DYA Summer Study Week 2026
About the week
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
This summer we return to the beautiful setting of Worth Abbey, for a week of talks, workshops, prayer, discussions, walks, fellowship and much more!
The annual Dominican Summer Study Week offers a systematic overview of Catholic theology for young adults and university students, especially for those seeking to make sense of theology and integrate it into a sustainable vision of Catholic life.
For those attending for the first time, the programme will follow the structure of St Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologiae, covering subjects such as the Trinity, Creation, human nature and the fall, Grace and the Virtues, the Incarnation, the Church, and the Sacraments.
For those who have complete the first stream, the second stream this year will explore the great human questions — Who am I? How should I live? — through a rich Thomistic theology of vocation. Drawing St Thomas Aquinas into conversation with Scripture, the Sacraments, dogma, moral theology, and our own experience, these sessions will offer a compelling and practical vision of Christian life as a response to God’s call.
Led by a team of Dominican friars and sisters, both streams will involve a mixture of talks, workshops, and discussions. During the week we will attend the liturgy with the monks of Worth Abbey, and there will also be time for personal prayer, walks, and social time with other young Catholics.
Who is speaking?
Fr Simon Gaine OP, a professor at the Angelicum in Rome and a member of the International Theological Commission, will be covering the first stream sessions on God and creation. Fr Nicholas Crowe OP, the Prior Provincial of the English Dominicans and a moral theologian, will lead the second stream this year, as well as contribute to the first stream courses on beatitude, virtues, and grace. Sr Hyacinthe Defos du Rau OP, Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph, and Sr Carino Hodder OP, of the same community, will join us to teach a range of classes on both streams. Fr Albert Robertson OP, assistant chaplain at Fisher House, Cambridge, will teach the section on Christology and Sacraments for the first stream. Fr John Church OP, who runs the Dominican Young Adults ministry, will be leading the week..
Who is it for?
The study week is open to any student or young adult (20s and 30s), whether you are new to the Catholic tradition or looking to deepen your faith, and will be of particular interest for university students, catechists, teachers, and chaplains. No background in theology or philosophy required!
When and Where?
Dates: From 4pm on Friday 17th July – lunchtime on Tuesday 21st July 2026
Venue: Worth Abbey, Crawley RH10 4SB
How to get there
Worth Abbey is a monastery of monks of the English Benedictine Congregation. The nearest mainline station is Three Bridges, which is only four miles away, on the London to Brighton and Bedford to Brighton railway lines. It is 15 minutes by taxi from the station to Worth Abbey. If you are travelling by car and have space to offer a lift to others let us know. It may also be possible to arrange lifts from the station.
More information about how to reach the Abbey can be found on their website here: https://worthabbey.net/how-to-get-to-worth/
Booking information
There are a range of booking options. A standard ticket costs £190, which covers full room and board in shared rooms. There is the option to camp, which is available for £110 per person (you must provide your own camping equipment but all meals are included). A non-residential ticket costs £100 (lunch and dinner included).
If you would like to attend but have financial difficulties for any reason please let us know. It is also possible to purchase a benefactors ticket, to subsidise the attendance of others.
The full amount must be paid before your space is confirmed. The deadline for registration is 31st May 2026. To receive the booking form, and if you have any further questions, please email us: dya@english.op.org
Spaces are quite limited so email us as soon as possible to reserve your spot!
