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Mount Carmel Retreat Centre
2003 Retreat Programme

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> 2003 Programme [Adobe Acrobat format - 23k] [Word doc]
[On-line PDF booking form 200k] [Printable PDF booking form 150k]
> Full colour brochure: Cover | Inside [NB. Large files: 1M & 1.2M]

1. Weekend retreats

7-9 March
The Ascent of Mount Carmel
We will consider the themes of Memory, Appetites and Love as used by St John of the Cross in the First Book of the Ascent of Mount Carmel.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming OCD

21-23 March
Lenten Reflections for an Easter People
Lent finds its fullest spiritual meaning in the joy of Easter.
For your Lenten penance: listen, let go and laugh!
Director: Fr Peter Dowd OCD

11-13 April
Youth Retreat
A time for like-minded 18-35 year olds to discern God’s will, and deepen their faith and allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming OCD

23-25 May
A Spirituality to Live By
Carmelite spirituality is a simple Christ-centred way of living. A weekend devoted to the Carmelite vision of life.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming OCD

15-17 August
Prayer without Effort
Prayer need not be difficult.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming OCD

22-24 August
I looked for you everywhere and you were within me all the time
Movements of prayer following the writings of Saint Augustine.
Director: Fr Paul Maloney OSA

12-14 September
Youth Retreat
A time for like-minded 18-35 year olds to discern God’s will, and deepen their faith and allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming OCD

19-21 September
Contemporary Contemplative Spirituality for Lay People
“A new form of holiness must spread its light in the Christian lay person’s responsibility for this world.” Edward Schillebeeckx. Come and explore how as contemplative lay people we can actively live the Gospel in our day, not as spectators on the side-lines, but as people with passion and deep commitment.
Director: Sue Jackson OCDS

17-19 October
The Glance of the Beloved
‘If only you would form the eyes which I have desired which I bear sketched deep within my heart’—a weekend devoted to St John of the Cross’ loving experience of God.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming OCD

31 October - 2 November
Saints for Sinners
‘Lord, save us from sour-faced saints’, St Teresa cried out. Join Teresa and a whole cast of saints as we celebrate this All Saints weekend and reflect on the joyous hope that Christ gives us.
Director: Fr Peter Dowd OCD

12-14 December
Divinely Human
St John of the Cross gently guides us on a sacred journey to be the people that God intended in our creation.
Director: Fr Greg Burke OCD

2. Long Weekend retreats

6-9 June (3 days)
Contemplative Experience Weekend
We take the time to enter into a rich contemplative experience of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost long weekend. The weekend grows in an atmosphere of relaxed silence, attentive listening, reading, simple celebrations and optional personal sharing.
Directors: Fr Greg Burke OCD & retreat team

3. Week-long Retreats

4-12 October (8 days)
A Week with Teresa of Jesus (of Ávila)
This week will be spent in the delightful company of St Teresa so we may learn from the love, wit and wisdom which flowed from her inner experience and apply this to our lives today.
Director: Fr Greg Burke OCD

7-14 November (7 days)
Living in the Presence of God
A time to appreciate the presence of Christ and respond to his love.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming OCD

4. Special Seasonal retreats

16-20 April (4 days)
Holy Week & Easter Retreat
Celebrate the Holy Week and Easter liturgy and be renewed by your entry into the Paschal Mystery in a contemplative community.
Directors: The Mount Carmel community.

17-22 December (5 days)
A Contemplative Christmas
We take the time to enter into a rich contemplative experience of the mystery of the birth of Christ and wonder of the Incarnation. The five days grow in an atmosphere of relaxed silence, attentive listening, reading, simple celebrations and optional personal sharing.
Directors: Fr Greg Burke OCD & retreat team

5. Saturday Day Retreats

Saturday Day Retreats are from 10am - 4pm; they include 2 talks, Eucharist & free-time to wander around the retreat centre grounds. Tea & Coffee provided.
Bring your own lunch. No need to book. Cost: by donation.

Saturday 29 March
Discerning God’s Will
What does God want me to do?
Director: Fr Greg Homeming OCD

Saturday 5 April
Day of Healing Prayer
Using God’s transforming power for healing and wholeness.
Directors: Robyn Presdee & Fr. Greg Burke OCD

Saturday 10 May
Prayer, the Bible and Liberation
An opportunity to pray together and reflect on the Church’s social justice teaching and the option for the poor.
Director: Sue Jackson OCDS

Saturday 28 June
Praying the Scriptures
A day to relax, listen and ponder the richness of God’s living word.
Director: Fr Peter Dowd OCD

Saturday 5 July
Day of Healing Prayer
Using God’s transforming power for healing and wholeness.
Directors: Robyn Presdee & Fr. Greg Burke OCD

Saturday 30 August
“The Word made flesh”
Discover a friend, Jesus Christ, the fountain of hope within a broken world.
Director: Fr Greg Chee OCD

6. Retreats for particular groups

Please contact the Secretary or Retreat Director for more information about these retreats. * Dates subject to confirmation.

14-16 March
St Christopher's Parish Men's Retreat
TBA *
St Christopher's Parish Women's Retreat
16-18 May
St Therese Parish, Lakemba
29 May-1 June
Carmelite Secular Order – Varroville Community
16-20 June *
Camaldolese Retreat
8-12 September *
Wollongong Diocese Priest's Retreat
23-30 October
Carmelite Secular Order - Sydney Community

7. YCG (Young Carmelite Group) Sundays

These Sunday afternoons provide an opportunity for 18-35 year olds to meet together, to pray and share. There are three main sessions, focussing on praying the Scriptures, discussing Theology, and sharing Spirituality. The sessions commence at 3pm, and finish with a light meal at 6.15pm. We celebrate Eucharist before the first session, at 2.20pm.

Directors: Fr Greg Homeming OCD & members of the YCG
Call: Peter & Marilyn 9712 0329 or Simun Soljo 0402 321 061

> More information on the Young Carmelite Group

Sunday 23 February
Sunday 16 March
Sunday 27 April
Sunday 18 May
Sunday 22 June
Sunday 27 July
Sunday 24 August
Sunday 21 September
Sunday 26 October
Sunday 23 November

> Printable version: 2003 Programme

carmelite.com/retreats (home page)

Retreat Details
Welcome! | More information
2007 Programme | Printable 2007 Programme [in PDF, 2.8MB]
2006 Programme
2005 Programme | Printable 2005 Programme [in PDF, 493k]
2004 Programme | 2003 Programme
2002 Programme | Upcoming Retreats
How much? | Where is it? How do I find it?
Book a retreat on-line
[Printable PDF booking form 150k]
[Mount Carmel Retreat Information PDF 21k]
Praying with the Friars
Retreat House timetable
Walks at Mt Carmel

Mount Carmel Retreat Centre 2003 Retreat Programme