Do you wonder why you are here, where you are going, what you will do with the rest of your life and how God can help answer these questions?

Can you ever know in the particular circumstances of your own life what God asks of you? The good news is: YES! In the story of each human life and its events, the loving plan of God is revealed. Making decisions is a key part of responding to this loving plan. Life often presents us with good choices both large and small; but which are the better ones - the choices God prefers? 

The Discerning the Better Life Weekend provides an opportunity for those beginning a committed faith journey, or thirsting for a deeper life in Christ, to discover more about what following Jesus means for them personally. It explores discerning the larger choices people make within the lay state in a way that is practical and personally relevant. The weekend is particularly helpful for those who:

have recently experienced important change in their life, for example, got married, started a new job, started studying , relocated from interstate, commenced significant voluntary work etc; or

generally wonder where they are going in life and are seeking support, direction and practical spiritual tools; or

just feel unsure about what God is doing.

Drawing from the Ignation spiritual tradition, the weekend aims to help lay Catholics discover through prayer what are the better decisions in life. It explores both what discernment is and how to do it in the context of the Church's vision for the mission and call of the laity.

You are requested to bring paper, pen, and a Bible. Openness to the Holy Spirit and a willingness to make a reasonable effort to discover what God wants for your life at this time are the essential attitudes of heart for the weekend.

The Leadership Team for the Weekend:

The weekend is conducted by the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community (Canberra) and St Benedict's Eucharistic Centre Narrabundah as a service to the Archdiocese of Canberra/Goulburn and surrounding Dioceses.

The team for the weekend:

Fr Ken Barker: Is Moderator of the Missionaries of God's Love, a religious congregation emerging over the last 25 years. He is a widely sought after speaker involved in many works of evangelisation and spiritual renewal. Fr Ken has many years of experience with young people and the art of discernment.

Tim Kirk: Is married with 5 children and is the CEO of the award winning Clonakilla Winery. He holds a Bachelor of Theology and a Diploma of Education and is involved in a variety of adult faith building activities. Tim has a reputation as a winemaker who is serious about his faith and is a sought after speaker.

Adrian Wellspring: Is a public servant who manages a range of career development training programs. He is married with 4 children, has qualifications in theology and economics and helps with various adult faith development activities.

Anne Woods: Is manager of the Catholic Bookshop and married with 3 children. She is a member of the Archdiocesan Commission for Women and helps a variety of lay people apply the art of discernment to their lives.

Practical Information:

When: 16-18 September 2011. Registrations close Friday 2 September.

Where: Greenhills Conference Centre. The Centre is in a rural location just off Cotter Road and is approximately 20 minutes drive west from the centre of Canberra. Accommodation is shared with a maximum of 4 people per room. Each room has an ensuite with separate shower, toilet and vanity. Each person needs to bring: (a) 2 sheets or 1 bottom sheet and sleeping bag, (b) own pillowcase, (c) own towel and toiletries.

            Location:  Greenhills Centre, 1437 Cotter Road, Cotter ACT 2611

            Directions:  Google maps - Type in 1437 Cotter Road, Stromlo  ACT

            Phone:  6288 1074

Website:  www.greenhillscentre.com

Cost: $160

            Your charge includes: 1 supper, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 2                     morning teas,1 afternoon tea, accommodation and all costs.

             Payment in full by 2 September. Payment by cash/credit can be made              to St Benedict’s office (Tues-Thurs 9am-3pm) 6295 7879. Cheques                          payable to St Benedict’s Eucharistic Centre , PO Box 55 Narrabundah                 2604.

Registration Details

Please e-mail your registration details (or any queries) to: dtbl1@hotmail.com

First Name:

Surname:

Contact Address:

Best Phone contact number:

Please indicate your Age Group: 18-21; 22-29; 30-35; 36-54; 55+

Please indicate your gender: Male or Female.

I wish to share my room with...................................................................................................

Please provide the name and telephone number of a friend or relative whom we should contact in case of an emergency.................................................................................

If you have special dietary requirements please let us know...........................................

Do you have a medical condition or a disability which the organisers of the weekend should know about? If so, please provide details.................................................................

PROGRAM

Friday

7.30pm:    Registration and Supper

 

Introduction

 

Listening to Jesus

 

Praise and Worship

Saturday

8am      Breakfast

 

            Praise and Worship

 

God's Call and My Response

 

Morning Tea

 

Discernment

 

            Mass

 

12.30    Lunch

 

            Practical Exercise

 

            Afternoon Tea

 

            Practical Exercise

 

            Free Time

 

6pm      Dinner

 

            Freedom, Healing and Forgiveness

 

            Praise and Worship

Sunday

8am      Breakfast

 

            Praise and Worship

 

            Lay Identity and Being Part of the People of
            God

 

            Morning Tea

 

            Spiritual Tools

 

           Practical Exercise

 

           Closing Session

 

           Mass

 

1.00     Lunch

          

2pm     Leave