There are positive outcomes associated with faith and spirituality for parents of children with special needs. What you might find surprising (unless you are a parent of a child with special needs) is that being involved in church and religious activities can however be associated with increased parental stress and depression if we do not approach this well (Ekas, Whitman and Shivers, 2009).  Ann Edwards reflects...

The St Francis College site is such an ideal one for contemplative prayer of all kinds and It has been lovely in the last couple of days to have a simple temporary labyrinth in the grounds of Old Bishopbourne, close to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.  This one was created by the School of Philosophy who also use the site and will be an encouragement to us as we explore this valuable contemplative tool in the days ahead.  For labyrinths seem typically to emerge as spiritual aids at times of much societal and cultural change.  Like the great labyrinths of European cathedrals in the middle ages they are a sign and means of personal and community renewal for us all.  Why not pop by and try it out?

We live in such exciting and demanding times, in which we are connected in so many unprecedented ways.  Yet these very connections can add such speed and complexity to our lives that we can feel overwhelmed.  Meister Eckhart rightly indeed commented in his own age that 'God is here.  It is we who have gone out for a walk.'  Today we are typically not just walking but traveling at hyper-speed, and multi-tasking at the same time! It is into this context that the revival of contemplative prayer speaks as a vital gift.

This week we begin a new opportunity for contemplative prayer by starting a Christian Meditation group (as part of the Australian Christian Meditation Community on the St Francis College Milton site.  This will be at 5.45 pm on Wednesdays, in the Annexe of Old Bishopbourne - just across from the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and in the first building on the right hand side of the through road from the Baroona Road entrance (ring 0477 444 095 or 0488 333 169 if you would like to come along and would like more information or a friendly face to meet you!).