A place to rest awhile
T
here is a Josephite treasure nestled in the picturesque village of Perthville, on the outskirts of Bathurst, known as The Perthville Heritage and Conference Centre. The property carries a rich history of the Sisters of St Joseph and was visited by both St Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods in the 1870s. On this site, The Vale Lodge offers accommodation as well as opportunities for prayer days, retreats or conferences. The building has easy access with ensuite rooms, conference rooms, dining room, lounge areas and a chapel, all disability compliant. The Perthville Convent Heritage Centre tells of the lives of St Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Woods, co-founders of the Sisters of St Joseph. The story of the first foundation of the Sisters of St Joseph in NSW and the on-going work of the Sisters is told in storyboards and
displays, show-casing a collection of Josephite memorabilia. Families, school and community groups, as well as individual guests, are welcome to explore this sacred site. Tour guides are available during opening hours: weekdays 10am-4pm; First Sunday in the month 11am-1pm. St Joseph’s Heritage and Conference Centre is set in spacious, peaceful
grounds. So come, rest awhile and soothe the spirit or engage in retreats and other group activities at St Joseph’s Heritage and Conference Centre, Tenison Woods Ave, Perthville. Enquiries and bookings for The Vale Lodge and The Perthville Convent Heritage Centre can be made by phoning (02) 6337 2420 or email: perthville. coordinator@sosj.org.au
Significance of Heritage Centre Collection
E
arly in August, committee members of St Joseph’s Heritage and Conference Centre, Perthville gathered with Margot Jolly, Regional Museum Consultant, to receive the final draft of the Significance Assessment Report, commissioned by the Committee. Margot has been assessing and recording items of significance held at the Heritage Centre and has given advice on best practice to preserve and care for the historical items which the Sisters have lovingly collected at Perthville over the years. We look forward to sharing the St Joseph’s Heritage and Conference Centre with many visitors.
Pam Haddin, Alice Sullivan rsj, Margot Jolly, Mary Murphy rsj,
Sr Alice Sullivan rsj Ellen McManus, Maureen Sanderson rsj and Maureen Schiemer rsj
St Joseph’s Heritage and Conference Centre, Perthville The St Joseph’s Heritage and Conference Centre offers retreat, conference and accommodation facilities for groups, offering day, overnight, short or long stays. It is ideal for prayer days, retreats or work related conferences. The beautiful onsite Chapel is available to guests. 1st October: Open Day at the Centre from 11am - 1pm 5th November: Open Day at the Centre from 11am - 1pm 22nd November: Summer Reflection Day from 9.30am - 3pm 4th December: Advent Prayer held in the Chapel at 11am Tenison Woods Ave, Perthville Ph: 6337 2420 Email: perthville.coordinator@sosj.org.au Page 8 • September 2017 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t