The Oasis: A space to pause and reconnect
In a world where the pace is constant, notifications are endless, and the demands are high, it’s easy to move through the day without pause. We move from screen to screen and task to task, often without taking a moment to step back, breathe, or reset.
For many years, visitors to Mary MacKillop Place have described this place as an oasis – somewhere so close to the hustle and bustle of North Sydney, and yet peaceful, grounding and unexpectedly calm.
Whether you’re seeking a moment to pause for yourself or would simply like to stay connected with future gatherings and reflections, we invite you to explore The Oasis further.
Once home to Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, the site has long been a place of hospitality, reflection, prayer and service to others. Through it all, people have continued to come here to breathe, reflect and reconnect.
There is a stillness woven throughout these grounds – in the gardens, the spaces of prayer, the history and the quiet rhythm of the site itself – that continues to draw people in each day.
The Oasis invites you to step into that stillness for yourself.
Through quiet midday sessions, reflective experiences, creative workshops and seasonal gatherings, The Oasis offers opportunities to pause, reconnect and create space away from the noise of everyday life.
What is The Oasis
The Oasis is a well-being and reflection initiative at Mary MacKillop Place that invites people to intentionally pause within the pace of everyday life.
Through a growing range of experiences and gatherings, The Oasis encourages moments of stillness, creativity, reflection and connection within the peaceful surroundings of Mary MacKillop Place.
Some experiences may include:
- midday pause sessions
- creative and reflective workshops
- guided moments of stillness
- seasonal well-being experiences
- community gatherings centred around reflection and connection
Each experience is designed to offer space to slow down, breathe and reconnect in ways that feel meaningful and restorative.
The benefits of taking time to pause
Even small moments of stillness can have a meaningful impact on our wellbeing, helping to reduce mental fatigue and restore focus.
Taking time to pause throughout the day can support a more balanced and sustainable rhythm of work and life, helping you feel more present, grounded and refreshed.
At Mary MacKillop Place, we believe rest is not simply about stopping, but about creating space to reconnect with yourself, others and the world around you.
Upcoming Oasis experiences
Upcoming experiences and gatherings will be shared and listed below at least two weeks in advance, with each experience also appearing on our What’s On page.
Join the Oasis community below to receive updates via email.
Join the Oasis community
If this feels like something you’d value, we’d love to stay connected.
By joining the Oasis community, you’ll receive:
- updates about upcoming experiences and gatherings
- gentle reflections and moments of pause
- invitations to future well-being, creative and reflective events at Mary MacKillop Place
Subscribe to The Oasis
FAQs about the Oasis
Do I need to reserve a place?
Some Oasis experiences may require bookings, while others are designed as flexible drop-in gatherings. Details for each experience will be included on the individual event listing.
Who is The Oasis designed for?
The Oasis is open to anyone seeking a little more space to pause, reflect, reconnect or simply slow down within the rhythm of everyday life.
Where do Oasis experiences take place?
Experiences are held throughout the grounds and spaces of Mary MacKillop Place, including gardens, indoor gathering spaces and quiet areas for reflection.
Will experiences continue during winter and wet weather?
Yes. Experiences and gatherings will continue throughout the year, with a variety of sheltered and indoor spaces available when needed.
You don’t need to wait for an Oasis experience to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Mary MacKillop Place.
The grounds are open daily from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
You’re always welcome to wander the grounds, enjoy a quiet moment in the chapel, or visit the Gift Shop & Café for a coffee and time to pause.
Support the ongoing mission of Mary MacKillop Place – a place of welcome, reflection, and hope.
“We must take things quietly and just do what our Good God enables us, and no more.”
MARY MACKILLOP | 1875
