Spiritual Development Program

For over fifty years the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne offered at the Retreat House in Cheltenham a ministry of spirituality, direction and retreats. At the end of 2000 Retreat House was closed. After a period of discernment the ministry was transferred to a new base in the context of an inner city parish, Holy Trinity East Melbourne, and in 2011, moved to St George’s Anglican Church in Malvern, where it now operates as the Living Well Centre.

The centre offers spiritual direction for all who seek it as a means of enriching their life’s journey. It also offers training and supervision for directors, including a four-year part time formation Program. In addition, it runs regular seminars, quiet days and retreats.

The image of the Living Well is a familiar one from John’s Gospel where Jesus encounters a foreign woman at the well. They have a discussion about human thirst, longing, meaning and direction in life. This centre seeks to offer a place where people might still meet Jesus and share with him the deepest places of their lives.

The Centre is announcing a new program they will be offering from next year – one which we believe will meet a very real need with many of God’s people. It is called “Personal Spiritual Growth and Formation”. It is designed for people who want to do some intentional work on their relationship with God and their place in God’s world. Further information is available on the noticeboard at the back of the church.