In September, 36 women gathered for a guided three-day retreat in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
Organised by the Adult Formation team at Evangelisation Brisbane, the retreat was held at the tranquil Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre. The beautiful grounds provided the perfect setting for retreatants to step away from their daily routines and enter into a peaceful space of reflection and encounter with God.
The theme, ‘In Conversation with Jesus’, invited retreatants to discover the many ways God speaks to us - whether through Scripture, prayer, nature, or through the faith stories shared by others. Retreatants were encouraged to be attentive to God's "still, small voice," much like the gentle whisper that spoke to Elijah - quiet yet deeply profound.
Over the course of the weekend, the women explored how to nurture their relationship with Jesus in the everyday moments of life. Workshops offered new and creative approaches to prayer, while outdoor sessions allowed for a contemplative experience of God through nature. Mass and Reconciliation were central to the retreat, offering key moments of grace and healing. Times of reflection also encouraged participants to spend time with God and deepen their personal faith journeys.
Fellowship was also central to the retreat. The women engaged in meaningful conversations and built connections while participating in hands-on activities such as making rosary and prayer bracelets. These creative expressions became a form of prayer and meditation, helping retreatants connect, fostering a sense of sisterhood.
The retreat featured reflections on the lives of two great women of faith - Mary Magdalene and the Woman at the Well. Their stories of transformation through their encounters with Jesus served as powerful examples of how each conversation with Christ is deeply personal and unique. These women offered inspiration to all retreatants, highlighting that Jesus meets us where we are, offering boundless love.
One poignant moment was the reflection on the scripture passage of the Transfiguration, which resonated deeply with the participants. For one woman, witnessing the sunrise the next morning became her own “transfiguration moment”, a profound encounter with God.
By the end of the retreat, retreatants left with a renewed commitment to staying in conversation with Jesus. Equipped with practical tools, creative insights, and a sense of community, the women left inspired to carry their experiences into their daily lives. The retreat highlighted that the journey with Christ is ever-evolving, enriched by prayer, creativity, reflection, and the support of a faith-filled community.
The at capacity retreat underscored the vital need for women’s ministry, providing a space where women can gather, share their faith stories and grow closer to Jesus.
Lisa McKerr is part of Evangelisation Brisbane’s Adult Formation team and is a member of the Advisory Council for the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry.
Links
Evangelisation Brisbane - Adult Formation: Resources and Events
Image: Supplied
Words: Lisa McKerr