September 2008

26-28 September - Christian  Mysticism and Islamic Sufi Mysticism MEET Retreat

All spiritual life is about the union of the heart with God.  Through meditation the soul is bonded with the Beloved.  Ultimate fulfilment and purification of the soul is found in this ultimate union. This weekend retreat will explore both Sufi and Christian practices.  In and through the practice of mediation the heart is transformed and the soul is united with the ultimate.

Facilitator: Dr Stewart Sharlow, Executive Officer of the Asia-Pacific Centre for Inter-religious Dialogue at Australian Catholic University is a popular speaker on Muslim-Catholic relations.

October 2008

10-12 October - The Beatitudes

All commentators agree that here we have the core and the distillation of Jesus’ teaching. As well, they unveil for us the real face of Jesus,. They are an indispensable guide to witnessing to the Good News, and a yardstick against which we can measure our faithfulness to the truth about Jesus and our understanding of the Kingdom.

Facilitator: Fr Frank Gerry SVD is a highly sought after retreat director and spiritual director.

31 October – 2 November  - The interplay of breath and Spirit - Yoga and Hesychasm

This weekend seminar will focus on the interplay of breath and Spirit. It will introduce participants into various meditation forms based on breathing which in turn lead to an experience of the Spirit, and take the participants beyond this life into the spaciousness of divine freedom.

Facilitators: Rev. Dr. John Dupuche and Swami Sannyasananda. Together with Ven. Lobsang Tendar they have set up an interreligious household.

November 2008

21-23 November – What is the point of being a Christian today?

This is the question Timothy Radcliffe asks in his recent book of the same title. This book shows how a proper understanding of the gospel opens us up to today’s world.  The focus will be on this book and how it finds a deep resonance with Albert Nolan’s book, Jesus Today.

Facilitator: Fr Frank Gerry SVD

December 2008

5-7 December – Advent ‘Gaudete’ Retreat

This retreat weekend focuses on the richness of the divine liturgy, guided meditation, and a special celebration of Advent Light, in the Spirit of TAIZE. A special time for silence and preparing for Christmas.

Facilitators:  The Janssen Centre Executive Team

RETREAT WEEKENDS  normally begin at 8pm on Friday Evening (registrations from 7pm) and conclude on Sunday afternoon at 3.30pm, unless otherwise indicated.)  Requests for private retreats may be made through the Manager at any time. (See Request Form below)

*   Poustinia Days, and  Weekends in the hermitage can be arranged upon application. (See Request Form below)