Susanna Pain
  • Home
  • What I Offer
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events >
      • A Retreat in Daily Life, May-June 2022
      • ANSD Quiet Day, May 2022
      • Embodied Listening Retreat, October 2022
    • Recurring Events >
      • Christian Meditation, Daily Monday - Friday
    • Past Events >
      • Wisdom of the Body Retreat, September 2021
      • Quiet Afternoon of Prayer, August 2021
      • Lenten Quiet Afternoon, March 2021
      • Prayer Writing Workshop, February 2021
      • Wisdom of the Body Retreat, September 2020
      • The Abbey Retreat, July 2020
      • See All Past Events...
  • Contact Me
  • Home
  • What I Offer
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events >
      • A Retreat in Daily Life, May-June 2022
      • ANSD Quiet Day, May 2022
      • Embodied Listening Retreat, October 2022
    • Recurring Events >
      • Christian Meditation, Daily Monday - Friday
    • Past Events >
      • Wisdom of the Body Retreat, September 2021
      • Quiet Afternoon of Prayer, August 2021
      • Lenten Quiet Afternoon, March 2021
      • Prayer Writing Workshop, February 2021
      • Wisdom of the Body Retreat, September 2020
      • The Abbey Retreat, July 2020
      • See All Past Events...
  • Contact Me

Who I Am and What I Offer

I listen, I enable, I inspire
Susanna Pain
I am a passionate creative woman of spirit. I enjoy creating space for others to play and to grow. I call myself a midwife of transformation, awakening in people, spirituality, creativity and delight. I do this through my work as a spiritual director, professional supervisor, retreat leader, interplay facilitator, and leader of contemplative quiet days.
​I was ordained priest in the Anglican tradition in 1992 and have spent many years as a parish priest in rural and suburban Australia, as well as industrial chaplain and University chaplain. I worked at The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture as Associate Director, Liturgy, Arts and Spiritual Care for just over a year from 2015. In that role I was responsible for creating public ritual for significant occasions, as well as running creative workshops, meditation and prayer. I was Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, Sale in the Diocese of Gippsland from September 2016 to October 2022, where I led a vibrant growing community of faith. Now I am part-time Senior Associate: Community, Spirituality and the Arts, at Benedictus Contemplative Church in Canberra and online, alongside my work in spiritual direction, supervision and leading retreats, quiet days and InterPlay.
Philosophy
My aim is to enable the transformation of individuals and communities in good times and in bad, through change and transition; to create space where people can rest and feel safe with challenges and successes.
I invite inclusiveness, grace, beauty and fun, as well as silence. I shape ritual and space that speaks to hearts and minds.
All my midwifery is undergirded by prayer.

I am a midwife of transformation offering:
  • Creative Retreats in gardens and galleries
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Pastoral Supervision
  • InterPlay
  • Peer support
  • Retreats and quiet days
  • Silent Meditation
  • Rituals for time of transition and change
One to one sessions or small groups from half-day workshops to five day retreats.
Outcomes
People who attend workshops, spiritual direction and/or retreats have found themselves awakening and becoming more:
  • Alive
  • Decisive
  • Clear
  • Playful
  • Confident
  • Peaceful
  • Creative


I offer:

Spiritual Direction
You might want:
  • to explore your own experiences of God
  • to integrate spirituality into your daily life
  • to work through different choices
  • to share your hopes, struggles and losses
  • to speak out for justice and concern for the poor

I journey with you in a confidential one to one session as you reflect deeply on the experiences of your daily life. Gradually, as you contemplate, you may begin to recognise God's presence and grace in your life.
Creativity | InterPlay
I offer playful workshops and retreats to explore the Wisdom of the Body.
  • Build community
  • Unlock potential
  • Build confidence
  • Tap into your creativity

I provide:

Pastoral Supervision
I offer one on one pastoral supervision for clergy, chaplains, Pastoral Care workers, and Community Workers. Group supervision is a specialty. I use creative processes, such as collage, masks, dancing and drawing.
Quietness | Retreats and Quiet Days
Creative space and time in the gardens, in galleries, in the bush and in the desert.
  • Time for replenishment, rest, refreshment, prayer, silent meditation
  • Space to retreat in daily life

Home page image by Randi Hausken.

Home
What I Offer

Events
Contact Me

Susanna Pain | Philosophy
My aim is to enable the transformation of individuals and communities in good times and in bad, through change and transition; to create space where people can rest and feel safe with challenges and successes.
I invite inclusiveness, grace, beauty and fun, as well as silence. I shape ritual and space that speaks to hearts and minds.
All my midwifery is undergirded by prayer.
A Retreat in Daily Life, May-June 2022
ANSD Quiet Day, May 2022
Embodied Listening Retreat, October 2022
Christian Meditation, Daily Monday - Friday