Reflexology Clinic – Circle of Light

We are delighted to offer those needing special consideration a Reflexology for relaxation service in our Holistic Room here in the beautiful environment of St Joseph’s by the Sea. Available very second Friday. To book your treatment please contact Jodie 0413 881 462.

For information and dates 2025 Reflexology 

Reiki Clinic – Circle of Light

Come and experience the healing touch of Reiki. We are delighted to offer those needing special consideration a Reiki for relaxation service in our Holistic Room here in the beautiful environment of St Joseph’s by the Sea. To book your treatment please contact Christine 0420 715 259.

9 Week course – Embarking on an Awakening Journey onto an Ecological Spirituality (seeking Macs Accreditation)

Course Dates: 20 Feb, 20 March, 15 May, 17 June, 17 July, 28 Aug, 25 Sep, 16 Oct, 20 Nov 2025
Time: 9:30am to 3pm

Over the course of 9 Thursdays spread throughout the year, you will have the opportunity to engage more deeply in reflection and exploration of a spirituality, as articulated by Pope Francis in Laudato Si, that speaks to the reality of our ecological crisis.

How might we as people wanting to deepen our spirituality further explore Francis’s desire for us to live in communion with all beings on this our tiny blue fragile planet?

These interactive day long seminars will provide you with an opportunity to reflect on some of the current thinking on how we can deepen our spirituality through interconnection with all of life. They will include some input, sharing of ideas and reflective experiences along the Williamstown foreshore.

Facilitator: Peter Hay
Cost: $198 per session ($1,782 Full course Fee)
Lunch Provided

A Journey to Group Spiritual Direction

Dates: 6, 13, 20, 27 March 2025
Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm

This course is for those who are interested in exploring the possibility of group spiritual direction.

Participants will be encouraged to nurture a disposition of deep listening, reflection, contemplation, and spaciousness in a group setting. They will be invited to gently hold what emerges and allow the gift of group accompaniment to nurture the realisations that come forth.

If this sounds interesting to you or if you have a group of friends you would like to explore the possibility of group spiritual direction with, please contact Michael on 0484870678 or email mik.azza13@gmail.com

Cost: $40 per session ($160 full course fee)

How are we Treasuring our Later Years

Date: 23 Sep 2025
Time: 9:50am to 3:30pm

The second half of life’, our later years continue to hold potential. We bring a wealth of experiences to treasure and to share with others. We are also open to new opportunities, to come alive in new ways.
This one-day workshop will explore the following themes that are part of our journey:
Adjustment ~ Transformation ~ Fulfilment

Presenter: Nicole Rotaru rsm
Lunch Provided

Cost: $198

Lending Library

Our Library at St Joseph’s by the Sea has an extensive collection of books of a spiritual nature including Eco-spirituality, Scripture, Aboriginal Spirituality Theology as well as art, fiction and magazines like Earth Song, Madonna, NGV magazines and spirituality in daily life.

These are all available for borrowing. Please ask a member of our staff should you wish to take a book home to read.

St Joseph’s by the Sea has a zero tolerance of child abuse or the abuse of vulnerable adults and shall be guided by the Sisters of Saint Joseph Safeguarding policy framework, Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct, and Safeguarding Commitment Statement. A copy of these can be requested or you can access these documents at Safeguarding & Professional Standards – Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

Making an enquiry you agree to our safeguarding framework as outlined here: Commitment to Safeguarding

Williamstown Accommodation by the Sea

St Joseph’s by the Sea has six modern single and double accommodation rooms with ensuites.

• Spacious rooms with tranquil leafy outlook.
• Beautifully appointed modern bathrooms.
• Stylish desk and chair.
• All linen is supplied.
• Wheelchair accessibility.
• Rooms are air conditioned and access to Wi-Fi.
• Perfect space to nourish body, mind and spirit.
• Elegant common kitchen, dining room and lounge area.
• Laundry facilities are available.
• Accommodation Room Rates:
  • 1 night stay: $199 per room per night
  • 2+ nights: $179 per room per night
  • 7+ nights: $169 per room per night
• All rooms are doubles (king size bed) that can also be set up as twin share (2 single beds),
• Light breakfast provisions included.

St Joseph’s by the Sea has a zero tolerance of child abuse or the abuse of vulnerable adults and shall be guided by the Sisters of Saint Joseph Safeguarding policy framework, Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct, and Safeguarding Commitment Statement. A copy of these can be requested or you can access these documents at Safeguarding & Professional Standards – Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

Making an enquiry you agree to our safeguarding framework as outlined here: Commitment to Safeguarding

*** Please ring our office if your accommodation request is within 5 days of your suggested arrival date: (03) 9397 6012

Williamstown Meeting Rooms by the Sea

Meeting Rooms

St Joseph’s by the Sea has several meeting rooms and breakout out areas for hire from 8:00 am – 10:00 pm daily.

Our main meeting rooms have views of the Bay, natural lighting, reverse cycle air conditioning and access to Wi-Fi.

• Chapel Room holds 50 people, with Smart TV facility, $500 per day
• Bay Room with bay view holds 25 people, with Smart TV facility, $350 per day
• Blue room holding 10 people for $150 per day
• Tables, Chairs and Whiteboard available for use.
• Tea, coffee and kitchen facilities available.

We offer opportunities tailored to your needs.

Please submit enquiry and we will confirm the availability in due course.

St Joseph’s by the Sea has a zero tolerance of child abuse or the abuse of vulnerable adults and shall be guided by the Sisters of Saint Joseph Safeguarding policy framework, Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct, and Safeguarding Commitment Statement. A copy of these can be requested or you can access these documents at Safeguarding & Professional Standards – Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

Making an enquiry you agree to our safeguarding framework as outlined here: Commitment to Safeguarding

St Joseph’s by the Sea is an ideal environment for a retreat. Those wishing to have a time of silence and prayer are welcome to book into this facility at a time convenient to you. There is opportunity to arrange a retreat to suit yourself. To enjoy a day or days where you relax and have time for yourself. The arrangement for these days is that we provide tea, coffee and breakfast but you need to provide other meals. There are facilities for cooking available. Williamstown is also renowned for its dining options.

We also host Retreats throughout the year which are fully catered.

2025 Retreats

Authentically Human, Happy and Holy: as Jesus was
9-13 April
Guide: Virginia Bourke rsj

This is a guided retreat which seeks to deepen participants’ awareness of their God-seeded identity as human beings and their appreciation of God’s Self-Revealing in the experiences of their lives. There will be a focus on living humanity as Jesus did. Sessions will be varied, with group and personal prayer, reflective input using imagery and music. Sessions will show the influence of ecological spirituality on contemporary approaches to Christian life.

Cost: $750 excl. GST | $825 incl. GST

Hildegard of Bingen: A Woman for our Time
24-26 April
Facilitator: Moya Unthank rsj

Hildegard is an inspiration for us in her passion for God, her visionary artistic and musical gifts and especially in her ability to discover the exuberant Spirit of the Divine alive in all creation. Through pondering on selected writings and illustrations of this remarkable medieval woman, participants will be surprised, inspired and encouraged by this rich encounter.

Cost: $700 excl. GST | $770 incl. GST

A Healing Journey… Living into Hope
4-11 May
Guide: Jenny Scally rsj

All of us have regrets, hurt, grief and pain that we carry. Our loving God knows this and is always encouraging us to bring it into the open space of you and God. This silent retreat offers time and space to be in these hard experiences with your God and to grow in awareness of what living into hope looks like for you on your journey of healing.

Cost: $2,150 excl. GST | $2,365 incl. GST

Embarking on an Awakening Journey into An Ecological Spirituality
Earth our primary source of revelation
15 May
Facilitator: Peter Hay

This Reflection day aims to deepen our understanding of the wisdom of the natural world, help us reconnect to earth and the places that have enriched and nurtured us and to explore the incarnation as God’s own self-identification with the earth.

Cost: $180 excl. GST | $198 incl. GST

Embarking on an Awakening Journey into An Ecological Spirituality
Principles to deepen an ecological spirituality
19 June
Facilitator: Peter Hay

This Reflection day aims to explore an understanding of the 5 principles that support a deepening of an ecological spirituality, to reflect on how we might relate and connect with each principle and to share growing insights and wisdom relating to ecological spirituality as a lens through which I may view our life.

Cost: $180 excl. GST | $198 incl. GST

Embarking on an Awakening Journey into An Ecological Spirituality
We are a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects
17 July
Facilitator: Peter Hay

Reflection day aims to engage with the inspiration and reflections of Thomas Berry, ‘the father of environmentalism.’ ‘We are a communion of subjects not a collection of objects,’ how do we integrate this understanding into our spirituality? ‘The universe is fundamentally a story,’ to connect to Thomas Berry’s deep understanding of evolutionary cosmology, ecology and spirituality. The universe is sacred and lives a unity of spirit and matter. Every little speck of dust is divine presence. We are called to be co-creators in the Great Work, our way into the future.

Cost: $180 excl. GST | $198 incl. GST

God, I Want You to Be
17-24 August
Guide: Maureen McDermott rsj

During this silent retreat, there will be the opportunity to reflect on who God is for you and your response to the call of God. Tomáš Halík writes, “… it is not what I think about God’s existence but what I profoundly want or do not want God to be”.

Cost: $2,150 excl. GST | $2,365 incl. GST

Directed Retreat
14-21 September
Director: Jenny Scally rsj

This silent, directed retreat is an opportunity to be more present and listen to yourself and the ever-present God who seeks you always. Daily spiritual direction will allow you to share your life experience and see with fresh eyes the movements of God within you and around you.

Cost: $2,150 excl. GST | $2,365 incl. GST

Treasuring our Later Years
23 September
Facilitator: Nicole Rotaru RSM

Cost: $180 excl. GST | $198 incl. GST

Embarking on an Awakening Journey into An Ecological Spirituality
The Poets and Artists take us into the deep spirit
25 September
Facilitator: Peter Hay

Reflection day aims to explore and share Mary Oliver’s poetry from a reflective and personal stance. To understand the context from which Mary Oliver was inspired to write her poetry and to experience her sense that the self is only strengthened through immersion with nature. Allow your own spirit to be awakened by Mary Southard’s art and ultimately practice our own chosen form of artistic expression.

Cost: $180 excl. GST | $198 incl. GST

Life is a Journey
5-10 October
Guide: Chris McPhee MSC

This retreat is a reflective, prayerful excursion that contemplatively aligns our personal journeys with the journey of Jesus, focusing on transforming our past through the intimacy of God’s love. It emphasises healing, liberation, freedom, and spiritual growth by reframing our life experiences. The retreat aims to transform pain into love, leading to deeper intimacy and joy, love, in and through the heart of Christ Jesus.

Cost: $1,800 excl. GST | $1,980 incl. GST

Embarking on an Awakening Journey into An Ecological Spirituality
The Hidden Life of Trees
16 October
Facilitator: Peter Hay

This Reflection day aims to deepen our sense of mystery, wonder and awe through an experience of:

• A sense of tree time
• An experience of inclusive community
• The inner and outer worlds of a tree
• The movement of water in trees
• The tragedy of deforestation

Cost: $180 excl. GST | $198 incl. GST

Embarking on an Awakening Journey into An Ecological Spirituality
A Council of All Beings
20 November
Facilitator: Peter Hay

This Reflection day aims to critique the human impact on our planet and to engage through a simulation experience in a deeper understanding of life from the perspective of the natural community of life and being.

Cost: $180 excl. GST | $198 incl. GST

The Sisters of St Joseph have generously subsidised and financially supported retreat programs at our Centres for many years. The newly formed Spirituality Ministry is working towards financial sustainability to ensure the provision of retreats for all well into the future and has increased prices relative to the rising costs of programs. We remain committed to the spirit of the Sisters of St Joseph in making sure that nobody is unable to do a retreat due to the cost being too high. To this end, participants who are unable to afford a retreat are invited to apply for a discount or waiver.

Gardening

In 2016, preparing for the seed to be sown…

In 2020, working on The Permaculture Principles of Organic Gardening, we have transformed our garden into using ‘No dig’ systems that utilises all composting materials – cardboard, papers, prunings and lawn cuttings….

In developing the garden, we hope it will be a space of beauty and celebration. Our garden enhances the activities of the Centre with our veggies and fruits central to our menu.

The sacredness of this space reflects the sacredness in all life that surrounds us – the birds, the sea creatures, the ancient sheoak, the lava blister, the human.

Worm Farms

We delight in our worms in our gardens. They are an efficient way to reduce household waste and provide nutrient rich fertilizer for the garden.

We have two large worm farms and are now putting ‘worm homes’ straight into our garden beds.

Educating heart and mind in the Cosmological approach to the 13.7-billion-year Universe Story

We do this through:

• Earth Rituals
• Contemplative Reflections
• Earth Retreats
• Workshops

Visible Sustainability Practices at our Centre

• Regular assessing of our strategic plan.
• House recycling and compost bins
• Utilising natural and environmentally friendly products for our cleaning purposes.
• Craft Workshops teaching how to create environmental ways of doing things. e.g. Beeswax Wraps
• Less/no use of single use plastics.
• We have reflective quotes in the garden and throughout the Centre.

Our Little Shop

Our Little Shop is more than just a funding space. We have supported asylum seekers, Aboriginal ministries and those who need our support. However, our Little Shop creates links between the garden, our craft group, and the community.

Our craft group makes and supplies items for our shop. Our garden produce is used to make jams. Along with donations from the community we also stock jewellery from Africa, which helps support the women who make these. Clients who use the facility often revisit us to buy a little gift from our Little Shop.

St Joseph’s by the Sea

• Address: 16 Esplanade, Williamstown, VIC 3016
• Phone: (03) 9397 6012
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