A wonder-full experience. A real gift.
Given me new life and energy for the journey.
The word ‘colloquium’ (and our word ‘colloquial’) comes from the Latin word meaning ‘conversation’. The Sisters of Saint Joseph Colloquium is a three-day residential experience for people who work and minister in the tradition of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods. It provides an opportunity for individuals to explore and share the stirrings and challenges in their own hearts and lives, as they respond to this call in a new age.
As participants share their experiences of ministry, and their ways of interpreting the spirit of Mary and Julian in the world of the twenty-first century, they inspire and challenge each other to risk new purpose and new commitment. The challenges that faced Mary and Julian in 1866 are as relevant today as they were in their time. Their deep concern for those on the margins of visibility, their hope in a world in which justice, peace and equality are worth struggling for, and their commitment to a God who is bigger than all of us, challenge us here and now in this century. Like Mary and Julian, we too are called to constant conversion and transformation in our living of the gospel and all that is best in the human story.
Over the years, participants have spoken of the ways that the Colloquium has given new life and energy to their journey, reinvigorating their passion for their ministry and challenging them to make life choices that embody the Josephite charism.
I was deeply touched by the warmth, knowledge and sharing given.
Hugely grateful for the time to reflect on how Mary’s and Julian’s pioneering spirit, courage and tenacity can be reflected in the choices and contributions I make in my life.
Contact Information
Congregational Colloquium
Phone: (02) 8912 2726
Email: colloquium@sosj.org.au
Aotearoa New Zealand
Phone: +64 211 218 582
Email: nzadmin@sosj.org.au
Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9926 9300
Email: admin.mmhc@sosjspirit.org.au
Website: www.mmsm.org.au/centres/melbourne
Tasmania
Phone: (03) 6228 1628
Email: Simone.Mcmanus@sosjspirit.org.au
Website: www.mmsm.org.au/centres/hobart
Mary MacKillop “Daughter of Melbourne” Colloquium
This Colloquium explores the life and spirit of Mary MacKillop in Melbourne, Victoria.
While it is an opportunity to learn about and be touched by the life and spirit of Mary MacKillop, it is also an opportunity for people who work and minister in the tradition of Mary to explore and share the challenges and stirrings in their own hearts and lives, as they respond to this call in a new age.
As participants share their experiences of ministry, and their particular ways of interpreting the spirit of Mary in their work today they inspire and challenge each other to risk new purpose and new commitment.
The challenges facing Mary in 1866 are as relevant today as they were in their time. Their deep concern for those on the margins, their belief in the empowerment of each person, their hope in a world in which justice, peace and equality are worth struggling for.
The Colloquium takes place at the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre Melbourne and comprises:
- A series of input sessions
- Participant exchange
- Visits to Melbourne sites
- Periods of reflection
- Accreditation approval.
This Colloquium places the Tasmanian Josephite story within the context of the Universe story, salvation history and the founding story of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods.
We welcome participants from schools and colleges: teachers, administrative staff, members of Boards and Governing Councils as well as our Companions and co-workers in other Josephite ministries.
At the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Ministry, Josephite Mission and History Centre in Hobart, participants are immersed in the Josephite story, its origins and expansion, especially in Tasmania. It is an opportunity for participants to gather with others to contemplate, to share, to explore and to imbibe the spirit of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods as it is expressed today in the lives of people who are attracted to the spirit of St Joseph. We hope, too, that these days provide an opportunity for participants to meet, pray and talk with a group of friends who will provide on-going mutual support.
Each year the Colloquium takes place over two days at the Josephite Mission and History Centre, 67 Clare Street, New Town, followed some months later by a one-day pilgrimage to the lower midlands of Tasmania. Here, pilgrims walk in the footsteps of Father Julian, who ministered in this area in the early 1870’s, and the early sisters who established schools in Oatlands, Tunnack and Colebrook.
