The Our Lady of the Angels Mothers Group in Rouse Hill warmly invites women to a special half-day Catholic creative retreat, designed to offer spiritual nourishment and meaningful connection.
The retreat will take place on Saturday, 5 July 2025 from 12:30pm until the 5:30pm Vigil Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Parish. It offers women of all ages a special opportunity to step away from their daily routines, enter into prayerful reflection, and encounter a moment of stillness with God.
Joy Adan with a participant. Image: supplied
A spiritual haven for women
Led by Joy Adan, a Catholic artist, presenter, coach and mother of two children, the retreat will guide participants through reflections on scripture, creative lettering, and personal exploration of hope and gratitude.
“Many of the women I mentor and coach talk about their struggle with exhaustion, the doubts they have about their own creativity, and their desire to experience God more in their day-to-day lives,” Joy said.
“This retreat offers us an opportunity to make space for matters of the heart, while we explore practical ways to incorporate rest, recreation and creativity into our busy lives,” she added.
Joy said the retreat will be a time to offer Jesus both the joys and struggles of our unique vocations, relationships and work.
“We’ll reflect on scripture, explore our God-given strengths and dreams, and see how noticing life’s little ‘glimmers’ can deepen our faith,” she said.
All women are warmly invited to the Catholic creative retreat, designed to offer spiritual nourishment and meaningful connection. Image: supplied
What to expect
During the retreat, women can look forward to participating in creative workshops, talks, personal reflection, prayer, and the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confession. The event also offers a chance to reconnect with personal hopes and creative aspirations that may have been put on hold.
“You don’t need to have any experience with art to join in,” Joy said.
“This is an opportunity to take time out, nourish your soul, revisit the plans you may be discerning or doubting, and connect with other Catholic women in a warm, welcoming space.”
Workshop supplies and artworks. Image: supplied
Feedback from past participants
Participants from the previous retreat held in 2022, described the Catholic creative women’s retreat as a “soul-enriching day”.
“It was fun learning the skills in brush lettering using watercolours. We got to write and design our favourite quotes for our own motivation,” said Tiffany Supan (mother of 3).
“Joy made it really easy for us to do the creative exercises and follow instructions.
“This was refreshing for the mind and body and so nice to get together – mums really deserve to have a break from our day-to-day routine.”
Another participant described it as a “lovely and relaxing morning”, allowing for creative time which is often neglected in day-to-day life.
A participant during a lettering workshop. Image: supplied
Women aged 18 and over are warmly invited to attend. Babies in arms are welcome; however, no child-minding will be provided, as the retreat is intended to give mothers a chance for quiet and personal reflection.
This retreat is part of the Diocese of Parramatta’s commitment to the Diocese of Parramatta’s Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church 2024 – 2028 (Resolutions 4A and 6C), responding to key priorities around Prayer, Mission, Formation and Community – supporting women and deepening adult faith formation. It offers a space for spiritual growth, drawing on Scripture and the rich traditions of Catholic spirituality, with resources to guide and support participants.
Learn more about Joy Adan on her website Finding Joy.
For more information and to register, please visit the Diocese of Parramatta’s Events page. Fees apply.
