Quaker Learning Australia

Edmund Rice Centre, Mulgoa, Sydney
Sunday 26 August to Saturday 1 September

Format of the Meeting for Learning Retreat

Meeting for Learning (MfL) is a year-long program that commences and finishes with a week-long residential retreat. MfL is a time of inner seeking of the Spirit and learning about Quaker ways in company with members and attenders from around Australia. For most of the year-long program, individuals remain part of their regular community; the residential retreats provide the opportunity for individuals to commence and complete their MfL spiritual journey in the company of others undertaking the same process.

Themes for the retreats alternate. In 2011 the theme was spiritual nurture in community. In 2012 the theme will be our inner spiritual journey. The size of the group at each retreat is restricted to approximately 12 retreatants, who are guided by up to four facilitators during the Sunday to Saturday retreat. The facilitators provide reading materials, sessions, exercises and spiritual guidance to assist each participant’s spiritual journey. The resources provided allow retreatants to develop their knowledge of Quaker writings and beliefs, and to reflect on their own spiritual journey. Each day’s format is similar (with the exception of the silent day mid-week), allowing time for discussion, exploration and reflection. During the retreat, some activities are carried out as a whole group, some are conducted in small groups and some exercises are undertaken individually. Both structured and unstructured time is included in the retreat. A highlight of the retreat week is a silent day mid-week.

The MfL retreat is hosted by various states throughout Australia:

• 2012 and 2013 – Sydney, New South Wales
• 2014 and 2015 – QRM has offered to host MfL

F/friends from around Australia are encouraged to attend.

More information about the MfL program can be obtained by contacting Fiona Gardner on 03 5446 9951 or fiona.drew@impulse.net.au. As participant numbers are limited, it is best to enquire or register as early as possible.