and celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Register here.
SDFP Applications Open
Applications for the Spiritual Direction Formation Programme are due August 1. If you have been wondering whether God might be calling you to this ministry of accompaniment, now is the time to explore.
As you might be aware, this is a two-year formation programme specifically designed for people discerning a call to the ministry of spiritual accompaniment and yet have to manage busy schedules. You don’t need advanced theological degrees or a perfect prayer life. You need openness, compassion, and willingness to grow. Please contact us if you require financial assistance as we do have some small bursaries available.
Register or learn more here.