We warmly welcome Fr Neil to SGM Wellington workgroup - He is a Marist priest and his journey so far includes university chaplain, tertiary lecturer, speaker and writer. He brings with him not only a wealth of knowledge and experience, but also the warmth and love for people and passion for the environment.
Fr Neil is also an experienced retreat leader and he is part of the team leading the 2/3/5 day retreat.
You can find out more about Fr Neil here:
https://acsd.org.nz/spiritual-director/neil-vaney/

It may be hard to imagine that we are already at the season of Advent, as we mark the start of the Church calendar year, you might want to make some space for your soul before everything else sets in for the year!
Here at SGM we endeavour to offer you intentional times and spaces where you can have a clear space.
The retreat dates for next year is set - mark your calendar, book the retreat, make space.
Often wondered about going on a retreat but never went to one? Feel free to ask any questions or let us know what might make it easier for you to make it.

There are also many contemplative events all over NZ, see SGM website and download your copy for 2023 events:
https://www.sgm.org.nz/retreat-event-calendar

Peter Spink was an English Anglican priest, Canon of Coventry Cathedral, former Warden of Burrswood the Anglican home of healing and prayer established by Dorothy Kerin in 1948, mystic, spiritual teacher, writer and founder of the Omega Order a mixed teaching and contemplative community. 
Prior to his death in November 2010 Peter visited New Zealand regularly between 1980 -2006 conducting teaching sessions and running retreats.  A steady stream of New Zealanders visited the Omega Community in the UK participating in the rhythm of its life.
Peter taught a meditation practice or spiritual discipline that today is described as a ‘awareness practice’.  Through the discipline of both external and internal silence practitioners sought to awaken ‘the heart to the truth as it is in Jesus’ and were encouraged to find the ‘observer platform’ from where to look into ’the still clear pool of reflection’ – the heart.  He is considered a contemporary of Thomas Keating, Bede Griffith and John Main.
Apart from his published works, Peter left a considerable legacy of recordings comprising short study programmes suitable for individual and small group use and a significant number of lectures on a variety of subjects.
Appreciating Peter’s profound understanding of silence and it’s use, his approach to meditation and deep insight into the heart of creation and his ability to share it with so many in life changing ways some of those who journeyed with him here in NZ have collected together his teachings together with some background and publications of the Omega Order. They have been placed in a digital archive from where they can be accessed either to be listened to or downloaded for personal/group use.
https://peterspinkarchive.org/

Meeting God at the Movies - An Ignatian Approach to Prayer
Father Brian Cummings SM will help us understand how movies can not only entertain but also assist us to live healthier lives. There will be a film screening as part of this workshop. At Pā Maria Marist Spirituality Centre in Thorndon, Wellington

The Incarnation of Spirituality:  The unification of Mind/ Body/ Spirit
Ferrell Irvine will provide experiential exercises to enhance focus on our body selves. She will also be teaching the tools of the 12 steps of AA. The aim of the day will be to offer further integration of mind, body and spirit. At St Christopher’s and Our Lady of Fatima Church in Tawa, Wellington

IDT and Spirituality
Mary Brownlow will lead this IDT workshop exploring the potential of spiritual qualities such as presence, trust, connectedness and stillness in relation to using IDT. We will explore how mindfulness fits in with IDT and how we can cultivate a state of presence within ourselves to best create a safe space for our clients.
At St Christopher’s and Our Lady of Fatima Church in Tawa, Wellington

Spirituality, music and music therapy: Exploring sound, self and life’s big questions
Join Rachel Austin in a range of experiences exploring and reflecting on the intersection of spirituality and music. No music experiences are required. At St Christopher’s and Our Lady of Fatima Church in Tawa, Wellington

Fees:  Member: $85    Non-member: $95
For more information and registration:
https://acsd.org.nz/acsd-open-day-2-sept-2021/