2017 Spiritual Gathering

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council

2017 NATSICC FORMATION GATHERING

3-6 April 2017

Stradbroke Island

A Spiritual Gathering for those working in Ministry with

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Online booking

here

Held on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island), the 2017 Retreat will bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics (and those who work with us) to discuss culture, faith, scripture and prayer.

NATSICC held the first Formation Gathering at Alice Springs in 2016 and it received wide coverage in Catholic Media as well as local newspapers, radio stations and websites.

From the 3 - 6 April, participants will explore the ways in which Catholic faith and traditional culture can complement and grow our spiritual foundations. The retreat will take place in the most relaxing and tranquil of settings - the Moreton Bay Research Station in Dunwich.

Many of us work in remote locations, and can often feel isolated so the Gathering is an opportunity to build networks and learn from one another is a caring and encouraging environment.

Who can attend?

The Gathering is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics as well as those that are working in Ministry with us.

Venue

The gathering will take place at the Moreton Bay Research Station on the corner of Flinders Avenue and Fraser Streets Dunwich QLD 4183.

Program (subject to change)

Day 1 (Monday 3 April): Recollection

Starting at 1pm, delegates will learn about the Island and its Traditional Custodians. Renowned presenter Matt Burns will share the spiritual richness of Minjerribah and place people in the context of culture. A reflective scriptural session will give delegates the opportunity to reflect and leave 'baggage' behind and create a positive mindset for the gathering.

Day 2 (Tuesday 4 April): Formation

Formation is the key to building the capacity of those working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministry. Presenters and delegates will explore the following topics:

Meeting the Holy Spirit in Faith and Culture
Exploring Scripture

Day 3 (Wednesday 5 April): Pilgrimage

Hosted by Evelyn Parkin, delegates will visit Lake Bummeria (Brown Lake), Point Lookout, and the Stradbroke Island Museum. An optional evening session will be also take place after dinner.

Day 4 (Thursday 6 April): Reflection

Concluding after lunch, the final day will give delegates the opportunity to reflect on their experiences during the week and work towards ways of implementing their new found knowledge and experience.

Price

Registration : $390 (Includes all meals, workshop materials, pilgrimage and cultural presentations)

Accommodation

The Research station has very affordable, convenient accommodation on site. Accommodation is basic, however most rooms have shared ensuite facilities and start at $250 for a twin share room for 3 nights (total cost for 2 people).

Other accommodation is available in Dunwich via private leasing and Point Lookout is only 20 minutes away should you wish to stay there and commute to Dunwich.

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Getting to the Research Station (Dunwich) from Brisbane airport

The only way to Dunwich (on Stradbroke Island) is via Ferry, which departs from Cleveland Station (30kms from Brisbane CBD)

Airport to Cleveland Station / Ferry Departure

Option 1: Airtrain and bus services from Brisbane Airport will take you to Brisbane City centre terminals where train connections are available to Cleveland. Use the Journey planner to view timetables and plan your trip. Courtesy buses to meet trains in Cleveland and take you to Toondah Harbour.

Option 2: A taxi fare to the ferry departure point (Toondah Harbour). Approximately a $75 fare.

Toondah Harbour to Dunwich

Please ensure that you use the Stradbroke Flyer ferry service. This ferry arrives at Dunwich, where we will provide a transfer to the Gathering venue. The flyer website and timetable is here.

*Please call Craig Arthur on 0402 019 536 to advise of your ferry departure to ensure that we are there to meet you on arrival.