News in Brief 126
PRAYING THAT WE HEAR GOD’S CALL
Today, we celebrate the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The Church around the world invites you to pray for those you might know who are discerning, or people you think God may be calling to a priestly or religious vocation and would benefit from your prayers. As Pope Benedict XVI said in his message for today, “Every specific vocation is in fact born of the initiative of God; it is a gift of the Love of God!”
Here are seven ways you can support vocations:
- Recognise the richness of each vocation, and that God invites each of us to fullness of life through different vocations. Share positive stories of these vocations with your friends and families.
- Understand that God depends on the/our community to help affirm and identify particular vocations in our midst. So each of us has a special role here!
- Reflect on the qualities and gifts possessed by clergy and people in consecrated life. Affirm people you know live out these vocations.
- Prayerfully reflect upon people yet to discern their vocation whom you know in your family and community. Do they possess the qualities and gifts you have identified?
- Make a time to affirm them in the qualities and gifts they offer.
- Suggest to them that would make a good priest or member of consecrated life. Invite them to find out more.
- Keep these people in your prayers.
ARE YOU WILLING TO SERVE GOD’S PEOPLE?
Who is God calling you to be? Priesthood offers a fulfilling way of life. Has the thought ever stirred in your heart? For help in discerning whether this is for you, visit http://dow.org.au/priesthood or contact priesthood@dow.org.au
NOMINATIONS CALLED FOR DIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL
Our Diocesan Pastoral Plan, Bearers of Christ’s Love, calls for the re-establishment of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. The Diocesan Pastoral Council considers the pastoral questions of our day and makes appropriate recommendations to the Bishop. It acts as a significant form of collaborative dialogue and discernment in service of the pastoral needs of the Diocese.
Bishop Peter Ingham is now calling on people to nominate for the Council. These nominations include a questionnaire offering a reflective process to detail the gifts and experience that the nominee would bring to the Council. Interested applicants will need to be endorsed by the priest in their parish of worship and send in their nomination before the end of April. Then, at the beginning of May, Bishop Peter will appoint the final Council from nominations received.
If you are interested in joining the Diocesan Pastoral Council or know someone with the qualities to offer a rich contribution, please contact your local priest, download a copy from our diocesan website at www.dow.org.au, or contact the Bishop’s Office and speak with Jane Edwards on 4253 0899.
RCIA COORDINATORS’ & MINISTRIES GATHERING & WORKSHOP
will be held on Thursday, 17 May 2012, 10:00-3:30pm, Xavier Centre, Bellambi. RCIA coordinators and others involved in the RCIA ministry are invited to attend this workshop day. RSVP to Darren McDowell on 4253 0985 or email darren.mcdowell@woll.catholic.org.au Monday, 14 May 2012.
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE FAITH & LIFE E-NEWSLETTER?
The Faith & Life eNewsletter is a new monthly email newsletter from the Diocese of Wollongong focussing on all things Catholic. It’s a particularly great resource for those involved in ministries in the Church. In addition to feature articles each month, the eNewsletter contains regular articles such as:
- Liturgy Notes – fantastic for those involved in liturgical ministries. It includes recommended music selections for upcoming Sunday Masses as well as Seasonal Psalms.
- Diocesan Calendar of events and activities Ten Questions with a Catholic engaged in an inspiring ministry (coming month: Foster Carers)
- Resource Spotlight
- Ministry Profile
- Helpful Hints
- Links and resources
Sign up now at www.dow.org.au before the May edition is released next week! You can also view the prior month’s eNewsletters.
STEWARDSHIP CORNER – 4th Sunday of Easter
To be good stewards we must be good shepherds, willing to lay down our lives for those committed to our care, not mere hired hand who run off, “leaving the sheep to be snatched and scattered by the wolf.”
MANY CULTURES ONE IN CHRIST
Mass Preparation Meeting will be held on Thursday, 10 May 2012 at 7:30pm at Xavier Centre, 2 Bond Street, Bellambi. The annual celebration of the cultural diversity within our Diocese, also marking Migrant & Refugee Sunday, occurs on Sunday, 26 August, 2012 and will be held at the Cathedral and St Mary Star of the Sea College hall. Those interested in taking part in this celebration are invited to attend this first preparation meeting.
DIOCESAN FESTIVAL - A TIME TO CELEBRATE – STALLS, MUSIC, RIDES, SPEAKERS, FOOD
You are invited to join the Diocese on Saturday, 26 May 2012 at John Therry Catholic High School, Rosemeadow, any time between 10.00am and 4.00pm, to celebrate the many gifts and opportunities we have to participate in the life of the Church. This festival day promises to be a wonderful witness to the life and vitality that exists within our Catholic community with rides for the children, many stalls, music, keynotes, showcases and a whole array of food from the many cultures in our Diocese. So save the date in your calendars now! If you would like to participate on the day with a food stall, music or a stall showcasing your ministry, contact Darren McDowell on 4253 0985 or darren.mcdowell@woll.catholic.org.au ASAP.
YEAR OF GRACE WEBSITE
The Year of Grace which begins on Pentecost Sunday, 27 May has its website up and running, with rich offerings. There is a short video to introduce the Year of Grace, a Prayer section which includes the official Year of Grace prayer, a monthly e-Bulletin, and an Encounter Jesus section with a video entitled 'Who do you say I am?' The website is at: http://www.yearofgrace.catholic.org.au/
