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

Saint John Paul the Great

The Theology of the Body Made Simple

The Screwtape Letters

True Devotion to Mary

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

Meeting Date

Book we are reading

Prescribed reading to discuss

26th of September

Saint John Paul the Great by Jason Evert

Chapter 11 The Cross & Epilogue

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.