The sun was shining and the wind gusting as an enthusiastic group of around 60 gathered for the St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Retreat at the Junior Campus of MacKillop College in Ocean Drive, Port Macquarie, on Sunday 12 November 2023.

Facilitated by Richard McMahon and Lisa Bright from Synodal Consulting, the retreat marked the end of the Parish’s ‘formal’ Season of Renewal and concluded Richard and Lisa’s time with us.

The structure of the day revolved around two sessions, punctuated by a delicious BBQ lunch cooked by the three P’s (Peter Farrugia, Peter Johnson and Paul Barron).

In the morning session participants were asked to consider the question ‘Who am I called by God to be?’. Stimulated by the words of Scripture (Luke 19: 1-10, John 4: 1-42), Pope Frances and Mother Teresa, individuals enjoyed time for personal reflection, before gathering and sharing in small groups.

After lunch the focus shifted to the question ‘Who am I sent to be?’ with the scene set using Luke’s Gospel (5:4) in which Jesus says to his disciples, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch’. Taking up the analogy of a boat, Richard guided participants through a powerful process of meditative imagery, which asked them to consider where they might be in the boat with Jesus.

Again, the group broke for individual personal reflection and regathered for sharing for spiritual conversation in small groups.

During both sessions a variety of reflective, thought-prompting activities such photo story tables, tactile clay moulding, and drawing materials were made available to help each person find their own way to connect with the spirit and to unpack their personal responses to these questions.

The day concluded at 4pm with prayer and thanks.

Parish Leader of Formation, Tony Worner, along with the members of the Parish Pastoral Council, who coordinated the event, expressed their thanks to MacKillop College for the use of their venue including the Chapel, Hall, grounds and BBQs, which added so much to the success of the day.