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Mount Carmel Retreat Centre
2004 Retreat Programme

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1. Weekend retreats

12-14 March
With Mind and Heart Renewed
The Lenten scriptures provide the basis for our prayer and reflection during this ‘joyful season’.
Director: Fr Peter Dowd, OCD

19-21 March
The Practice of the Presence of God
We will explore the classic work of Br Lawrence of the Resurrection, a French Carmelite of the seventeenth century, which has been much loved by Christians of many different churches to the present day.
Director: Fr Greg Burke, OCD

26-28 March
St Teresa in a Nutshell
Four reflections summarising the teaching of St Teresa of Jesus (of Ávila) on prayer.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming, OCD

16-18 April
Youth Retreat
A time for like-minded 18-25 year olds to discern God’s will, deepen their faith and allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming, OCD

14-16 May
The House at Rest: Poetry of Jessica Powers
We will allow the powerful poetry of the outstanding 20th Century American Carmelite poet Jessica Powers to move and enlighten us.
Director: Fr Greg Burke, OCD

21-23 May
Teresa’s Way
We will consider prayer and recollection In Teresa’s Way of Perfection, which is about life and intimacy with God, which she understood as foundational for real growth in the spiritual life.
Director: Fr Greg Chee, OCD

13-15 August
Mary: Truly our sister
We will explore a renewed theology and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, inspired by the work of Elizabeth Johnson, that is emotionally satisfying and spiritually nourishing.
Director: Fr Greg Burke, OCD

20-22 August
A Full and Meaningful Life
The place and importance of authentic culture in the spiritual and contemplative lives.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming, OCD

27-29 August
A Paradise where the Lord finds his Delight
A weekend to consider St Teresa, prayer and the first three mansions of the Interior Castle.
Director: Fr Peter Dowd, OCD

29-31 October
Parables, Images and Sacred Space
Parables and images open us to God and help us pray.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming, OCD

12-14 November
Forgiveness and Memory
Difficulties with memory and forgiveness have a positive part in the spiritual life
Director: Fr Greg Homeming, OCD

19-21 November
Contemplation in the midst of the World
For prayer to release its potential we need a new experience of life and resurrection. Come and explore the profound difference Christ makes to the spirituality of contemporary laity as we face the challenges of life in today’s world.
Director: Sue Jackson, OCDS

26-28 November
Youth Retreat
A time for like-minded 18-25 year olds to discern God’s will, deepen their faith and allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming, OCD

10-12 December
The Dark Night of the Soul
We will consider the place of darkness and suffering in the spiritual life as given in the writings of St John of the Cross.
Director: Fr Greg Chee, OCD

2. Long Weekend retreats

23-26 April
Contemplative Long Weekend
The weekend grows in an atmosphere of relaxed silence, attentive listening, reading, simple celebrations and personal reflection and sharing.
Directors: Fr Greg Burke, OCD and retreat team

11-14 June
Contemplative Long Weekend
The weekend grows in an atmosphere of relaxed silence, attentive listening, reading, simple celebrations and personal reflection and sharing.
Directors: Fr Greg Burke, OCD and retreat team

3. Week-long Retreats

27 September -3 October
Soundings from St John of the Cross
The life and spirituality of St John of the Cross help us through the struggles and joys of life and prayer.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming, OCD

18-24 October
A week with Teresa of Jesus of Ávila
This week is a special experience in which we encounter St Teresa in some depth. It is a unique opportunity to come to know her and to gain the benefit of her spiritual insights for our own lives.
Director: Fr Greg Burke, OCD

4. Special Seasonal retreats

7-11 April
Holy Week and Easter Retreat
Celebrate the Holy Week and Easter liturgy with a contemplative spirit and be renewed by your entry into the Paschal Mystery.
Directors: The Mount Carmel Community

17-22 December
A Contemplative Christmas
We take the time to enter into a rich contemplative experience of the mystery of the birth of Christ and the wonder of the Incarnation.
Directors: Fr Greg Burke and retreat team

5. Saturday Day Retreats

Spend a relaxing and peaceful day in the beautiful surroundings of Mount Carmel. The retreats begin at 10.00am and conclude at 4.00pm. They include spiritual talks and the celebration of the Eucharist. Bring your own lunch and have a picnic. Coffee, tea and biscuits are available. We pick up from Minto train station. Cost is by donation.

6 March
Committed Contemplation
We will reflect on the heroic and moving story of Jacques Bunel, OCD, who died as a result of his attempt to protect Jewish youths in World War Two. He has an inspiring message for us today.
Director: Fr Greg Burke, OCD

1 May
I Can’t Forgive
A day to reflect on the place of forgiveness in the spiritual life.
Director: Fr Greg Homeming

4 September
The Little Way to Freedom
We will consider how St Thérèse’s doctrine of the Little Way helps us in ordinary life.
Director: Fr Greg Chee, OCD

6 November
Prayer: Should we? Can We?
A day to explore the place of prayer in the lives of busy people.
Director: Fr Peter Dowd, OCD

4 December
Advent with Mary
Introduces Mary’s attentiveness to the Spirit that gives birth to her spiritual motherhood.
Director: Sr Joy Javier, CM

6. Retreats for particular groups

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

4-6 June
Carmelite Secular Order, Varroville Community

13-19 September
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.

Dates for 2004:

Sunday 22 February,
Sunday 21 March,
Sunday 18 April,
Sunday 23 May,
Sunday 20 June,
Sunday 25 July,
Sunday 22 August,
Sunday 26 September,
Sunday 24 October, and
Sunday 28 November.

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

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
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