The Graces of Encounter
13 – 16 February 2026
10.00 am – 4.15 pm daily (AEDT)
Cost $1600
The Graces of Encounter are the profound gifts and insights that arise when we truly meet others, ourselves, and the Divine with openness and presence. These graces are moments of deep recognition and transformation, where we feel seen, understood, and uplifted. In genuine encounter, we become aware of the sacredness within each person and situation, and this awareness expands our capacity for compassion, empathy, and love.
Encounter invites us beyond surface-level interaction, calling us to listen and respond with our whole selves. Through these encounters, we experience graces such as humility, as we recognize the uniqueness of another’s journey; gratitude, as we see how our lives are enriched by others; and courage, as we embrace vulnerability and openness.
Ultimately, the graces of encounter draw us deeper into connection—with God, with others, and with our own hearts—strengthening our sense of belonging and purpose. These moments become anchors in our spiritual journey, guiding us to a life lived in communion and love. Topics include:
* Images of God and Self: This session explores how our personal images of God and our self-perception influence our spiritual journey and the way we engage in spiritual direction. Participants will reflect on how these images shape their relationship with the divine and their understanding of their own identity.
* Spirituality and the Poetic: This session delves into the intersection of spirituality and the poetic, exploring how poetry and metaphor open pathways to deeper spiritual understanding. Through poetic expression, participants are invited to connect with the mystery and beauty of faith, allowing them to engage with spirituality in a creative and contemplative way.
* Metanoia and the Journey of Faith: Metanoia, or a transformative change of heart, is central to the journey of faith. This session will focus on the concept of metanoia as an ongoing process of conversion and growth, encouraging participants to embrace personal transformation and deepen their commitment to their spiritual path.
* Discerning the Call to Spiritual Direction: In this session, participants will explore the discernment process of determining a call to spiritual direction. It will address the qualities, skills, and inner readiness required for this ministry, helping participants to recognize whether they feel called to serve as spiritual companions to others.
* Consciousness and Awareness: This session invites participants to deepen their understanding of consciousness and awareness, exploring how heightened awareness of oneself and the world around us is essential to the practice of spiritual direction.
You can download the full course outline for Kardia Companionship of Empowerment Outline and the
Kardia Companionship of Empowerment Application form or contact Kardia for further information.