QLA offers enrichment and support to our contemporary spiritual journeys, with their opportunities and challenges, including facilitating the annual Meeting for Learning.
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Quaker Learning Australia Committee
Purpose
Quaker Learning Australia provides administrative support for the Meeting for Learning retreats and for supporting the development of resources for spiritual growth.
NOTE: This Committee was laid down at Yearly Meeting 2022.
However, the Meeting for Learning Retreat will be held 3-9 September 2023 (see below).
NOTE:
- The Meeting for Learning Retreat will be held 3-9 September 2023 at the Sevenhill Conference Centre in South Australia (Covid 19-restrictions permitting). Please find HERE the Meeting for Learning Retreat brochure for 2022-2023.
What is the Meeting for Learning Retreat?
Meeting for Learning (MfL) Retreats are hosted by various States. During 2022-23 the Retreat is being hosted by South Australia/ Northern Territory Regional Meeting. The 2023 retreat will be held at Sevenhill Centre of Ignatian Sprituality in South Australia.
The Retreat is part of a year-long program, with a Retreat week marking each end of the journey. For most of the 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 other members and attenders from around Australia. It is a time of inner seeking of the Spirit and learning about Quaker ways in company. During the year projects are chosen and undertaken by each member, with encouragement from their support group.
The size of the group is restricted to approximately 16 retreatants, guided by up to four facilitators. The facilitators provide reading materials, exercises and spiritual guidance to assist each participant. The resources provided allow retreatants to develop their knowledge of Quaker writings and beliefs, and to reflect on their own spiritual journey.
The format of each day 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 in small groups, and some are undertaken individually. Both structured and unstructured time is included. A highlight of the retreat week is a silent day mid-week.
Themes for Retreats
In 2022-23, the focus will be on your individual spiritual journey in our faith community; the focus for the following year is on the faith community and our journey in it. Please find HERE the Meeting for Learning Retreat brochure for 2022-2023.