Tasmania
Emmanuel Centre - Launceston
God-with-us is made real in our lives and ministry. The Emmanuel experience
flourishes wherever Sisters and their companions in ministry gather:
- believing firmly in the truth of God-with-us
- having a core purpose, nourished always by a strong spiritual foundation
- welcoming, as central to the life of the community and ministry, people from differing backgrounds and faith experiences
- open to the unique environment in which the initiative emerges, and adaptable to new circumstances and invitations
- committed to an experience of community which is hospitable, flexible and inclusive.
A modern image for this experience is presented by the poet, Les Murray as the ‘common dish’. In the image of the ‘common dish’ Les Murray recognises an Australian quality that is, or could be, our gift to the world.
In terms of our Josephite spirit and way of life, this image encapsulates that Josephite spirit of simplicity and hospitality; that way of being with people where they are; of living among them sharing what they have and what we have from the ‘common dish’ of life in the local environment.
Les Murray puts it this way:
‘That vessel of common human sufferings, joys, disappointments, tragedies and bare sufficiencies from which most people have to eat in this world, and from which some choose to eat in order to keep faith with them. This dish is one that can be shared by ALL. It is the opposite to the Holy Grail which can only be gained by a FEW, the spiritually elite. The ritual of the common dish doesn’t judge a person by race, class, wealth or education. It welcomes each because they share humanity with us. It is the daily living out of Jesus’ command to us to ‘love one another as I have loved you.’
In the footsteps of Mary and Julian, Josephites go ‘where others do not choose to go’ to share the social and spiritual isolation of the people and to trust that Divine Providence will see to their needs. The ‘common dish’ - the simple complex things of life, offers hospitality to all through a listening ear, the readiness to share time, gifts and kind, to ‘walk with’ and pray with the community who, not only gather around this common dish, but who ARE the richness of ‘the common dish’.
The fabric of the Josephite way of life is, perhaps, the ‘dish’ - the structure, the environment which enables others to experience the sense of community that the ‘common dish’ provides, so great is the strength we possess in unity. (Mary MacKillop, 30.08.1874)
The Emmanuel Centre is regarded as a centre for healing by people burdened by mental illness who visit for Spiritual Direction, meditation, peer support groups or annual spirituality and mental health workshops. The workshops have focussed on spiritual journeys not mental illness. Diverse areas such as anger, forgiveness, risk taking and hope have been explored.
People who come to Emmanuel have an opportunity to explore their creative and spiritual needs in a safe, peaceful, accepting environment where they can unfold their stories in their own time. They find they have someone to be with them in their time of despair and confusion. While mental illness is distressing, demeaning, disabling and destructive people involved with the Emmanuel community are treated with dignity and discover what enlivens and energizes them.
The Emmanuel Centre connects people in so many ways in an expanding, life giving web. The creation of the Labyrinth now links us with the ongoing greening of the planet. People from any faith tradition are encouraged to attend workshops or to visit the Emmanuel Labyrinth. The sacred container, in a safe, peaceful setting can be walked as a path of prayer, a tool to reduce stress or for spiritual healing.
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The Labyrinth, a metaphor for life, enables the pilgrim to connect with the mystery that, spiritual life is a journey with lessons to be learnt along the way. The journey can be enhanced by a healthy, embodied imagination. By placing one foot in front of the other on the path we can quiet the mind. The Labyrinth then becomes a tool that can help us to get to the centre of life as we ask ourselves questions such as – What in my life is calling me? The Labyrinth can help us to become people with a compassionate heart.
For more information visit the website.
MacKillop Hill Spirituality Centre - Forth
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MacKillop Hill Spirituality Centre at Forth, operates under the auspices of the Sisters of St Joseph.
The Centre welcomes people of all faiths or no particular religious persuasion. Its mission is ongoing adult faith education and formation. This happens in a variety of ways. Spiritual direction or Companioning, is available for all who seek to discover and respond to God in the ordinariness of daily human experience.
Several trained spiritual directors work in this ministry at a number of locations along the North West Coast of Tasmania. Retreat in daily life (4-5weeks) enables a person to continue everyday occupations whilst including time to reflect with a Prayer Guide once a week. Programs are advertised throughout the year in the MacKillop Hill brochure, in churches throughout the region and in many other venues.
A well-stocked contemporary spirituality library is open to all. Books, journals and audio-visual materials can be borrowed on a monthly basis. An outreach program offering specifically targeted programs to individuals, parishes, schools and community groups is available on request.
