Waterholes depicted by Australian Indigenous artists are often shown as a series of concentric circles, lines radiating out, radiating in – connecting the water in the centre to the life around. The image of the waterhole reflects something of how Benedictus seeks to be – a place of refreshment and replenishment, an open sanctuary in the midst of our city. Everyone, from whatever background or tradition, is welcome to come sit awhile in the garden, join us for meditation or participate in gatherings that offer a chance to rest, reflect and be returned to daily life replenished.
Concert- An Evening with John Coleman and Friends
Benedictus is hosting a concert with John Coleman in the hall at St Ninians on Thursday 31 October.
In this concert, John will share new creations as well as diving into the back catalogue to play and sing songs that have meant much to him over the years. As part of the concert, John will be joined on stage by mate Al Campbell from their band ‘The Lovely Boats’. He will also be supported by a short set from Canberra-based troubadours ‘Bene.dict.us’.
When: Thursday 31 October, 7.30 – 9.00pm
Where: St Ninians Hall, 150 Brigalow St, Lyneham.
Cost: Entry by donation
Please see the attached flyer for more.
Welcome to Newcomers – Spring Sessions
Welcome to Newcomers offers a brief history of Benedictus and gives a sense of how the community works; it’s an opportunity to meet and connect with others, and to find out more about our various offerings. Everyone is welcome (including if you’ve been around for a while, but want to know more of the ‘back story’!). Please join us on:
Sunday 13 October (in the hall), 2.30-4.00pm (followed by afternoon tea)
Monday 14 October (online), 7-8.30pm (use the link for online evening meditation)
For more information or to register your interest, email info@benedictus.com.au
Creative Arts Retreat
NOW FULLY BOOKED – TO ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITING LIST, PLEASE CONTACT SUSANNA
This retreat offers contemplative space for you to explore your particular creative pursuits and also to gain windows into new avenues for making art.
Savour silence, song, art, music, dance, poetry – whatever draws you – in the context of a retreat where a rhythm of shared meditation, input, and personal time for art making will form the rhythm.
The space will be held by singer songwriter John Coleman, and poet John Foulcher with a small team.
We gather on Friday afternoon at (5pm) and finish after lunch on Monday so we will have ample time to open to the creative spirit within us and between us.
When: Friday 1 November 5.00pm – Monday 4 November after lunch
Where: St Clements Retreat and Conference Centre, Galong, NSW Ensuite Room: $600 Shared Bathroom: $520
Please note on booking a deposit of $300 is required, with the remaining monies due one month prior to the Retreat. If cost is an issue, please speak to us, as we have some capacity for scholarships.
Bookings via TryBooking here
Trauma-Informed Practice Workshop
As part of our commitment to promoting a safe space and culture within Benedictus and the broader community, we are holding a Trauma-Informed Practice workshop. The workshop will be facilitated by Louise and Dave Bromhead (Wellbeing EDvantage), members of Benedictus who are experienced facilitators in this area.
The aim of the workshop is to promote understanding of the key features of trauma and how trauma affects individuals, organisational health and spirituality. It is not designed primarily as a therapeutic offering for those suffering the impact of trauma, but is an opportunity to become more trauma-informed and learn how to minimise rather than amplify trauma impacts in the way we generate and participate in community.
This is a workshop that will be of value to those who have leadership responsibilities within our Benedictus community, as well as in the workplace or in other community organisations. Anyone is welcome to participate and the workshop will be available in person and on Zoom. For more detailed information, please see the attached flyer
When: Saturday 16 November, 9am-4pm (BYO lunch; morning & afternoon tea supplied)
Where: In person at St Ninian’s; On Zoom (link supplied when you register)
Cost: By donation (suggested donation $50)
For more information or to register, please contact info@benedictus.com.au
Notorious Nietzsche and Religion (with Nikolai Blaskow)
Nikolai Blaskow, Benedictus’s very own Nietzsche scholar, is offering a series of lectures which seek to:
- introduce Nietzsche in a fresh way to those readers familiar with his writings, those new to them but wanting to know more, and to scholars curious about a different way of reading him
- dispel the misconceptions which perpetuate the myth
- provide through his theology of suspicion, exciting ways of approaching religion and life into an AI dominated 21st and 22nd century
Lecture 1: The God Killer (held on November 2023)
Lecture 2: The Christ Denier (held on 11 April 2024)
Lecture 3: The Life Affirmer (Thursday 21 November, 7.30-9.00pm)
Lecture 1, “The God Killer” materials can be found here. For audio click here
Lecture 2, ‘The Christ Denier’. Lecture can be found here. For audio click here
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2025 Silent Retreat: Heaven in Ordinarie- Renewing Connection
Once again, Benedictus is offering a silent retreat this coming January. Led by Sarah, this retreat is an invitation, early in the year, to renew connection with the heart of prayer and so with the ground of our being. We will follow a gentle rhythm of meditation, rest and reflection, with time together and time for solitude, discovering the peaceable communion of love abiding in our midst. It will speak to experienced meditators and beginners. All are welcome.
When: Friday January 17 – Sunday January 19 2025
Where: St Clement’s Retreat Centre, Galong NSW
Cost: Ensuite Room $410, Shared Bathroom $380
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
For bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CVUBY
New Program: Formation in Contemplative Action
How does our contemplative practice make a difference in our daily lives? What does it mean to make decisions in a more contemplative spirit, to discern choices more wisely, to engage well with differences in the workplace or home? We are excited to let you know that in 2025, Benedictus is offering a year-long program for Formation in Contemplative Action.
This program will particularly speak to those who are seeking wisdom and a community that will support them to participate in work, leadership and the active life with expanded self-awareness, freedom and love. It is open to members of Benedictus and also to people beyond this community. The program involves two weekend retreats in January and July, a regular monthly gathering on Sunday afternoons, and one-one mentoring. There are limited places available and there will be a process of discernment and conversation as part of the application process.
For more information please see the attached flyer, or contact Sarah at info@benedictus.com.au