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

Group Spiritual Direction Journey

Dates: 6, 13, 20, 27 March 2025
Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
This course is anchored in the questions of who am I, what is my purpose and what am I becoming? It is a journey of coming home to the deepest part of who we are, grounded in the growing realization that there is a more-than-us energy urging us to respond to growing edges, which show themselves in the present moment, inseparably wound in the realities of our lives. Participants will be invited to listen and respond to these urgings, putting aside second guessing, and hear an invitation to trust the moment. This may lead to spiritual accompaniment in group for some participants.

Director: Michael Azzopardi
Contact: Michael Azzopardi directly to register 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 Rate $150 per night.
• 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 eating places.

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

2025 Retreats

9-13 April
Don’t drop your aitches in the Spiritual Life
Director by: Virginia Burke rsj
Cost $825

24-26 April
Hildegard of Bingen: A Women for our Time
Director by: Moya Unthank rsj
Cost$ 770

4-11 May
A Healing Journey…. Living into Hope
Director by: Jenny Scally rsj
Cost$ 2,365

17-24 August
God. I want to Be
Director by: Maureen McDermott rsj
Cost$ 2,365

14-21 September
Directed Retreat
Director by: Jenny Scally rsj
Cost $2,365

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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