Into the Wilderness

Catholic Hiking & Book Group

Inspired by the life and thought of St John Paul II, Into the Wilderness is a relaxed fortnightly hiking and book group combining faith, fellowship, nature and meaningful conversation.

We are a Catholic group open to all Christians and anyone interested in exploring Christian spirituality. We read a mixture of Catholic and other Christian authors, with discussion focused on real-life reflection rather than debate or instruction. See reading schedule below.

You don't need to have completed the reading to attend. Come along, enjoy the hike, and join the conversation.

How to access the books

Can be purchased from many Catholic and Christian retailers.

The following are available to borrow from Internet Archives

Format:

9.00am — Meet and introductions
9.10am — Opening prayer and begin hike
9.10 -11.00am — Easy group hike, with Rosary along the way
11.00 - 12 pm — Reflection and discussion of the reading at a nearby café

Meeting point:
Meet at the new big carpark (directions on map in pictures, does not show well in maps) which has phone reception in John Forrest. I’ll be there before 9:00am wearing a blue jumper and/or a West Coast Eagles hat. You will need to pay a park entry fee https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/john-forrest-national-park

Ph: 0435 341 874 if you cannot find me at the carpark or have any questions

Bring:

Water
Comfortable walking shoes
Optional: a notebook for reflections and snacks

Reading Schedule

26th of September	Saint John Paul the Great by Jason Evert	Chapter 11 The Cross & Epilogue
Meeting Date	Book we are reading	Prescribed reading to discuss
10th of October	The Theology of the Body Made Simple by Anthony Percy	Introduction & Chapter 1
24th of October	The Theology of the Body Made Simple by Anthony Percy	Chapter 2 & 4
7th of November	The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander	Introduction - Advent pp. 1-54
21st of November	The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander	Pastoral - Wooden Bambino pp. 55 - 93
5th of December	The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander	Et Verbum Caro Factum Est - The Last Confession, pp. 94 - 132
19th of December	The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander	Our Seeking - The Way pp. 133- 164
2nd of January 2027	The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander	In 1940 - The Assumption pp. 165-192
16th of January	The Screwtape Letters by C.S Lewis	Letters 1-8
30th of January	The Screwtape Letters by C.S Lewis	Letters 9-16
13th of February	The Screwtape Letters by C.S Lewis	Letters 17-24
27th of February	The Screwtape Letters by C.S Lewis	Letters 25- Screwtape Proposes a Toast
13th of March	True Devotion to Mary by Saint Louis De Montfort	Introduction & Part I, pp. 1-46
27th of March	True Devotion to Mary by Saint Louis De Montfort	Part II - II. Motives for Perfect Consecration... pp. 47- 92
10th of April	True Devotion to Mary by Saint Louis De Montfort	III. The Wonderful Effects... - Manner of Practising this Devotion... pp. 93-122
24th of April	True Devotion to Mary by Saint Louis De Montfort	Begin 33 day preparation for consecration on April 11th Day 1 - Day 15
8th of May	True Devotion to Mary by Saint Louis De Montfort	Day 16- Day 29
13th of May Our Lady of Fatima	True Devotion to Mary by Saint Louis De Montfort	Day 30- Day 33 TBC meet at a Mass to complete consecration together.
22nd of May	Next book TBC

Into the Wilderness – Participant Risk Notice

Into the Wilderness is a free, volunteer-run hiking group in Perth, WA. Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.

Hiking and outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:

Slips, trips, falls and uneven or unstable terrain
Snakes, spiders, ticks, mosquitoes and other insects or wildlife
Snake bites, tick bites, stings, allergic reactions and other bites
Poisonous or irritating plants
Falling branches and other natural hazards
Heat, dehydration, sun exposure and severe weather
Injury, illness or medical emergencies

By participating, you confirm that you understand these risks and are responsible for taking reasonable care of your own safety. You should bring appropriate footwear, clothing, sufficient water, sun protection and any medication you may require.

Please follow reasonable directions from the hike leader and notify them of any injury, illness or safety concern.

To the extent permitted by Western Australian law, Into the Wilderness and its volunteer organisers are not liable for injury, loss or damage arising from participation in our recreational activities.

By attending a hike, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted this risk notice.

Contact the host of Into the Wilderness (Catholic Hiking & Book Group)