Emmanuel Centre
Emmanuel Pastoral and Spirituality Centre
123 Abbott Street
Newstead 7250
Postal Address:
PO Box 147
Newstead 7250
Phone: 03 6334 1082
Fax: 03 6334 7995
Email: office@emmanuelcentre.org
Website: www.emmanuelcentre.org
Location
The Emmanuel Centre is located in the leafy suburb of Newstead, close to the CBD of the city of Launceston and on a local bus route.
Launceston is 120 miles north of Hobart and is situated at the junction of three rivers. The North Esk and South Esk become the Tamar River which flows out into Bass Strait. It is a city with a heritage character with well preserved buildings and extensive parks and gardens.
A Tasmanian Experience
Coming to Tasmania for a Retreat at Emmanuel offers the opportunity to experience something different. The Centre’s location makes it an oasis in the midst of a medium sized city on our island State. The climate is temperate with the average temperatures ranging between 11ºC in winter and 22ºC in summer. The suburb of Newstead is close to the city centre and is an ideal area for walking.
History
In 1984, a Priests’ Assembly decided to gather Tasmanians together for a Diocesan Assembly, which was held in 1986. Both these Assemblies expressed a need for spiritual formation of the laity. The Sisters of St Joseph responded with a proposal to establish a Diocesan Pastoral Centre to meet this need.
Through resourcefulness, generosity, renovation, creativity and cheerful hard work, the Centre began in 1987.
Main Focus of the Centre
The core purpose of the Emmanuel ministry is centred on offering pastoral formation and spiritual guidance both at the Centre and in outreach to people in their parishes.
The name Emmanuel was chosen because it speaks of the mystery of God’s compassion – it is only when we truly know God with our hearts and minds that we can experience God-with-us.
Emmanuel Centre offers:
Opportunities for exploring spirituality and deepening relationship with God through:
- Individual and Group Spiritual direction
- Retreats – private or group
- Christian Meditation
- Pastoral Supervision
- Short courses e.g. scripture, personal development
- Men’s Group
- Spiritual Direction Formation
- Activities nurturing creativity
- Support for the vulnerable
The Emmanuel Centre is available for self directing groups or individuals needing a quiet, gentle atmosphere and/or accommodation. There is accommodation for 32 people, using shared rooms, or 23 with single rooms.
Distinctive Features
Labyrinth
On 22 April 2007, International Earth Day, the labyrinth at Emmanuel was blessed as part of the twenty years’ celebration of the Centre.
The labyrinth, a paved pathway for prayer and meditation, is surrounded by a garden of native plants.
The labyrinth offers a space that invites each to pray, to be aware of the present moment and to know God wanting to break into life…Emmanuel, God-with-us.
The labyrinth is one of the oldest of symbols; it depicts the way to the unknown centre, the mystery of death and rebirth, the risk of the search, the danger of losing the way, the quest, the finding and the ability to return.
Edward Whitmont, The Symbolic Quest
The Stables
Recently the original stables on the property have been renovated to provide a functional and flexible space for group meetings, seminars, presentations and workshops. Because of its unique character, The Stables adds to the diversity of experiences offered at Emmanuel.
Moonah
In 1994, St Therese’s Convent at Moonah, a suburb of Hobart, became an Outreach Centre for Emmanuel. A member of the Emmanuel Team accepted responsibility for co-ordinating the Centre’s activities in Hobart. Since then, this location has become a centre in its own right. Although there is no accommodation offered, Spiritual Direction and short courses (June - Sept 2010) are at the heart of the ministry.
Location
24 Hopkins Street
Moonah Tas 7009
Phone: 03 6272 1375
Email: ssjmoonah@bigpond.com
