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MacKillop Hill

MacKillop HillMacKillop Hill Spirituality Centre
123 William Street, Forth, Tasmania  7310
Phone:  03 6428 3095   Fax:  03 6428 3467   
Email:  rsjforth@bigpond.net.au
Web: www.tassiejosephites.org.au

Location

Forth is located on the Forth River, 13 km west of Devonport.
Previously known as Hamilton-on-Forth, this was one of the first towns on the North West Coast of Tasmania.  The Forth River was used in the mid-nineteenth century to ship out  produce and timber from the rich agricultural land surrounding it.

MacKillop Hill, overlooking the town of Forth, is situated in the geographical centre of the of the Mersey Leven Catholic Parish, thus able to offer valuable resources in support of the local churches.  Significantly, MacKillop Hill  was chosen as the site for the 2008 World Youth Day “station of the cross” in this  part of the North West. 

History

In 1889 Fr Noone invited the Sisters of St Joseph to open a convent and school at Forth, a village within his parish.  This was their second Tasmanian foundation  led by  Sr Francis McCarthy.  The school closed in 1953 followed by the eventual closure of St Joseph’s Church (c.19 March, 1866).

Some forty years later, following a request from local parishioners willing to collaborate with the Sisters of St Joseph, serious renovations  began on the disused former convent,  church buildings and cemetery. 

The surrounding grounds include the Forth Catholic Cemetery, known as the ‘Garden of Remembrance.’  The local Lions Club provided signage at the  gates of the Centre indicating the historic cemetery.  Buried here in the family grave is one of the pioneering Sisters, Josephine Johnston,  who died on 2nd October 1907.

With considerable support and interest from the local community the restoration work was completed and  MacKillop Hill Spirituality Centre  opened its doors on  19 March 1995, the year of Mary MacKillop’s beatification .

The original church now provides a suitable venue for programs whilst the former  convent, “Penola”, is  a two-bedroomed residence.  Tenison House, 123 William Street, accommodates the Sisters of St Joseph, a chapel,  retreat suite, interview rooms and administration centre.

Staff and Programs

Details of programs (2011) and other service are distributed to parishes, organizations and communities throughout the region. Programs offering specifically designed material for individuals, parishes, schools and community groups are available on request.

Each year a summary of activities is prepared by the MacKillop Hilll Team. (Reflecting on 2010)

MacKillop Hill Spirituality Centre is conducted by the Sisters of St Joseph, Tasmania. Staff are trained in theology, spirituality, psychology, pastoral care, pastoral leadership and education.  Current team members are Margaret Chandler ssj (Director), Carmel Jones ssj and Clare Kiely-Hoye.

The Centre welcomes people of all faiths, or no particular religious persuasion.  Implicit in the ministry of the Centre is the extension of hospitality to the people who participate in programs, social and community events and those who just ‘drop in’ for information, a chat and a ‘cuppa’. 

Its mission of ongoing adult faith education and formation happens in a variety of ways including:

Spiritual direction or companioning is available for all who seek to discover and respond to God in the ordinariness of daily human experience.  Trained spiritual directors work in this ministry at a number of locations along the North West Coast of Tasmania.

 

Distinctive Features

Natural Environment

Without a doubt the natural environment  surrounding MacKillop Hill Centre, the beauty of the Forth River Valley, the richness of the constantly changing fields  and the wonderful views out to Bass Strait make this a special place.  The year-long floral displays attract a variety of birds and insects. The grounds surrounding the properties have been designed to create a peaceful, reflective atmosphere conducive to stillness and contemplation.   

It is an ideal setting for Reflection Days, Directed or private retreats all of which are available throughout the year on request.

Library

A well-stocked contemporary spirituality library (books, current journals, audio-visual materials) for both browsing and borrowing, is open daily from 9 am – 5.30 pm.      

From the time of the Centre’s establishment the MacKillop Hill Foundation Association has been a major contributor  through its Associate Membership and  annual fundraising events. In addition, many volunteers offer their time and talent providing the necessary practical support for the ministry-  librarians,  publicity officers, maintenance teams and hospitality.