Formation Events

Staff Integral Ecology Retreat

From the 29-31 October, seven Kildare Ministries schools came together for our first Integral Ecology Retreat in Lancefield. Staff from Star of the Sea College, Marian College (Sunshine West), Clonard College, Kilbreda College, St Joseph’s College, Killester College and Kildare College, all made the significant journey to be together to learn about integral ecology, be immersed in our magnificent natural world and contemplate the wonder of God’s creation and our role within it. 

The weather was perfect, and Lancefield was the perfect setting for our time together.  

We were joined by facilitators, Alice Carwardine and Jet Talarico who each bought their particular expertise to the group and warmly created a beautiful open and collaborative space for learning, prayer and conversation. 

After settling in and getting to know a little about each other and why we were there, we began the retreat with contemplation of the ‘Living Water’ of Jesus’ teaching and what this means to us within an ecological spirituality. We were then lead on a vivid and moving cosmic walk created by Alice – this was a lot to begin with and so spending time creating a living mandala gently guided by Jet provided much needed space and time to gather our thoughts and feelings and begin to form our personal responses. 

That night, we travelled to Hanging Rock to become immersed in the wonder of our creation and the visit this most ancient meeting place for three first nations peoples.The Woi Wurrung (Wurundjeri), Dja Dja Wurrung, and Taungurung all gathered at this place for various ceremonies, initiations and trade for at least 26, 000 years and it is a place of very deep spiritual and sacred significance. We began by climbing the rock guided by a ranger who explained all the significant landmarks and natural features – it is an amazing natural wonder and the changing colours throughout the late evening were breathtaking, as were the views when we got to the top. At the top, surrounded by upright rock structures, we participated in body prayer together - so uplifting! We were then led in the darkness by spotlight, around the circumference of the rock itself and were amazed by the wildlife peeking out between the branches at us. Needless to say, we slept particularly well that evening. 

The following morning, we contemplated Genesis and our call to care for the things of the earth as God does before leaving for Edgar’s Mission, a refuge for injured or rejected farm animals. Edgar’s Mission is a not-for-profit organisation which raises awareness and support for the humane treatment of animals. They proudly state that their mission is one of kindness, and the gentleness in the way the animals were treated sparked much thought amongst us all. 

Following lunch, we participated in a session about how we can lighten our footsteps on the earth with by becoming more aware of the impact of our everyday actions. This was followed with practical advice and ideas for altering our routines for protecting our natural world. If this wasn’t enough, Alice then led us in a practical workshop creating perfumes to demonstrate how habits can be changed with an opening of heart and imagination. 

The following day we spent most of the time in contemplative prayer interspersed with conversations about how we might interpret what we have heard and shared in our school lives, in our curriculum and in our personal lives. 

This first Integral Ecology retreat proved to be an enjoyable and deep experience, and we look forward to the programs continued development into the future. 

Student Leadership Retreat

Newly elected student leaders of Kildare Ministries arrived at Saltbush, Balnarring Beach on Wednesday the 20th of November for two nights. Breaking the ice between these students who had never met took no time at all, their engagement and excellent communication skills were evident right away. Participating in a number of collaborative activities was fun and set the scene perfectly for a great time spent together for the next two days. 

On the first afternoon, student participated in a presentation and activities entitled ‘Life to the Full’ where we examined and discussed what this concept from Jesus’ teaching could mean for leadership, and particularly for leadership which adopts our Kildare Ministries charter of Living Justice, Living Peace. These activities discussed the idea of ‘seeing clearly’ which Jesus often spoke about, and we learned about the skills of leadership that involve this very necessary mindfulness. To embed this learning, we created some roleplays which showcased these skills in scenarios likely to occur within our school leadership, and then we critiqued and discussed which ones worked the best and why, and what other alternative skills could be employed. It was rich conversation. 

Before dinner, Maree Feutrill, CEO of Saltbush, led us all on a walk through the new land and opportunities Saltbush is embracing. Maree spoke about the revegetation of the land at the back of Saltbush and how this could be utilised as teaching and learning opportunity for schools in the future answering the cry of the earth. Maree also talked about the importance of dreaming up new opportunities for Justice and Peace as well as the very necessary commitment to volunteering and what this means for Saltbush in real terms. Visiting Saltbush is such a rich experience for our students who see justice and peace in action, they find it so inspiring. 

Following dinner, we examined values and how these interplay with ethical decision making, and this led on to the final session before bed. In the ‘Losing your Life to Save it’ presentation we looked at the motivations of St Brigid and Nano, and what ‘losing oneself’ in the fullness of life as Jesus promised, and ‘losing oneself’ in what we are called to be by God, might be like.

After a pre-breakfast walk on the beautiful Balnarring Beach, we settled in to hear from Alice Kett, alumna of Kilbreda College and our special guest. Students were captivated by Alice – her explanation and lived examples of vulnerable leadership were so accessible to everyone, including the teachers present. We are so grateful to her for sharing her time with us so generously. Students love to ‘see their possible future selves’ in our special alumni at this retreat. 

After lunch we shared a brief journey up and down Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and then we then rolled up our sleeves and got into some real volunteer work for Saltbush, weeding, painting and tidying. We tried to get as much done as we could! We hoped to make a tiny difference. 

Settling in after dinner, we attended to the ‘hospitality moments’ in our lives by examining the story of Martha and Mary and how important it is to understand the moment we are in so that we can offer the best response to the need that is there. We talked about ‘listening to hear, not to respond’, and about not being ‘busy’ for the sake of being busy. The activity that followed challenged students to ‘really listen to hear’, not just perceived to be listening. In the subsequent chat, they admitted how hard it is to really hear the other person deeply and in the moment.  

The following day consisted of a liturgy on the beach, an activity for re-cap, and finally, students split up to design and lead the final liturgy of the camp. It was heartwarming and inspiring liturgy to be a part of. We all left on a high! 

Special thanks go to the people behind the scenes at each of our schools who commit to getting our students there, it is yet another job in already busy schedules. Enormous thanks go to the wonderful teachers who escort our students there, who by giving up their time show our students just how important they are. And finally, all credit to the students who came. Their commitment, willingness, friendliness and openness to learn is ever amazing. We are lucky indeed in our Kildare Ministries community to be in their company and have the next generation of students (and beyond) led by them. 

Renee Oberin

Mission Leader

Kildare Ministries