About THE Society of St columba
The Society of St Columba is an independent, ecumenical religious society whose members come from various Christian denominations and spiritual paths. We offer public evening eucharist services in the Old Catholic and Celtic Christian traditions and members only quarterly seasonal ceremonies in the Celtic Mystery tradition. In our services and ceremonies we attune to nature in order to celebrate the cycles of life, the seasons of the earth, and integrate our spirituality into our lives.
Our evening eucharist services are held eight times per year and are open to all. We aim to provide a place of peace and spiritual comfort for those who attend. We aim to be welcoming and supportive so that people of any religious background, culture, or sexual orientation may experience a sense of community and support as they travel their spiritual pilgrimage through life.
Ceremonies for the Equinoxes and Solstices are conducted four times per year (Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer). Attendance is for members of the Order of St Columba only. Membership is by application and invitation after a period of discernment (usually 6-12 months).Additionally, a quarterly newsletter (The Oak and Cross) and a lending library, as well as an annual weekend retreat are available for members .
About The Guardian of the Society
Father Ciaran, the Guardian of the Society of St Columba coordinates and leads the evening eucharist services, seasonal ceremonies, and contemplative meditation sessions. He is an ordained priest with apostolic succession in the Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic and Anglo-Celtic traditions. Professionally, he works as a Psychological Therapist in both the public sector and in private practice and has also been a University Lecturer. He has a strong interest in Ancient Mythology, Cultural Anthropology, World Religions, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and Jungian Analytical Psychology.
While a Pakeha New Zealander by birth, Father Ciaran is of English/Welsh, Irish, and Scottish ancestry. He lives in Titirangi with his wife and two children, and has been involved with Celtic Spirituality and Contemplative Christianity for over 30 years. Over the years, Father Ciaran has led personal development and Christian Meditation groups, and conducted Celtic rites of passage (baby blessings, adult baptisms, weddings/hand-fasting ceremonies, and funerals) as a celebrant. He is also a trained and registered counsellor who offers Spiritual Direction and Supervision as an 'Anam Cara'.