An opportunity to retreat, reflect, refresh, reconnect and relax!

IN the current climate of busyness, we are all called to take time and reflect on what is important in life. The House of Prayer is offering an opportunity to participate in a very special retreat.

The Cumann Ghra initiative began in 2014, is still going strong and as always, open to anyone who would like to participate in one of more of these retreats.

Marg Trevethan, Chairperson of the House of Prayer said: “In this Spiritual experience we recognise God comes to us and we go to God through the ordinary and everyday – through experiences, relationships, creation.”

The work of writers and Scripture is a stimulus to the discussion: Richard Rohr, Beatrice Bruteau and John O’donahue have challenged us in the early years.

Father Alan broke open the Scripture in the first retreat this year, with a chance to examine the two Genesis stories again. An Astonishing Secret not only offered scripture to invite us to a new way of seeing the sacredness of every creature, and a deeper way of living our lives but another window to explore Laudato Si’.

Participants keep returning for many reasons: “Love belonging to a group whose books inspire, challenge, empower and affirm us.”

(Rita); “Participating in the Cumann Ghra (Gathering in Friendship) retreats at the House of Prayer over the last four years has been a source of great blessing for me. I would simply describe Earth Our Original Monastery and the whole experience of Cumann Ghra as An annual holiday with God “(Sr Carmel)

As well as quiet reflection time each retreat offers a creative element. Christine Paintner’s Celtic approach invites participants to ponder the threads of their own lives and weave a Celtic Knot. Cumann Ghra retreats offer prayer, scripture, music, silence, meditation, conversation, and the beauty of nature in the walks in Anderson Gardens. Participants share a simple meal of soup and bread and acknowledge in the words of Thomas Moore “Spirituality is to be found and nurtured in the smallest of daily activities”.

“Come in Friendship” (Cumann Ghra) is an invitation for women and men to gather four times a year at the House of Prayer from 3pm Saturday until 3pm Sunday.

For further information contact the House of Prayer (07) 4728 9861 email houseofprayer@tsv.catholic.or g.au and ask to be added to the email list for Cumann Ghra.