The Abbey has a rich history filled with generous hospitality, deep personal & spiritual journey, awareness & preservation of the native environment.
The Abbey Program offers individuals and groups the opportunity to be involved.
The Program includes a range of creative events, retreats, workshops, conservation activities and pilgrimages.
Please email us at info@theabbey.org.au to be added to our mailing list.
We look forward to welcoming you at The Abbey.
Weekly Eucharist
11.00am every Wednesday at The Abbey Chapel. Everyone is welcome.
Monthly Celtic Music Sessions
2nd Thursday of each month (7.00pm – 10.00pm). Come join us for an evening of music. Bring an instrument or just come and enjoy the evening. We’re in the Chapel.
Monthly Chat & Chew lunches
2nd Tuesday of each month -12.00pm. Come share a simple lunch and intentional conversation.
For further information and bookings call 03 5156 6580 or info@theabbey.org.au
2026
OCTOBER
October 31st – Clothes Swap morning
Please bring five or more items of quality clothing to add to the swap table. Here is that perfect opportunity to hunt out some quality new clothes. The idea is that everyone brings at least five items of quality clothing that they donate to the occasion. Then you get to take home anything that you like from the clothes donated by others. There is no limit to the number you can take away, if they’re items that are going to enhance your wardrobe. What a great way to recycle those gorgeous items that you haven’t worn for years…
10.00am – 12.00noon. Delicious home-made mornign tea provided.
$20.00 per person – pay cash or card on the day.
NOVEMBER
November 4th – 8th – Embodied Listening: Awakening to the Spirit of Place with earth, wind, fire & water. Mid- week retreat. This retreat is fully booked.
Facilitator: Revd Susanna Pain
Come away. Be still and listen in the bush, on the shore, in the chapel. Encounter the land and her creatures. Be silent, meditate, move, make art, sing and tell stories that connect us with ourselves, each other and the spirit of the land herself. Play in an embodied way using InterPlay tools and principles… Immerse yourself…
Susanna Pain is Senior Associate: Community, Spirituality and the Arts at Benedictus Contemplative Church, Australia. (https://benedictus.com.au). She is cofounder of InterPlay Australia, spiritual director, retreat leader, contemplative, dancer, priest. She has a deep passion for enabling people to be still, play and grow. https://www.susannapain.com
Residential single motel room $640
Residential shared motel room $445pp
Residential single retreat room $495 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $310
Please RSVP by October 28th
https://www.trybooking.com/DHBWC or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
November 12th – Hush Quiet Day: Australian Religious Poetry
Facilitator: Michael Fox
Michael Fox is a scholar and theologian. He has much to teach us as he unfolds the wisdom of Australian Religious Poetry.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by November 5th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHFBU or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
November 16th – 19th – ‘From here to eternity’: exploring the practice of sacred image making. Mid-week retreat.
Facilitator: Revd Moira Evers
Moira is an Anglican priest and currently Vicar of the Alpine Parish, North-East Victoria in the Diocese of Wangaratta. She is drawn to the style of the icon especially from the Coptic and Ethiopian traditions, and the layers of deeper meaning contained in what appears to be quite a simple image. An icon will tell a story about heaven and earth, and it is in this telling, that a soul is drawn to the heart of God. For Moira, the practice of sacred image making is an extension of her ministry to make the love of God known.
Residential single motel room $570
Residential shared motel room $395pp
Residential single retreat room $445 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $270
Please RSVP by November 8th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEXP or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
November 20th – Ecumenical Advent Conversation
Hosts: The Right Reverend Dr Richard Treloar & The Most Reverend Greg Bennet
The Anglican and Roman Catholic Bishops of Gippsland warmly invite you to join the ninth annual Advent Conversation – an ecumenical gathering of clergy and laity from both traditions. This year’s Conversation will reflect on Advent themes through Old and New Testament passages from our common lectionary.
9.30 for 10.00am start – 3.30pm. $30 includes lunch and morning tea. Please RSVP by November 8th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHFER or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
DECEMBER
December 10th – Hush Quiet Day: My heart in hiding stirred for a bird…
Facilitators: Grania Sheehan & Cate North
We’re going bird-noticing today. The joys, the patterns, the varieties, the passion…
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by December 5th.
Please RSVP by December 5th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEXG or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
2027
FEBRUARY
February 5 – 7: Women’s Storytelling Retreat
Facilitator: Lee Palumbo
Storytelling is part of our ancient traditions and our everyday. Stories help is to
understand ourselves and each other, and the human experience. Stories can bring healing and transformation when aired in a safe and supportive environment. Whether your story is light or dark, painful or playful, hilarious or profoundly moving, we want to hear it. This may be your first time, but no experience is needed, after all, it is your story, true and from the heart. The art of listening in a supportive environment is vital to storytelling and we will be here to do just that, to hold space for one another. Join us for this weekend of connection, storytelling, reflection and good food, in the beautiful natural environment at The Abbey. There will be an open invitation for you to tell your story in ten minutes based on a theme, the three main themes, one per session.
Lee is passionate about women’s storytelling gatherings, and the transformation that happens for those who share their stories, and for those who hear them. Lee is a mother and a grandmother and live, study and work in the township of Sunbury on the land of the Wurundjeri people. Her work background is in community development, social enterprise, and small business, and she is currently studying spiritual direction.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by January 28
https://www.trybooking.com/DQIUM or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
February 11: Hush Quiet Day – Art and Self
Facilitator: Katilin Peachey
Art is a powerful way of expressing ourselves because it allows us to share our thoughts, feelings, and emotions without always needing words. Through painting, drawing, music, and other creative activities, we can show others who we are and how we see the world. Art gives us the freedom to express our individuality, explore our imagination, and communicate feelings that may be difficult to explain. It can also help us understand ourselves better and connect with others who share similar experiences.
https://www.trybooking.com/DRBHE or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation.
February 12 – 14 : From Fear to Love to Hope to Joy’: Re-imagining the Story of the Prodigal Child.
Facilitator: Bishop Clarence Bester
Bishop Clarence Bester is a South African-born Australian bishop. He has served as the 11th Bishop of Wangaratta since February 2020. Bester’s time at Wangaratta has been characterised by his involvement in ministry development, clergy development and recruitment and clergy and lay training as well as exploring new models of ministry for the diocese. He is a regular visitor to The Abbey and loves the place for its tranquillity and sense of the closeness of God. Bishop Clarence met his wife Michelle during his first ministry posting in South Africa. They have been married since 2000 and have two sons.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by February 5th
https://www.trybooking.com/DQIUV or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
March
March 11: Hush Quiet Day – Dun Scotus’ Concept of ‘Thisness’
Facilitator: Su Mills
Su is leading us through haecceity – a term from medieval scholastic philosophy of the irreducible determination of a thing that makes it ‘this’ particular thing. Sounds intriguing!
https://www.trybooking.com/DRBHR or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation.
March 12-14: The Art of Growing Older: A guided journey of reflection and exploration into what matters most as we age.
Facilitator: Dr Jenni Harris
Growing older is one of life’s profound transitions. It invites us to pause, take stock and consider how we want to live the next chapter of our lives. Each of us carries a lifetime of experiences, relationships, challenges, discoveries and hard-won wisdom. As we age, we may also encounter loss, change and limitation. Yet alongside these challenges there can be a deepening of perspective, greater self-knowledge, creativity, meaning and a new sense of what truly matters. The retreat also invites us to consider our relationship with mortality—not as something to fear or avoid, but as an advisor that can help clarify how we want to live. By bringing greater awareness to the preciousness of our time, we may discover a renewed appreciation for life and a deeper sense of what we still want to contribute. This is an opportunity to gather the wisdom of a lifetime, resolve what can be resolved, release what no longer belongs to us, and discover what might be possible in our time ahead.
Dr Jenni Harris: For over 25 years Jenni has worked in private practice, universities and medical settings offering processes based on creative and reflective methods of inquiry. She has a Professional Doctorate and a Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice plus a clutch of other qualifications, and most definitely a colourful spectrum of life experiences. This includes a long-standing relationship with both grief and loss, and with inspiration and emergence. Fundraising for The Dignity Project: Jenni is donating her time and in lieu of payment is directing proceeds to The Dignity Project, an Australian charity supporting young people in India to eat well, be healthy and gain a great education. More information at https://thedignityproject.com.au/
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by March 12
https://www.trybooking.com/DQIVT or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
April
April 3: Sit, Sew & Be Inspired
Following on from our wildly successful Stitch, Sew & Be Inspired event year, The Abbey is inviting you to our 2027 Sit, Sew & Be Inspired day.
What happens on the day? You bring along your friends and your unfinished craft projects to work on. We provide food, fun and fantastic displays of fabric artwork. There will also be demonstrations by various artists.
Door prizes! Morning tea and lunch provided. Bring items to donate to our de-stash table – all proceeds to The Abbey.
This day is going to fill up quickly – Get in early! $45.00.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJOO or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
April 5-8: Mid-week retreat, Lessons from our Grandmothers.
Facilitator: Rev’d Dr Merryl Blair OAM
Matthew 1, the genealogy of Jesus, gives us some intriguing names: five women who are ‘outsiders’ in the main story of Israel. What are they doing here, in Jesus’ family tree? What do their stories teach us about who Jesus is, and who might they invite us to become?
In these sessions, we will listen to the stories of some of these lesser-known women (particularly Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth), and allow their wisdom to engage with our own life stories. We will consider the lessons we have learned from those who have gone before us; the lessons we may learn from ‘outsiders’; and the lessons we ourselves may be leaving for those who follow us.
Rev’d Dr Merryl Blair OAM: Nurse, youth minister, Old Testament lecturer – perhaps not the normal career path! Merryl has found God gently nudging her in interesting directions throughout her working life, 25 years of which she has spent as Senior Lecturer in Old Testament studies at Stirling Theological College (part of the University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia). During sabbaticals, Merryl and her late husband, Graeme, also taught at Northrise University, in northern Zambia. Merryl has represented Churches of Christ on ecumenical councils at State, national, and international levels. In ‘retirement’ she continues to present Bible studies at women’s conferences and is a professional supervisor to people engaged in a variety of ministries. Merryl is passionate about the power of story to engage and open the imagination. Her long journey with Hebrew Scripture stories never ceases to surprise and challenge her, and she loves to share this with others.
Residential single motel room $570
Residential shared motel room $395pp
Residential single retreat room $445 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $270
Please RSVP by March 26.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJPJ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
April 8 – Hush Quiet Day: Walking With Death: Accompanying our Loved Ones
Facilitator: Rev’d Sue Newcombe
https://www.trybooking.com/DRBHY or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation.
May
May 13 Hush Quiet Day – Interpreting the ‘May’ in the Eucharist: making sense of how the Eucharist is shaped.
Facilitator: Rev’d Dennis Webster
In a liturgical conference in 1985, Archbishop Rayner told the assembly, ”The Second Order of Holy Communion contains 35 references to ”may.” I interpret them as ”may not.”
How do we decide? What is the presider doing? How can we follow?
Four different approaches will be explored.
Come, what May, questions and all!
https://www.trybooking.com/DRBJC or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation.
June
June 4-6: Restoration of Relationships weekend retreat
Facilitator: Julia Fullarton
Throughout this weekend, we will look at three often misunderstood components of maintaining healthy relationships; Apology, forgiveness and restoration (or reconciliation.) We will spend time on each of the components, looking at them closely and trying to understand where they can go wrong and where they can go well – and how when each component is done well, strong, durable relationships can be forged between people, no matter what their relationship is like at present, or how damaged they have been.
We will also look at how to look after ourselves in the journey towards restoring a broken or damaged relationship – and when not to embark on the journey at all.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by May 26.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJPW or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
June 10 Hush Quiet Day – Faith, Fear and Discernment in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Facilitator: Kevin Broughton
In a world where machines can increasingly imitate what we do, what might God be inviting us to become?
Artificial Intelligence is changing our world, bringing remarkable possibilities alongside understandable fears. But perhaps the most important questions are not about what machines can do, but about what it means to be human.
As people of faith, how do we respond to something we have created but do not yet fully understand? How do we embrace its possibilities without losing sight of wisdom, compassion, dignity and the relationships that give our lives meaning?
You are warmly invited to join us at the Abbey for a Hush Day of gentle exploration, thoughtful conversation, prayer and silence. Together, we will draw upon scripture, ancient wisdom and contemporary experience to consider how faith might help us move beyond fear towards curiosity, discernment and hope. No knowledge of Artificial Intelligence is needed. Just a willingness to wonder, question and listen.
https://www.trybooking.com/DRBJR or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation.
June 25-27: Listening to the Heartbeat of God weekend retreat
Facilitator: Dr Cath Connelly
One of the core metaphors of a Celtic spirituality is the image of the beloved disciple John, leaning his head onto Jesus’ breast at the Last Supper, ‘listening to the heartbeat of God’. What of our own heart? What do we hear when we truly listen? What is our core resonance through which we hear God’s voice? What is it that we really want to hear the Holy One say to us? Cath Connelly will open up these topics and more as we come to discover the heartbeat of God resonating through each one of us.
Cath Connelly: Cath is Abbey Director at The Abbey, Raymond Island and co-director of the Living Well Centre for Christian Spirituality. Cath travels the globe performing on her Celtic harp and leading pilgrimages and retreats. Her recently published book, Handbook of Hope: Emerging Stories Beyond a Disintegrating World, is a handy resource for discussion groups and individual reflection.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by June 13.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJQF or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
July
July 8: Hush Quiet Day – Zooming In, Zooming Out: Life in Perspective
Facilitator: Dr Cath Connelly
Zooming in means paying attention to the little things, such as our daily experiences, emotions, relationships, and the small moments that bring us happiness. Zooming out allows us to see the bigger picture, helping us understand that our problems are often temporary and that every experience teaches us something valuable. Sometimes, we become too focused on our struggles and forget to appreciate how far we have come. By looking at life from different perspectives, we can develop patience, gratitude, and a better understanding of ourselves and others. Ultimately, life is about balancing the small details with the bigger picture and remembering that even difficult moments are part of our journey toward growth and happiness.
https://www.trybooking.com/DRBJV or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation.
July 30 – August 1: Moss!
Facilitator: Kelly Skilton
Here’s something completely different! Come join us for a retreat that invites you to reconnect with the present moment. Together we will explore mindfulness practices and guided creative exercises designed to ground you and bring your wandering thoughts back to the here and now. If you enjoy journaling, collage, crochet, embroidery, or any craft that resonates with these practices, this retreat is the perfect space to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of moss. Through gentle practices, reflective creativity, and meaningful conversations, you’ll uncover the wisdom that lies within your own being. Moss has so much to teach us…
Kelly is a passionate creator and imaginative thinker who curates spaces that promote opportunities for spiritual growth and a sense of belonging. As a second-generation South African Australian, artist, and stepmother, she strives to live authentically in both her online and offline connections.
With a strong belief in the transformative power of community, Kelly is dedicated to creating safe spaces for all people. Her design and theological studies inform her deep exploration of questions surrounding faith, imagination and meaning making. In addition to her work in spirituality, Kelly embraces life as community practitioner, gamer, artist, and emerging writer, finding inspiration in various forms of creativity. Known for her vibrant personality and green hair, she navigates the challenges of living with chronic illness and neurodiversity, continually seeking what it means to cultivate calm amidst life’s chaos.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by July 23.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJUJ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
August
August 12 – Hush Quiet Day – My Heart in Hiding Stirred for a Bird…
Facilitators: Grania Sheehan & Cate North
We’re going bird-noticing today. The joys, the patterns, the variety, the passion…
https://www.trybooking.com/DRBKS or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation.
August 13-15: Circle Dancing Weekend Retreat
Facilitator: Robyn Sussems
Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures for marking special occasions, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness. Circle Dance includes traditional dances of many countries as well as modern choreographies set to classical and contemporary music. In Circle dance we are stepping into ancient patterns of rhythm and movement. When we dance a traditional dance, we are temporarily tuning into a culture’s history and expression. During this Retreat we will experience the joy of the dance, both physically and spiritually. There will be opportunities for reflection, meditation and time in nature in the surrounds of The Abbey. No previous dance experience is necessary and we will approach this weekend with a spirit of adventure. This retreat was very popular in both 2023 and 2024. We look forward to welcoming Robyn back to the Abbey.
Comfortable footwear is essential.
Robyn had her first experience of Circle dancing in 1993 at a small community in the south of England and a few weeks later at the Findhorn Foundation in the north of Scotland. On her return to Australia, she joined a dance circle led by Conny Brandt, remaining in this group until it disbanded. Since 2014, Robyn has led a Circle dance group at U3A, starting with 5 dancers and now hosting 35 participants each week. Robyn comes to this retreat with a passion for sharing and expertise in this field.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by August 1.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJUT or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
September
September 11: Abbey Feast
Your Chef: The wonderful Jackie O’Connell
Come and celebrate with other Friends of The Abbey as we enjoy gourmet creations – a 3 course meal, with wine: $65 per person. This is our major fundraiser for 2027. A great day of fun, feasting and friendships. All funds raised are for the operation of The Abbey. Commences at 12.00noon.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJVG or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
September 17-19 Allowing Nature to be a Window into our Soul. Weekend retreat.
Facilitator: Rev’d Dr Linda Young
Imagine a weekend where we begin with curiosity – creating space to notice what is already present, explore what may be emerging, and listen more deeply to our own experiences. Imagine now that nature is the textbook through which we read these stories. Nature can act like a mirror, revealing aspects of ourselves that we may overlook in our daily routines. Through activities such as mindful walks, meditation, journaling, and quiet reflection, participants will be invited to discover a greater sense of peace and self-awareness. Such a retreat reminds us that by slowing down and listening to the natural world, we can better understand our own souls and develop a deeper appreciation for life.Linda’s work brings together professional supervision, spiritual direction and creative reflective practice. Drawing on many years of experience across ministry, education, leadership and pastoral care, she creates thoughtful spaces where people can reflect deeply, discover fresh perspectives and explore what matters. Deeplyimplicit.com.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by September 3.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJVX or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
OCTOBER
October 2 – Blessing of the Pets: A FREE event
St Francis, lover of animals, would be thrilled to think that we are hosting an afternoon to honour our animal companions. On the weekend of his Feast Day we are inviting you to bring your pets for an afternoon of animal fun, culminating in a pet blessing by the Abbey Chaplain. There will be competitions for the fluffiest, the cutest, the oldest, the wisest and the most unusual pet. Bring your rabbits, dogs, rats, goats, donkeys, cats, guinea pigs… Please note that the sensitive natural environment of the Abbey requires all animals to be restrained at all times.
Afternoon tea provided for humans.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJWH or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
October 4-7. Wendell Berry: Sitting at the Feet of Wisdom. Mid-week retreat.
Facilitator: Rev’d Christine Gilbert
A mid-week retreat inspired by Wendell Berry offers a peaceful opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and reflect on the importance of community and simple living. Berry’s writings encourage us to step away from the hurried pace of modern life and appreciate the land, relationships, and everyday work that give life meaning. During the retreat, participants will spend time walking through the countryside, sharing meals, reading Berry’s poems and essays, and discussing ideas about sustainability, farming, and responsible living. The Abbey is the perfect space for reflection, reminding participants of Berry’s belief that caring for the earth and for one another is an essential part of a meaningful life.
Christine, a devoted spiritual director and Uniting Church minister, weaves a tapestry of guidance, supervision, and ministry. With a passion for companioning others in their spiritual journeys, she explores the divine presence in our lives and the world. Christine’s vibrant interests, from unexpected pursuits like boxing to the tranquillity of tea in a sunlit spot, reflect her dynamic and multifaceted approach to life.
Residential single motel room $570
Residential shared motel room $395pp
Residential single retreat room $445 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $270
Please RSVP by September 25.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJWQ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
October 14 Hush Quiet Day – Images of God: An Interactive Exploration
Facilitator: Dr Cath Connelly
God is unknowable, beyond image, beyond understanding. Despite this, we each have an image of God that shapes our reality. Let’s explore our images, looking at how others give expression to this unknowable deity. Cath has gathered images from across theological spectrums and will use these as a way to enter an exploration of our held images of God
https://www.trybooking.com/DRBKZ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation.
October 24-29: Meditation & Mindfulness: Coming Home to God. Mid-week retreat.
Facilitator: Roland Ashby
Tap into a deep spring of love, joy, peace and compassion at the centre of our being. Jesus called it Living Water, with which we will never thirst. During this week, cultivate a transforming, healing awareness of the Divine presence, and learn how to meditate: on Scripture and other sacred texts, by using a prayer word or mantra, through mindfulness of the breath and body, on icons and other art works, by using visualisation and in the beautiful natural surroundings of Raymond Island.This retreat will be largely experiential. It will introduce and draw on the ancient wisdom of several traditions of contemplative prayer, including Lectio Divina, Visio Divina, imaginative contemplation, mantra meditation and Centering Prayer. No previous experience necessary. As learning to be silent is a vital part of cultivating awareness of the Divine presence, both within and around us, the retreat will be largely conducted in silence, although there will be opportunities each day for conversation, both with a spiritual director, and at night, over dinner. Breakfast and lunch will be held in silence.
Residential single motel room $640
Residential shared motel room $430pp
Residential single retreat room $495 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $300
Please RSVP by October 14.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJXC or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
November
November 11: Hush Quiet Day – Home is Where our Heart Is: Finding our Sacred Spaces.
Facilitator: Rev’d Gradwell Fredericks
https://www.trybooking.com/DRBLP or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation.
December
December 3-5: Coming of Age: Women Stepping Boldly into Elderhood.
Facilitator: Rev’d Janet Munro
Now, perhaps more than ever, our world needs wise counsel. Traditionally, it was to the elders of a community that people would turn to as they struggled to navigate the big questions of life. These days they are more likely to turn to Google or ChatGPT and older adults are left wondering about their purpose. As women, we become more confident in our own skin but less visible to the world around us. We have lots of wisdom, but we need skills to build the platform to share it. Elderhood is not the inevitable consequence of ageing; it is a communal function for which we must plan and prepare.
This retreat is a threshold moment, a time for individual and collective reflection, for story and ritual. Together we will consider the opportunities and challenges for elders in today’s world. You will uncover the unique gifts you bring to this critical life stage. You will develop a renewed vision and purpose for your own life and the communities you engage with. You will leave ready to boldly be the wise elders our world so desperately needs.
Janet Munro was ordained to the Ministry of Deacon in the Uniting Church in Australia in 2006, having completed a Bachelor of Theology and Diploma in Ministry. In 2021 Janet completed a Master of Teaching. For the past 19 years she has held the role of Chaplain at two independent schools in Melbourne. Janet has a keen interest in supporting young people in making a healthy transition into adulthood and has advocated for community recognition and support in this critical stage of life. She has undertaken leadership training at the Rites of Passage Institute under Dr Arne Rubenstein to help support this work. In more recent times, Janet has developed a passion for supporting adults – especially women – in their transition into elderhood.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by November 25.
https://www.trybooking.com/DQJXL or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
=December 9: Hush Quiet Day – Topic to be confirmed.
Facilitator: To be confirmed
https://www.trybooking.com/DRBLV or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation.
For further information and bookings call 03 5156 6580 or info@theabbey.org.au