Catholic People's Weeks announces 2026 programme

Helpers song - Trained Young adult volunteers run the creche and children and teenage programmes.

Catholic People's Weeks (CPW) have announced their programme of Holidays with a Difference for the 2026 season, together with unprecedented discounts for new members.

The 81-year-old lay-led organisation is running three events this year, including for the first time this September, a pilgrimage: the Augustine Camino in Kent.

The popular summer week for people of all ages will be held at St Cassian's retreat centre, in Kintbury, Berkshire, a favourite venue for CPW. It will focus on food and health. In Autumn a long weekend will look at the idea of how we express ourselves and our faith through the clothes we wear.

Brid Fitzpatrick, one of the co-chairs of the organisation said: "We are excited about our programme this year and are looking forward to welcoming existing and new members from across the country. CPW prides itself on its welcome of all who are interested in deepening their Christian faith; individuals and families, young and old, single, married or divorced, whatever your sexuality or gender. We are also pleased to be able to offer flexible and discounted costs for our events"

This year's events continue CPW's mission to nourish the faith of Catholic lay-people and provide enjoyable holidays for the whole family. Young people and children have their own programme linked to the theme of the event. The themes are explored through a mixture of talks, discussions and creative activities, interspersed with inclusive liturgies, and plenty of free time to explore the surrounding area or socialise with other members as part of a vibrant temporary community.

Another first for CPW this year is the "pay what you can" pricing structure they are offering for the event in August, which together with the 50% discount for newcomers in the autumn, and the availability of a bursary for all events makes CPW affordable even for those on low incomes.

A couple from Hertfordshire recently said: "We have really enjoyed attending two CPW long weekends with our daughter who has learning difficulties. Everyone was both welcoming and accommodating and we all enjoyed spending time with like-minded people. In our busy lives we have very little time to sit and reflect on our faith. CPW gives us that chance to challenge and strengthen our beliefs with others. We will definitely book again!"

CPW members are reporting that their children are urging them to book a holiday with the organisation this year with one 11-year-old from Sheffield calling it the "highlight of my year."

A 14-year-old from London said "At CPW we can get interested in religion in a fun way. There are lots of interactive activities where you don't sit around for more than half hour. I have made new friends with kids my own age. It feels like one big family!"

Another couple said of CPW: "It's like a spiritual breath of fresh air. More importantly, our kids love going! Masses at our parish are fairly traditional so it's been great for them to have a chance to get involved in some livelier liturgies, taking part in the music or acting the Gospel story. It's a safe space for all of us to explore our faith."

Another member said: As a single parent with young children I found CPW a god-send. A way of going on holiday with adult time for me where my children also had a wonderful experience and we had lots of time together with other families. My daughter celebrated her fourth birthday on our first CPW. She's now 27 and still a committed Christian, something she attributes in large part to our times with CPW'.

The CPW dates for this year are:

Saturday 8 - Saturday 15 August - Kintbury, West Berkshire. Food for Mind, Body & Soul; the Wider Determinants of Health - an all age, pay what you can event

Sunday 13 - Sunday 20 September, Rochester to Ramsgate, Kent. The Augustine Camino - adult only pilgrimage event (walking up to 13 miles each day)

Thursday 29 October - Sunday 1 November Alton, Staffordshire: Our Coats of Many Colours - an all age "taste and see" event with 50% discount for new members

For more information or to book, go to: www.catholicpeoplesweeks.org

Contact: chair@catholicpeoplesweeks.org or louisemilnecook@outlook.com