There are three prayer rooms in the retreat house. Retreatants can also use the Church and Jenkin’s Chapel, the chapel used by the resident community for their prayer and Eucharist.

At the other end of the corridor is another room for personal prayer. Bathed in golden light in the mornings,

Another beautiful space for prayer is found at the end of the east wing. From this place one can watch the rising sun edge its way over the horizon in the distance recalling the rising of God’s love in our hearts. The timber stump in the room reminds us of the wood of the cross on which God’s heart of love for us was revealed.

The community ‘Jenkins’ Chapel is also a lovely place to pray. It was built by Dr. Richard Lewis Jenkins after he retired from Parliament in 1860 and purchased Parkhall, which he renamed Nepean Towers. Jenkins intended to make Nepean Towers the religious centre of the area. The Chapel was designed by the celebrated architect Edmund Blacket.

A deeply religious member of the Church of England, Dr Jenkins gained a licence from the Bishop of Sydney for worship in his chapel. It became a dining room for students of the Apostolic School in 1915, however, fortunately, it was reclaimed in 1971 for use as a chapel by the local MSC community. The rich tiling of the entrance way, the perfectly cut masonry and magnificent timber beams and ceiling, and the wonderful stained-glass tryptic window designed by William Macleod, provides a tranquil ambience which is uplifting to the soul. While the Jenkin’s Chapel is for the use of the local community, visitors are welcome. For times of community prayer and daily Eucharist just check with the retreat house staff or community members.

Next to the Retreat House is a single story, white, timber building. The Douglas Park Mass Centre is a part of Tahmoor-Picton Parish. Built in 1918 for use by novices and scholastics, it was originally planned to build in stone, but instead the existing timber structure was built. You’re welcome to use the church for prayer and reflection anytime. Times of Masses and other parish information is available at the back of the church. For parish related enquiries click here.