The Abbey has a rich history filled with generous hospitality, deep personal & spiritual journey, awareness & preservation of the native environment.

The Abbey Program offers individuals and groups the opportunity to be involved.

The Program includes a range of creative events, retreats, workshops, conservation activities and pilgrimages.

Feel free to sign up using the button below to be notified by email of new events.

We look forward to welcoming you at The Abbey.

Weekly Eucharist

11.00am every Wednesday at The Abbey Chapel. Everyone is welcome. (Please note that there are no services at The Abbey during January.) 

Monthly Celtic Music Sessions

2nd Thursday of each month (7.00pm – 10.00pm). Come join us for an evening of music. Bring an instrument or just come and enjoy the evening. We’re in the Chapel.

For further information and bookings call 03 5156 6580 or info@theabbey.org.au

NOVEMBER 

21st Hush Quiet Day: Prayer Life of C.S Lewis.

Facilitator: Revd Jeff Berger   

As a young boy, Lewis was taught that prayers offered in faith would be granted. In later years, he changed his approach: “Praying for particular things,” said I, “always seems to be like advising God how to run the world. Wouldn’t it be wiser to assume that He knows best?” “On the same principle,” said he, “I suppose you never ask a man next to you to pass the salt, because God knows best whether you ought to have salt or not.

In the hands of C.S. Lewis scholar Revd Jeff Berger, Our Hush Quiet Day offers opportunities to explore how the prayer life of C.S. Lewis might relate to our own prayer life.

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by November 1.

21st Esther Swift harp concert

Tix available through Humanitix.com. BYO and bring your friends. Come join us for a night of stunning music. 

“Esther Swift explores ritual, connection, isolation, and the natural world in her performance with pedal harp and voice. A prolific, boldly innovative harpist, composer and singer, Esther works across genres as diverse as classical chamber music and free improvisation, and writes for ensembles large and small. Likened to Kate Bush, Anna Meredith and Björk, her style is influenced by her love of jazz, minimalism and dance music alongside her Scottish folk background.”

“Esther Swift is a monster musician. Be Very afraid” – Chris Wood

29th Ecumenical Conversation

This annual event, co-hosted by the Anglican and Roman Catholic Diocese in Gippsland, is an ideal preparation for the journey of Advent through to the blessings of Christmas and we hope you will be able to join us on this significant occasion.

Presenters: Revd Dr Merryl Blair OAM & Revd Dr Chris Monaghan.  

9.30am – 4.00pm. Lunch, morning & afternoon tea provided. Cost $25. RSVP by November 15.

DECEMBER

12th Hush Quiet Day: Come Apart to be A Part

Facilitator: Revd. Gradwell Fredericks

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by November 28.

Gradwell Fredericks is the current incumbent of Traralgon Anglican Parish. Gradwell practices contemplative spirituality and loves the writings of Eddy Askew, Henri Nouwen, Joyce Rupp, Richard Rohr and Eastern Spiritual writers. Each year Gradwell takes a a personal five- day silent retreat… To physically Retreat from… do  Reflection … to be Restored,Refreshed and Reenergised. 

12th Celtic Music Session. Monthly gathering of musicians of all abilities. 

Come join us in the Abbey Chapel for three hours of playing music with a Celtic (and other) bent. 7.00pm – 10.00pm. Second Thursday of every month.

2025

JANUARY

31st – February 2nd  Celtic Spirituality Weekend Retreat

Facilitator: Cath Connelly

Drawing on connections to nature, a passion for learning, prayer, soul friends, music, art, poetry and pilgrimage, Celtic spirituality offers a deeply engaging way of relating to God.  Abbey Director, spiritual director, retreat leader and professional Celtic harpist, Cath Connelly is well qualified to lead us through a weekend of exploring the major themes of this form of spirituality.  The retreat will be reflective, experiential and informative.  It will include harp music, meditation, input sessions and time for personal reflection. 

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $495

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $345pp

Non-Residential full weekend including all meals and program – $230

Friday 5.00pm – Sunday after lunch. Please RSVP by January 20th.

Bookings TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXEQO or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580

FEBRUARY

13th Hush Quiet Day – Praying it Forward: Emerging Hope and our Role as Ancestors of the Future. 

Facilitator: Cath Connelly

Jonas Salk said that our greatest responsibility is to become good ancestors. Joanna Macy says a similar thing in that what we need to do is learn to act like ancestors of future generations.  Throughout this day we will look at what it means to be people of hope and how it is that we might become storytellers of a new future. In contemplative style we will consider the question of what it is that the Holy One wants to be made known through us and how we might participate in this calling. There will be input and quiet time.

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by February 1st.

Booking: TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXERE or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580

14th – 16th Singing the Blues Weekend Retreat

Facilitator: Revd Dr Merryl Blair OAM

The Psalms take us on a journey that echoes the twists and turns of life. As we walk through their paths of praise, lament, questioning, and wonder, we find ourselves invited to move ever deeper into the moments of our own lives. We are also invited to move more deeply into community, as we bring the honesty of life’s pilgrimage into our worship together. This weekend will explore the movements and imagery of the Psalms, as an invitation to reflect on the sacred journey of our own lives. Lecturer, minister and international speaker, Dr Merryl Blair is no stranger to The Abbey. In 2023 she led our Diocesan retreat to rave reviews.

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $495

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $345pp

Non-Residential full weekend including all meals and program – $230

Friday 5.00pm – Sunday after lunch. Please RSVP by February 1st

Booking: TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXERK or phone us at The Abbey.

MARCH

1st Sit, Sew & Be Inspired

Last year this day was a resounding success, with tickets being booked out by early February. Bring your UFOs (Unfinished craft items) and spend the day with others as we delight in time together. Guest speakers, door prizes, items to purchase. 10.00am – 3.00pm.

Lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided. $45. Please RSVP by February 20th.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXERO or phone us at The Abbey

13th Hush Quiet Day: Drumming from the Heart

Facilitator: Jill McConnell

NO MUSICAL EXPERIENCE necessary. Drumming is accessible and inclusive and FUN! We’ll spend time exploring our own connections with rhythm, chat about other cultures and their relationship with music, and consider the ways our heart beat grounds and connects us with our faith and with those around us. There will be time to play, time to listen and time to reflect. Drums supplied.

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by March 1st.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXERZ or phone us at The Abbey

14th – 16th In Love with the Enneagram Weekend Retreat

Facilitator: Julia Fullarton

This weekend retreat will introduce you to the Enneagram, a powerful way to understand your personality, moving from ways of being that constrict you, towards a healthier way of living. You will look at the core motivations of your life, the healthy messages that you have missed, and how these have informed your life till now. During this weekend, you will discover the gifts that you bring to the world and begin (or continue) a journey of honouring these gifts in your life and community. You are also likely to gain some insight into various ways that people in your life experience the world differently from the way you do and learn how to better empathise with both you and others.

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $495

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $345pp

Non-Residential full weekend including all meals and program – $230

Friday 5.00pm – Sunday after lunch. Please RSVP by March 1st.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXESK or phone us at The Abbey.

23rd – Heather Downie Harp Concert 

Harpist: Heather Downie. 

Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, we are in for a special concert here at The Abbey. 2.00pm – 4.00pm in the Chapel. 

25th – 28th Mary’s Seven Statements. Midweek retreat.

Facilitator: Revd Gradwell Fredericks

A Lenten retreat focusing on the words that come to us through scripture spoken by Mary.

Gradwell, is the current incumbent of Traralgon Anglican Parish. He and his wife Tania come  from Cape Town in South Africa, where he is Rector of All Saints’, Belhar, in the Diocese of False Bay. Prior to this he was Chaplain of St Alban’s, an Anglican school in Pretoria. Gradwell has served as ‘Warden of Vocations’ and ‘Warden of Ordinands’ in his Diocese, working with those exploring a call to ordained ministry and those preparing for ordination. Other parish appointments over his almost 20 years in holy orders include the fishing village of Hout Bay, the township parish of Steenberg and All Saints and Saint Patrick’s in Lansdowne. 

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $570

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $395pp

Non-Residential including all meals and program – $270

Tuesday 5.00pm – Friday after lunch. Please RSVP by March 15th.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXESR or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

APRIL

10th Hush Quiet Day – Canaan and East Gippsland: Occupied Lands.

Facilitator: Michael Fox

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by April 1st.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXEVR or phone us at the Abbey on (03) 5156 6580

17th Stations of the Cross. Meet at The Abbey carpark at 2.50pm for a 3.00pm start.

A time of quiet reflection as prayers are said at each of the fourteen crosses placed around the perimeter of The Abbey. Please note that this is an outside event and requires a level of physical mobility.

MAY

8th Hush Quiet Day – C.S. Lewis: The Figure of Aslan in the Narnia Chronicles. 

Facilitator: Revd Jeff Berger

Jeff Berger is an ordained Anglican priest and a retired consulting psychologist, with over forty-five years’ experience in ministry, counselling, and psychological practice. Within the Anglican Church, Jeff has served in a number of parishes and positions over the period of his ordained ministry. He currently serves as honorary associate priest in the parish of St. Peter’s by the Lake Paynesville, in the Diocese of Gippsland and as Abbey Priest to the Abbey Chapel of St Barnabas, on Raymond Island. In psychology, Jeff is a recently retired full member of the Australian Psychological Society and had a large private practice in Gisborne Victoria, as well as working in educational and corporate roles. In his spiritual and prayer life, Jeff has focused on developing spiritual qualities for himself and encouraging them in others. He has conducted and been involved in a large number of spiritual workshops, retreats, studies and quiet days.

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by April 25th.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXEVR or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

JUNE

12th Hush Quiet Day – Pilgrimage

Facilitator: Cath Connelly

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by May 25th.

Bookings: TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGDN or phone us at the Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

20th – 22nd Moss! Weekend retreat.

Facilitator: Kelly Skelton

Join us for a retreat that invites you to reconnect with the present moment. Together we will explore mindfulness practices and guided creative exercises designed to ground you and bring your wandering thoughts back to the here and now.

If you enjoy journaling, collage, crochet, embroidery, or any craft that resonates with these practices, this retreat is the perfect space to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of moss and the beauty of mindfulness.

Through gentle practices, reflective creativity, and meaningful conversations, you’ll uncover the wisdom that lies within your own calm. Embrace this opportunity to cultivate inner peace and gain clarity, all while surrounded by the wonder and exploration of moss!

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $495

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $345pp

Non-Residential full weekend including all meals and program – $230

Friday 5.00pm – Sunday after lunch. Please RSVP by June 7th.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGEA or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580

JULY

10th Hush Quiet Day

Facilitator: TBC

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by July 1st.

Bookings: TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGEE or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

11th – 13th Coming of Age: Stepping Boldly into Elderhood. Weekend retreat for Women. 

Facilitator: Janet Munro

Now, perhaps more than ever, our world is in need of wise counsel. Traditionally, it was to the elders of a community that people would turn to as they struggled to navigate the big questions of life. These days they are more likely to turn to Google or ChatGPT and older adults are left wondering what their purpose is. For women especially this stage of life is fraught with frustration and anxiety as we near the end of careers, children leave home, and elderly parents need care and pass away. We become more confident in our own skin but less visible to the world around us. We have lots of wisdom, but we need skills to build the platform to share it.

Elderhood is not the inevitable consequence of ageing; it is a communal function for which we must plan and prepare.

This retreat is a threshold moment, a time for individual and collective reflection, for story and ritual. Together we will consider the opportunities and challenges for elders in today’s world. You will uncover the unique gifts you bring to this critical life stage. You will develop a renewed vision and purpose for your own life and the communities you engage with. You will leave ready to boldly be the wise elders our world so desperately needs.

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $495

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $345pp

Non-Residential full weekend including all meals and program – $230

Friday 5.00pm – Sunday after lunch. Please RSVP by July 1st.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGET or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

AUGUST

8th – 10th Circle Dancing Retreat – Weekend retreat. 

Facilitator: Robyn Sussems

Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures for marking special occasions, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness. Circle Dance includes traditional dances of many countries as well as modern choreographies set to classical and contemporary music. In Circle dance we are stepping into ancient patterns of rhythm and movement. When we dance a traditional dance, we are temporarily tuning into a culture’s history and expression. During this Retreat we will experience the joy of the dance, both physically and spiritually. There will be opportunities for reflection, meditation and time in nature in the surrounds of The Abbey. No previous dance experience is necessary and we will approach this weekend with a spirit of adventure. This retreat was very popular in 2023. We look forward to welcoming Robyn back to the Abbey.

Comfortable footwear is essential.

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $495

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $345pp

Non-Residential full weekend including all meals and program – $230

Friday 5.00pm – Sunday after lunch. Please RSVP by July 1st.

Bookings: TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CXGFA or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

14th Hush Quiet Day – Triangle of Rhetoric: Ethos, Pathos & Logos

Facilitator: Kevin Broughton

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by August 1st.

Bookings: TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGFF or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

30th Abbey Feast

Our annual fundraiser and get-together. Always a day of great fun. More details to come, but mark this day into your diary.

12.00pm start.

Bookings: TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGFL or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

SEPTEMBER

18th Hush Quiet Day – Journey from the Centre

Facilitator: Cath Connelly

The centre of Country; the centre of being. Holding these two in tension, we listen for deep wisdom.

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by September 1st.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGFQ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

OCTOBER

4th Blessing of the Pets

St Francis, lover of animals, would be thrilled to think that we are hosting an afternoon to honour our animal companions. On the weekend of his Feast Day we are inviting you to bring your pets for an afternoon of animal fun, culminating in a pet blessing by Revd. Jeff Berger, the Abbey Chaplain. There will be competitions for the fluffiest, the cutest, the oldest, the wisest and the most unusual pet. Bring your rabbits, dogs, rats, goats, donkeys, cats, guinea pigs…

Please note that the sensitive environment of the Abbey requires all animals to be restrained at all times.

2.00pm – 3.30pm. Afternoon refreshments provided for humans! FREE. Please RSVP by September 21.

9th Hush Quiet Day

Facilitator: TBC

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by October 1st.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGFX or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

10th – 12th Women’s Storytelling Weekend Retreat

Facilitator: Lee Palumbo

I am passionate about women’s storytelling gatherings, and the transformation I have seen not only for those who share their stories, but for those who hear them. Storytelling is part if our ancient traditions and our everyday. Stories help us to understand ourselves and each other, and the human experience. Stories can bring healing and transformation when aired in a safe and supportive environment. Whether your story is light or dark, painful or playful, hilarious or profoundly moving, we want to hear it. This may be your first time, but no experience is needed, after all, it is your story, true and from the heart. The art of listening in a supportive environment is vital to storytelling and we will be here to do just that, to hold space for one another.

Join us for this weekend of connection, storytelling, reflection and good food, in the beautiful natural environment at The Abbey. There will be an open invitation for you to tell your story in ten minutes based on a theme, the three main themes, one per session, this spring weekend will be; Change, Water and Faith.

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $495

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $345pp

Non-Residential full weekend including all meals and program – $230

Friday 5.00pm – Sunday after lunch. Please RSVP by November 25th.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGGK or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

17th & 18th  Diocesan Retreat: Grace and the Holy Spirit.

Facilitator: Revd Kate Campbell

Grace represents God’s compassion and love for us even when we fall short, and the  Holy Spirit is a constant presence. How might the Holy Spirit be active participants in our lives if we were to take Jesus’ words seriously? How might we allow more grace into our lives and our world? How would it be if we slowed down and paid closer attention to one of God’s greatest gifts to us?

Kate is a contemplative at heart and have occasionally been asked how that fits with her calling to the Permanent Diaconate. Her reply is always that ‘if I don’t have the reflective, quiet times, I don’t have the energy to fulfill my diaconal ministry. Being still and quiet and listening in both community and alone can create a space for very powerful prayer and insights, something I value sharing with others.’ Taking time out, to come away, to rest in silence and quiet, even for a short time, can deeply enhance our spiritual life. Kate values sharing contemplative experiences with others. Creative textiles, especially through embroidery, is something that draws Kate to prayer to connect deeply with God. Paying attention when walking in the environment, hearing birdsong in the early morning to greet the day, moving and dancing freely with a small group, meditating with others, all give life in their own way. 

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $210

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $160pp

Non-Residential including all meals and program – $90

Please RSVP by October 5th.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGYF or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

26th – 31st Meditation & Mindfulness in the Christian Tradition. Mid-week retreat.

Facilitator: Roland Ashby

Tap into a deep spring of love, joy, peace and compassion at the centre of our being. Jesus called it Living Water, with which we will never thirst. During this week, cultivate a transforming, healing awareness of the Divine presence, and learn how to meditate:

• on Scripture and other sacred texts;
• by using a prayer word or mantra;
• through mindfulness of the breath and body;
• on icons and other art works;
• by using visualization.

This retreat will be largely experiential. It will introduce and draw on the ancient wisdom of several traditions of contemplative prayer, including Lectio Divina, Visio Divina, imaginative contemplation, mantra meditation and centering prayer. No previous experience is necessary.

As learning to be silent is a vital part of cultivating awareness of the Divine presence, both within and around us, the retreat will be largely conducted in silence, although there will be opportunities each day for conversation, both with a spiritual director, and at night, over dinner. Breakfast and lunch will be held in silence.

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $640

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $395pp

Non-Residential including all meals and program – $270

Sunday 5.00pm – Friday after lunch. Please RSVP by October 11th.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGYJ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

NOVEMBER

8th Diocesan Pilgrimage to The Abbey.

Lots of details to come, but get the date in your diary.

13th Hush Quiet Day

Facilitator: TBC

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by November 1st.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGYM or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

17th – 20th Benedict: Living Life in the Daily. Midweek retreat.

Facilitator: John Stewart

A mid-week retreat that will explore the essence of St Benedict’s wisdom, particularly through the lens of Joan Chittister.

John Stewart is the founding Director of The Living Well Centre and now Co-director of the spiritual direction formation program. He holds the ThL (ACT) and M. Min (MCD) which includes a research project on men’s issues in spiritual direction. He has been an Anglican priest since 1973 and has held various positions of ministry over the years including eight years as Warden of the Retreat House Cheltenham where The Living Well Centre ministry has its origins. John is a sought-after retreat leader, offering engaging presentations in his delightful manner. Much of this retreat will be in silence.

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $570

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $395pp

Non-Residential including all meals and program – $270

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGYQ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

28th Ecumenical Conversation

This annual event, co-hosted by the Anglican and Roman Catholic Diocese in Gippsland, is an ideal preparation for the journey of Advent through to the blessings of Christmas and we hope you will be able to join us on this significant occasion.

Presenters: TBC  

9.30am – 4.00pm. Lunch, morning & afternoon tea provided. Cost $30. RSVP by November 15.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGYW or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

DECEMBER

5th – 7th Art from the Heart weekend Retreat

Facilitator: Andrea Do Santos

Residential Single Accommodation including all meals and program – $495

Residential Shared Accommodation including all meals and program – $345pp

Non-Residential full weekend including all meals and program – $230

‘Art from the Heart’ is a weekend retreat for women seeking to explore their creativity through various visual art exercises such as paper collage, oil pastels, water colours and dry pastels.  All art exercises offered are suitable for those from any skill range whether artistic novice or expert!  The retreat can also be used as a time of relaxation and recreation or as a time to use the art activities as tools into deeper reflection.  All materials are supplied over the weekend though participants are encouraged to bring a personal journal to record further musings and realisations from the weekend.

 Andrea Do Santos is an artist and writer.  She has Bachelor Degrees in the Creative Arts and Community Development.  Coming from lived experience with mental health and addiction issues, she has worked as a Peer Worker and encouraged others to use the creative arts in their own healing journeys.  She is the mother to a handsome young man and a beautiful princess dog.  To find out more about Andrea please refer to her website www.andreadosantos.com 

Friday 5.00pm – Sunday after lunch. Please RSVP by November 25th.

Bookings; Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGZF or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

11th Hush Quiet Day

Facilitator: TBC

10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by December 1st.

Bookings: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CXGZJ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.

 

For further information and bookings call 03 5156 6580 or info@theabbey.org.au