“Spiritual Accompaniment is for everyone,” says a team of Spiritual Directors, namely: Mary Murphy, Mark Needham, Paul White, and Fran Smullen who, with the approval of Bishop Shane Mackinlay, are committed to making spiritual accompaniment accessible and affordable to all within the Sandhurst Diocese.
1. An initiative
Last year, these Spiritual Directors teamed up and approached Bishop Shane with a view to offering reflection days and short retreats in various parts of the Diocese. Bishop Shane was enthusiastic about this possibility; and suggested a number of vacant church premises which could be available. “Our aim is to offer affordable retreats, so people of our country Diocese have access to these spiritual opportunities.”
2. Support
The ongoing nature and viability of the Team has been made possible by a generous grant from the Sandhurst Solidarity (Bishop Noel Daly) Fund, coordinated by Fr Dennis Crameri. This fund can assist with the financial cost of retreats as required. Parishes will also be reimbursed for facilities used during the reflection and retreat days.
3. Reflection Days and Retreats
The Team aims to collaborate with local parishes in organising and planning reflection days and retreats that meet the needs of individuals, parish groups and beyond. Their intent is to provide a quiet, restful environment that allows individuals and groups the opportunity for prayerful practice that nourishes the soul.
In planning a reflection day or retreat the Team draws on different spiritual traditions. Spiritualities such as Benedictine, Ignatian, the Desert Mothers and Fathers, the Mystics and Creation Spirituality are rich traditions which enhance present-day faith lives. Scripture, of course, is fundamental to these retreats.
Individual retreats, group retreats, parish group retreats, are all possibilities along with reflection days that fit with the liturgical seasons of the church.
4. The Team
While the Retreat Team has some designated parishes to work with, there may be other parishes, individuals or groups interested in seeking a life-giving opportunity to respond to the call to “Come away by yourselves … and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31).
So please feel free to make contact to explore options.
The Team email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mary, Fran, Paul and Mark look forward to hearing from you.
