Mary MacKillop Place

There is much suffering in our world right now – places marked by conflict, uncertainty and deep loss.

In the midst of this, the Sisters of Saint Joseph invite you to join a simple act of unity in prayer.

From now until the Feast of the Sacred Heart on Friday 12 June, you are invited to pause each day at 2 pm for a moment in prayer – wherever you are.

Use the resource link below to discover more about this invitation, what to pray for, and access a simple guide to support your daily prayer.

About the experience

The Oasis at Mary MacKillop Place is a growing collection of experiences designed to help people intentionally pause within the pace of everyday life.

As the first experience in this series, Midday Pause offers a free self-guided opportunity to unplug during the weekday and return to your tasks feeling calmer, clearer and more refreshed.

There’s no program to follow and nothing you need to achieve. Simply arrive, settle into the space, and spend time resting, reflecting or recharging in your own way.

What to expect

On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with:

• a warm herbal tea
• reflection and meditation resources
• simple creative and journaling tools such as paper, pens and colouring pencils

You’re also welcome to bring your own book, journal or lunch if you’re visiting during your break, or pick up something to eat from the Gift Shop & Café.

From there, you can settle into one of the quiet spaces across the grounds and spend time however feels right for you – reading, journaling, reflecting, sitting quietly, or simply taking a moment away from the pace of the day.

Visiting Midday Pause

Enter through the archway gate on Mount Street (between 9 and 11 Mount Street, North Sydney) and follow the path to Glen Roy Green, located in the centre of the grounds.

Midday Pause runs on selected dates each month from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.

Dates will be shared at least two weeks in advance and listed on our What’s On page. Join the Oasis community to receive updates via email.

You’re welcome to arrive at any time during the session.

Whether you stay for ten minutes or your entire lunch break, Midday Pause is designed to give you space to pause in a way that feels right for you.

About the experience

The Oasis at Mary MacKillop Place is a growing collection of experiences designed to help people intentionally pause within the pace of everyday life.

Nature & Wonder offers an opportunity to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world through a relaxed, guided watercolour workshop set within the peaceful grounds of Mary MacKillop Place.

Inspired by the lives and values of Saint Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods – whose lives reflected simplicity, curiosity and a deep connection to the natural world – this workshop invites you to pause, observe carefully, and respond creatively through watercolour.

What to expect

Led by Sydney artist Rachel Carroll, this gentle creative experience invites you to explore simple watercolour techniques while drawing on the colours, textures and details found in nature.

During the workshop, you will:

• explore basic watercolour techniques, including wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry painting
• observe and represent simple elements from nature
• use creativity as a way to encourage stillness, reflection and mindful attention

No prior experience is needed, and the workshop is suitable for all skill levels, with all materials provided and a relaxed morning tea to enjoy together.

Bookings are essential. Please see the booking link below.

The Nature & Wonder Watercolour Workshop

Enter through the archway gate on Mount Street (between 9 and 11 Mount Street, North Sydney). The School House is on your left.

Beyond the creative experience itself, Nature & Wonder offers a gentle sense of community and connection – an invitation to pause, reflect and spend time within the unique surroundings of Mary MacKillop Place.

Explore Indigenous painting, storytelling, and connection to Country.

Join us this NAIDOC Week for a meaningful and creative experience that invites you to slow down, connect, and create.

Guided by Aboriginal artist Lisa Buxton, this special art workshop offers a gentle and welcoming space to explore Indigenous painting, storytelling, and connection to Country. Through a blend of creative practice and shared reflection, you’ll be introduced to the rich symbolism and stories that are central to Aboriginal culture. As you paint, you’ll be encouraged to interpret these ideas in your own way – expressing your connection to nature, story, and place.

No prior experience is needed, just an open mind and a willingness to engage. Suitable for ages 10 and above and scheduled during the school holidays, this workshop is a meaningful opportunity for individuals, families, and community members to gather in a shared space of creativity, learning, and reflection.

Morning tea will be provided. We aim to cater for a range of dietary needs – you’ll be prompted to share your dietary requirements when booking the event.

Country Story & Symbols

Enter through the archway gate on Mount Street (between 9 and 11 Mount Street, North Sydney). The School House is on your left.

Bookings are Essential. We look forward to welcoming you as you step into a space of creativity, culture, and connection

MAIN IMAGE: Detail from the original artwork ‘Mary’s Place – Spirit of Country’, by Lisa Buxton.

Registrations are now open for the 2026 ‘In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop’ National Pilgrimage, prepared by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

This 12-day pilgrimage offers unique insights into the history and legacy of Saint Mary MacKillop.

The journey begins in East Melbourne, Victoria, on Tuesday 13 October 2026, and concludes at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney, New South Wales, on Saturday 24 October 2026.

During the pilgrimage, you will visit many places associated with Mary MacKillop’s life and ministry across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, offering a unique perspective on her life, faith and legacy. This deeply personal experience invites reflection and revelation, while also offering the opportunity to journey alongside others – seeking, listening, reflecting and recognising the hand of God at work in our own lives.

The notion of going on pilgrimage is an ancient one, belonging to the spiritual traditions of many great faiths. Places of pilgrimage invite people to enter into the atmosphere and spiritual realities connected to their origins. Yet it is not only the destination that draws people deeper into the heart of their faith, but the journey itself.

Travel arrangements for the pilgrimage are managed by Harvest Journeys. Full tour details, including the itinerary and cost, can be viewed via the ‘Learn More’ and ‘Resources’ links below.

To book directly, please click the Book Now button.

As places on this pilgrimage are limited, early bookings are encouraged.