FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 1
Seven Last Words of Jesus: A Lenten Retreat
Carmel Ross
Devotion to the seven last words of Jesus has been traced back to the twelfth century. The words are from the four gospels, recording words attributed to Jesus as he was dying on the cross. Each has its own focus and has rich potential to shape our understanding of Jesus and his willingness to go to his death in defense of truth and in obedience to His Father – a perfect death following a perfect life. Often they are used as the basis of liturgy on Good Friday, but can also be contemplated during Lent in preparation for Holy Week. During this retreat, participants will be presented with the seven words themselves, scripture passages, visual images and music to help you enter into a time of personal reflection and prayer. Additional to these sources of inspiration there will be times of silence and solitude, essential elements of personal prayer.
Carmel Ross holds degrees in psychology, religious education and business administration and has worked in almost all sectors of education. In recent years Carmel has completed several Masters level units in theology at Boston College, including studies in theology of liturgy, moral theology, ecclesiology, sharing faith and spirituality. She has considerable experience in preparing and leading group prayer and reflection times with adult groups. Carmel is presently the Chief Executive Officer of New Norcia.
APRIL 9-12
The Paschal Triduum
The Benedictine Community
These days offer the unique monastic experience of entering more deeply into the liturgical celebration of Holy Week. Beginning with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, journeying through the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, the emptiness of Holy Saturday, and ending with the joyful celebration of Easter, retreatants take up the Vatican II directive to celebrate the liturgy with “full, conscious and active participation”. These days also include the annual Triduum Lecture and Faith Forum.
MAY 1-3
Contemporary Women Mystics
Stephanie Woods
This weekend will look at the life and writings of three European women mystics, whose common experience of Jewish upbringing and the horrors of World War II impacted on their spiritual awareness. Edith Stein, Etty Hillesum and Simone Weil have much to teach about the self-revealing God in all life circumstances. Stephanie will guide us through a close reading of their writings to foster our own reflection.
Stephanie Woods is a teacher and mother of three. Stephanie spent 18 years as a parish based catechist in sacramental preparation for children and adults, and has been involved in catechist training for the Archdiocese. She is currently a presenter for the Maranatha Institute for Adult Faith Formation, offering courses at the C.E.O., in parishes, and for the Christian Meditation Community in W.A. Stephanie recently retired after eight years as Chair of the Catholic Marriage Education Services/Natural Fertility Services Board.
JUNE 19-21
The Monk And The Psychologist
Fr John Herbert OSB & Dr Neil Preston
Taking the form of a dialogue between Fr John, Dr Neil and the participants, this weekend will focus on various transitional periods in the developmental life cycle of the human person. We will consider the aspects of crisis and opportunity in these times of transition and explore the psychological and spiritual challenge of each step along the way in our journey of growth towards God.
Fr John Herbert OSB joined the monastic community at New Norcia in 1995. He is presently the parish priest, director of the spirituality programme in the monastery guesthouse, and is working on a master’s degree in counselling.
Dr Neil Preston is presently Senior Research Psychologist at Fremantle Hospital and Health Services and Adjunct Research Fellow at the School of Psychology at Curtin University. Neil brings a certain lightness to the field of psychology, with particular emphasis on its relationship to the spiritual life. He is also a fine musician and songwriter, and has produced a number of
CDs.
JULY 3-5
A Benedictine Experience
Sr Margaret Malone SGS & Fr John Herbert OSB
Benedictine spirituality is not distinctive for any one thing; rather it is distinctive for its combination of aspects. This weekend will explore the order of monastic life - the essential rhythm and balance of prayer, work, spiritual reading, hospitality & community life as a sure guide for remaining focused in our search for God. We will also consider the character of monastic life - the spiritual values of obedience, humility, stability, patience, silence etc as ways of keeping our desire for God alive and active.
There will be opportunities for the reading of texts (both ancient and modern), personal reflection, and the sharing of experience and insight… ...and the unique opportunity to live this order and character of Benedictine life in the monastic setting of New Norcia.
Sr Margaret Malone SGS was a teacher, both primary and secondary. After study at Catholic University in Washington DC, she was a member of the formation team and responsible for on-going formation programmes within her community. She has taught at the Canberra campus of ACU and Notre Dame University Australia in the areas of sacraments, liturgy, social justice and women’s studies. She now lives in a community in Perth and is involved in organizing and administering study programmes on the Rule of Benedict and its sources.
Fr John Herbert OSB joined the monastic community at New Norcia in 1995. He is presently the parish priest, director of the spirituality programme in the monastery guesthouse, and is working on a master’s degree in counselling.
JULY 31-AUGUST 2
St Benedict & Smaragdus of Saint Mihiel
Sr Margaret Malone SGS & Fr David Barry OSB
A weekend of close reading and ruminating on the 6th C Rule of St Benedict and the 9th C Commentary of Smaragdus of Saint Mihiel. Through selecting key texts from the Rule and corresponding Commentary we will come to a greater understanding of the monastic and spiritual life of the Middle Ages and how this understanding may provide enlightenment for our spiritual life today.
Sr Margaret Malone SGS was a teacher, both primary and secondary. After study at Catholic University in Washington DC, she was a member of the formation team and responsible for on-going formation programmes within her community. She has taught at the Canberra campus of ACU and Notre Dame University Australia in the areas of sacraments, liturgy, social justice and women’s studies. She now lives in a community in Perth and is involved in organizing and administering study programmes on the Rule of Benedict and its sources.
Fr David Barry OSB made solemn profession at New Norcia in 1960. He has studied at Sant’ Anselmo, Rome and Saint Benet’s Hall, Oxford, as well as at UWA. In addition to doing parish work, teaching, working in monastic formation, and giving spiritual direction and retreats in Australia, he has also taught in China and done archival work in Europe. Fr David’s translation of Smaragdus’ Commentary was published by Cistercian Studies in 2007.
SEPTEMBER 4-6
Women in the Scriptures
Stephanie Woods
A refreshing opportunity to search the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, to find in them important biblical women and their role in the great story of salvation history. Through historical, literary and narrative criticism, we will examine the biblical accounts of some key women in the bible, highlighting their attributes and exploring how their story resonates with our contemporary spiritual journey towards God.
Stephanie Woods is a teacher and mother of three. Stephanie spent 18 years as a parish based catechist in sacramental preparation for children and adults, and has been involved in catechist training for the Archdiocese. She is currently a presenter for the Maranatha Institute for Adult Faith Formation, offering courses at the C.E.O., in parishes, and for the Christian Meditation Community in W.A. Stephanie recently retired after eight years as Chair of the Catholic Marriage Education Services/Natural Fertility Services Board.
OCTOBER 2-4
A Retreat for Walkers
Di Challen
A weekend offering guided walks through some of the virgin bush of New Norcia and local nature reserves. Retreatants will consider the spiritual values of silence, solitude, the stewardship of beauty, communing with God through nature and community life.
Di Challen has a long history of working and playing in the Australian outdoors, having spent much of her childhood in the bush with her father, a National Park Ranger. For the past nine years she has been involved in guiding and facilitating outdoor activities for corporate groups, schools, the public and, more recently, for people with mental health problems. Bush walking is her passion, and she has trekked extensively throughout Australia. She has a Bachelor of Science in Physical and Health Education and is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Theology. In her spare time, Di loves to retire to our beautiful Australian outdoors for some quiet reflection and contemplation.
OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 1
The Riches of Contemplative Prayer
Anne Zevis & John Auer
"There is but one road which reaches God and that is prayer. If anyone shows you another you are being deceived" (Teresa of Avila). Henri Nouwen has said that prayer "is the only necessary thing" while St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians exhorting them to "pray without ceasing". Yet there are times when we perhaps have neither the time nor the inclination to pray. Come and be challenged and re-energised by the enthusiasm and immediacy contained in the writings of the Christian mystics as we explore their experiences of prayer. "There is nothing more powerful than a person praying well." (St. John Chrysostom).
Anne Zevis is based in Fremantle having moved there from Melbourne about 15 years ago. She is a committed meditator and was introduced to the practice through an interest in Indian Philosophy. Anne has been married for over 35 years. Following a successful career in the air transportation industry she now works in special needs education. In lieu of formal academic qualifications Anne draws on her wide experiences in the ‘School of Life.’ She has a particular interest in the communal aspects of our faith journeys and the spiritual interface between our interior and exterior lives.
John Auer has recently returned to Australia after more than four decades in the USA and the UK. He is an experienced meditator and trained spiritual director who has served on the UK Christian Meditation Community National Council. John has led retreats, days of reflection and workshops on various themes including Contemplative and Ignatian spirituality. John and Anne are the new directors of the Christian Meditation Community of W.A.
NOVEMBER 20-22
Jubilate: A Retreat for Musicians
Gabrielle Mercer
A weekend of renewal and reflection for those involved in music ministry. An opportunity to make music together, participate in the Divine Office and contribute to the worship on the feast of Christ the King. Open to instrumentalists and singers from all Christian traditions.
Gabrielle Mercer studied piano and voice in Melbourne and London, graduating with an honours degree. She worked initially in music therapy, performance and education before beginning studies in pipe organ and theology, and working in parish music in Melbourne. After a long affinity with monastic life Gabrielle came to live at New Norcia in December 2005 and works for the monks as their Organist and Liturgy Co-ordinator.
NOVEMBER 27-29
Listening, Trusting, Waiting: An Advent Retreat
Carmel Ross
The first chapter of Luke’s gospel contains passages that are dear to the hearts of many Christians and which set the scene for the incarnation. This retreat will focus of four core events in this chapter – the visit of the angel Gabriel to Zechariah, announcing the pregnancy of Elizabeth with John the Baptist; the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary, announcing her pregnancy with the “Son of God”; Mary’s visit to Elizabeth; and the Magnificat. The retreat will invite participants to reflect on the importance of these passages, and will also extend their relevance to personal faith – How do we listen to God? How much do we trust God? How do we share our faith, the good news? And, how do we praise God? Input will include the scripture passages, music, film and art, with periods of silence being provided for personal prayer and reflection.
Carmel Ross holds degrees in psychology, religious education and business administration and has worked in almost all sectors of education. In recent years Carmel has completed several Masters level units in theology at Boston College, including studies in theology of liturgy, moral theology, ecclesiology, sharing faith and spirituality. She has considerable experience in preparing and leading group prayer and reflection times with adult groups. Carmel is presently the Chief Executive Officer of New Norcia.
Enquiries: Bernadette, Phone. (08) 9654 8002, Fax. (08) 9654 8097, Email. guesthouse@newnorcia.wa.edu.au