What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm

Heart of Life: Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation

Home
Australia
Melbourne, VIC
Heart of Life: Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation

HEART OF LIFE is a leading centre for spiritual & pastoral formation. Accredited courses with YTU

Heart of Life began in 1983 as an initiative of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart whose founder, Jules Chevalier, saw the formation and education of people in spirituality of the heart as the most important task of the Congregation. He saw this education and formation as a means to reform society and 'to address the ills of the day'. Our inspiration to follow the way of the heart stems from our

belief in God's inclusive love for all people, poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. This mysterious love moves in our lives and our world, inviting us to an authentic, grounded and deeply human way of being. The way of the heart rests on a contemplative attitude and an authentic discernment that underpins all that we do at Heart of Life - in our seminars and workshops, our ministry formation programs and our professional commitment to spiritual direction. All of these activities are located in the place where the heart finds space to speak and to be heard. We invite you to join us, as our hearts speak our truth, our longings, and our search for all that is real, true and good.

13/06/2026

🌿 How do we remain a sacred presence in the wounded places of others' lives?

For Spiritual Directors, pastoral carers, chaplains, counsellors, clergy, and those involved in accompaniment ministries, understanding the impact of trauma is becoming increasingly important.

Join us in Croydon, Victoria, for Sacred Presence in Wounded Places: Trauma-Informed Spiritual Direction, an in-person seminar designed to deepen your understanding of trauma and strengthen your capacity to accompany others with wisdom, sensitivity, and compassion.

This practical and reflective workshop will help participants explore how trauma can affect the spiritual journey and how Spiritual Directors and companions can create safe, supportive, and healing spaces for those they accompany.

✨ Why attend?
🔹 Gain a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact on spiritual life and formation.
🔹 Develop practical insights to support trauma-informed accompaniment while maintaining healthy boundaries.
🔹 Learn how to foster safety, trust, and compassionate presence in your ministry, professional practice, or spiritual direction relationships.

📍 In Person – Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation, Croydon, Victoria

Whether you are an experienced Spiritual Director or someone involved in pastoral care and accompaniment, this seminar offers valuable learning that is both relevant and deeply needed in today's world.

Places are limited, so register early to secure your spot.

Learn more and register here: https://www.heartoflife.melbourne/events/sacred-presence-in-wounded-places-trauma-informed-spiritual-direction/

Sacred Presence in Wounded Places: Trauma-Informed Spiritual Direction

🌿💚

12/06/2026

Looking for Space to Pause, Reflect, and Reconnect? 🌿

In the midst of busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and the demands of everyday life, it can be difficult to find time to simply be.

Retreat in Everyday Living (RiEL) offers a gentle invitation to slow down, become more attentive to your inner life, and explore where meaning, purpose, and the sacred may be present in your daily experiences.

Unlike a traditional retreat that requires you to leave home or take time away from work and family commitments, RiEL is designed to fit within the rhythm of your everyday life. Through prayer, reflection, and regular conversations with an experienced spiritual companion, you'll be supported in creating space for stillness and deeper awareness.

✨ A wonderful introduction to spirituality and contemplative practice
✨ No prior experience required
✨ Designed to fit into your existing daily routine
✨ Accompanied by experienced Spiritual Directors
✨ Offered on a donation basis, making it accessible to all

Whether you're exploring spirituality for the first time, seeking a deeper connection with God, or simply longing for some quiet space away from the noise and pressures of the world, this retreat provides a welcoming and supportive place to begin.

Sometimes the most profound discoveries happen not by going somewhere else, but by learning to notice what is already present in our everyday lives.

📍 Heart of Life – Available in a flexible format to suit your circumstances

Learn more and register here: https://www.heartoflife.melbourne/events/retreat-in-everyday-living-riel/
Or email [email protected] to find out more...

Retreat in Everyday Living (RiEL)
💚 Take a pause. Make space. Listen deeply. You may be surprised by what you discover.

11/06/2026

Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at Bentleigh, later. Read more:
https://www.misacor.org.au/item/31952-feast-of-our-lady-of-the-sacred-heart-at-bentleigh-later

10/06/2026

🌱 Have you ever wondered what makes you... you?

Why do some situations energise you while others leave you drained? Why do you naturally connect with some people and struggle to understand others? What are the unique gifts and strengths you bring to the world?

Join us for Personality and Grace with the Help of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) and enjoy a fascinating day of self-discovery, reflection, and personal growth.

This workshop is for anyone who is curious about themselves and wants to better understand:
✨ Their personality and preferences
✨ How they relate to others
✨ Their natural strengths and gifts
✨ Ways to grow in self-awareness and confidence
✨ How personality influences relationships, work, spirituality, and everyday life

Whether you're navigating a life transition, exploring your personal growth journey, or simply interested in learning more about yourself, this seminar offers a welcoming and supportive space to explore.

💚 No prior knowledge is needed—just bring your curiosity and an openness to discover something new about yourself.

📍 Heart of Life, Croydon

Find out more and register via link in Bio

Personality and Grace with the Help of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

You might be surprised by what you learn.

🌿✨

09/06/2026

🌿 Could You Benefit from Slowing Down and Reconnecting? 🌿

In a world that rarely stops, taking time to pause, reflect, and listen deeply can be one of the most valuable gifts we give ourselves.

The Art of Contemplative Practice is an enriching formation program designed for those who are seeking greater awareness, deeper reflection, and a more intentional way of living and relating to others.

Whether you work in ministry, education, healthcare, leadership, community services, or simply have a desire to deepen your personal or spiritual practice, this program offers practical tools and experiences to help you cultivate presence, attentive listening, and inner stillness.

✨ Why attend in person?

There is something special about gathering face-to-face. Beyond the learning itself, participants have the opportunity to build genuine connections, engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and enjoy the supportive community that naturally develops throughout the program.

Over three two-day workshops held in Croydon, you'll be invited into a space of reflection, learning, and growth alongside others who are also seeking a deeper way of being.

📍 Heart of Life, Croydon
📅 Three x Two-Day Workshops

If you've been looking for an opportunity to invest in yourself, deepen your reflective practice, and step away from the busyness of daily life, we'd love to welcome you.

Learn more and register here: https://www.heartoflife.melbourne/events/the-art-of-contemplative-practice/

💚 Come as you are. Leave renewed, refreshed, and inspired.

04/06/2026

❤️ Join Us Tomorrow for the Feast of the Sacred Heart ❤️

There’s still time to register and join us for this special community celebration at Heart of Life.

The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a day of gathering, reflection, gratitude, and connection. It is an opportunity to celebrate the compassionate love at the heart of our faith, honour those who have journeyed before us, and come together as a community to share in prayer, story, and fellowship.

Whether you are a current student, past participant, friend of Heart of Life, family member, or simply someone looking for a welcoming community gathering, we would be delighted to welcome you.

✨ This is a free event.
✨ Everyone is welcome.
✨ Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

If you have been considering attending, we'd love to see you there.

📅 Tomorrow
📍 Heart of Life, Croydon

Please register today so we can cater appropriately:

Feast of the Sacred Heart – Register via Link in the Bop

Come as you are, bring a friend, and join us as we celebrate the spirit of community, compassion, and hope.

We look forward to welcoming you warmly ❤️

26/05/2026

❤️ You’re Warmly Invited – Feast of the Sacred Heart ❤️

Join us at Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation as we gather in community to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart — a special day of reflection, connection, prayer, and shared celebration.

This meaningful occasion offers an opportunity to come together in gratitude, honour our shared journey, and celebrate the compassionate heart at the centre of our community.

✨ Everyone is welcome — students, staff, alumni, friends, family, and members of the wider community.

Following our gathering, refreshments and lunch will be shared together.

📌 Please note: RSVP is essential for catering purposes.
We kindly ask that you register your attendance via the link below so we can prepare accordingly.

🔗 RSVP here:
https://www.heartoflife.melbourne/events/feast-of-sacred-heart/

We truly hope you can join us for this special celebration and look forward to welcoming you warmly ❤️

21/05/2026

✨ ONLINE PROGRAM | LET THE HEART LISTEN ✨

What if you gave yourself permission to pause… reflect… and listen more deeply to the movements of your own heart?

The online Let the Heart Listen Program through Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation is an enriching and transformative journey designed to help you grow in self-awareness, deepen your spiritual life, and explore the wisdom that already lives within you.

From the comfort of your own home, you’ll join a warm and supportive online community as you engage in:
🌿 Reflective practices
💬 Meaningful conversation and listening
🕊 Spiritual and personal growth
📖 Gentle formation and insight
🤍 A deeper connection to yourself, others, and God

Whether you are seeking renewal, discernment, deeper meaning, or simply a space to breathe and reflect, this program offers a compassionate and welcoming environment for the journey.

No matter where you are located, you are warmly invited to join us online.

📧 Have questions? We’d love to hear from you.
Please feel free to contact us via email [email protected] or phone 03) 9801 1101 for more information — we’re very happy to chat and help discern whether this program is right for you.

Discover more here:
https://www.heartoflife.melbourne/spiritual-formation/let-the-heart-listen-program/

20/05/2026

✨ FINAL CALL – LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER ✨

There are moments in life that are difficult to explain… seasons of change, grief, uncertainty, healing, and transformation. Sometimes words fail us — and poetry gently begins.

Join us for Liminal Poetry: How Poetry Can Break Through Our Wordless Places of Pain and Transformation at Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation — a deeply reflective and creative experience facilitated by Chris Ryan.

This is your last chance to register, and we encourage you to secure your place ASAP.

In just a few hours, you’ll be invited into a gentle, supportive space to:
🖋️ Explore the unspoken parts of your story
🌿 Reflect on moments of transition and transformation
💫 Connect more deeply with yourself through poetry and creativity
🤍 Experience meaningful reflection — no writing experience needed

Sometimes a few intentional hours can create space for profound insight, healing, and renewal.

📍 Heart of Life, Croydon
⚠️ Limited places remaining

Register now:
Liminal Poetry – Register Here; https://www.heartoflife.melbourne/events/liminal-poetry-how-poetry-can-break-through-our-wordless-places-of-pain-and-transformation/

Address

69 Alto Avenue
Melbourne, VIC
3144

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.heartoflife.melbourne/, https://www.heartoflife.melbourne/seminars-and-reflection-events/reflection-events/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Heart of Life: Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your place of worship to be the top-listed Place Of Worship in Melbourne?