 “Contemplative living is a way of listening and responding to our everyday experiences by consciously attending to our relationships with self, others, God, and all of nature” - Download Article Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton - A participant's view point
Download Article  House of Prayer 2019 Creativity & Spirituality Program - Download Flyer
 The Blessing of Animals
World Animal Day is a day of action recognised worldwide for animal rights as well as welfare. The mission of this day is to raise the status of animals and improve welfare standards worldwide. It is celebrated on 4 October, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi who is recognised as the animals’ patron saint. World Animal Day is today observed by animal-lovers of all beliefs, nationalities and backgrounds. Animal blessings are held in churches, synagogues, and by independent Animal Chaplains in parks and fields. Animal rescue shelters hold fundraising events and open days; wildlife groups and schools organize information displays and projects and people donate to animal charities or pledge to sponsor a shelter animal. Since 2002, on the Saturday closest to the feast of St. Francis, our own local St. Francis (Fr. Dave Lancini) has been blessing the animals in Anderson Park. Currently our congregation consists mainly of dogs, but in earlier year we have welcomed horses, lizards, turtles, cats, birds and on one occasion a pet carpet snake actually shed his skin during the service. The ashes of special pets have been scattered under the rain tree and people also remember those pets now gone who have played a special part in their lives. Everyone is welcome, furred, winged, two-footed, four-footed and we look forward each year to welcoming the hospital dogs. It is amazing how the chaos quietens immediately the service begins and everyone behaves very well, even the owners. Our liturgy usually incorporates a reminder that we all inter-related in creation and that we share a common responsibility for the well-being of one another, including our animals and environment. The greatness of a nation and its moral progress may be judged by the way its animals are treated ~ Mahatma Gandhi ~ Loraine Peach  .Everybody can sing: and ‘pub/park’ choir is here to prove it!
Be inspired with music and singing in a spirit of friendship and fun. We will be led in this experience under the trees in the park by Suzy Sheriff. Be assured that no special vocal gifts required Download Flyer  More than 250 people turned out this year for the Palm Sunday Walk for Justice for Refugees and people seeking Asylum held on the Strand
 At our monthly Enneagram gathering on Tuesday night (20th March 2018), the group explored our various approaches to passions and virtues.
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The House of Prayer and Spirituality is a mission of the Catholic Diocese of Townsville.
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