Winter Retreat Day

Saturday 1st August 2026
10.00am to 4.00pm

The Cottage, St Benedict’s Monastery
121 Arcadia Road, Arcadia

Led by Bethany South and Jenn Pearson

Join us for our Retreat Day at St Benedict’s Monastery.

An oasis of peace – the monastery is in beautiful countryside with bush paddocks, a large dam and an outdoor labyrinth.  The Cottage is in the grounds of the Monastery.

We invite you to join us for a relaxed day to pause, to savour, to relish, and restore your soul and spirit. This Retreat Day offers the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves through rest and sacred reading; with others over a shared meal and through thoughtful conversation; with nature through contemplative walking and with the transcendent through prayerful silence, together and in solitude.

Participants will be offered considered input, gentle facilitation, and room for their own reflection. Enjoy ‘holy leisure’ as you walk the labyrinth, enjoy the grounds and share your insights with others, nourishing your body and soul.

Morning tea and lunch are provided.

Cost: $65 ($55 for Eremos members). $5 less for bookings by 1 June.

Numbers are limited, so please register soon and no later than 18 July 2026. 

Bethany South is an experienced retreat leader, a member of the Eremos Retreat Team and the Australian Network for Spiritual Direction (ANSD). Bethany is inspired by the rhythms of life and the Jewish Sabbath and seeks to offer gentle and hospitable spaces for reflection and conversation. Jenn Pearson has offered spiritual accompaniment and care to people across all life stages over many decades and in varying roles. Jenn has a Grad. Dip. in Spiritual Direction, is a member of Eremos and ANSD, and is an emerging retreat leader.

Save the dates

Bethany and Jenn are planning a rich array of more offerings in 2026. Here's a sneak peek to add to your calendar. Bookings will open in the new year.

 Eremos Retreat Day – Saturday 24th October 2026 – 10am to 4pm – St Benedict’s Monastery, Arcadia. 

 Eremos Quiet Day – Sunday 25th October 2026 – 10am to 3pm – St Benedict’s Monastery, Arcadia.  Join us for a more spacious day of quiet if you are thirsting for an extended period of silence and solitude, in the company of others.  You are welcome to join us for one or both days.

There is some on-site accommodation at St Benedict's Monastery on Friday 23^rd and Saturday 24^th October. Please let us know if you are interested in accommodation to create a weekend retreat experience. Accommodation is limited and preference will be given to those travelling long distances and seeking 2 nights' accommodation. Your expression of interest will assist us in further planning of this and subsequent weekends. Email events@eremos.org.au with details of your interest.