News in Brief 125
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
- WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Sunday 29 April 2012 is the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. On this annual worldwide event the Church invites you to pray especially for those God is calling to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Why not consider someone you think should explore these vocations and pray for them especially this week? Have you encouraged them to explore what God is calling them to be?
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, or contact the Bishop’s Office and speak with Jane Edwards on 4253 0899.
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.
- NEW LIFE COURSE
St John the Evangelist Parish, Dapto and the Wollongong Catholic Charismatic Renewal invite you to attend this course on five Thursday nights from 26 April 2012 at the Dapto Parish hall, 24 Jerematta Street. Topics covered include Sin & Salvation, Faith & Conversion, Jesus My Lord, The Gift of the Holy Spirit and Gifts of Service & Community. A light supper will be provided. There is no charge for the course however any donations towards expenses would be appreciated. All welcome. For more information contact Gabriella on (02) 4261 2500.
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 by Friday 27 April.
- YEAR OF GRACE WEBSITEThe 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/
STEWARDSHIP CORNER - THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER.
The disciples in today’s Gospel came to know Jesus in the sharing of their presence with one another and through food. When we share ourselves and what we have with those who are in need, we, too, will discover Jesus in our midst.
- CATHOLIC EARTHCARE TEAM
invite you to a Thanksgiving Mass and Dinner on Wednesday, 9 May 2012 to mark the first decade of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ agency, Catholic Earthcare. Archbishop Doyle, together with other Bishops will concelebrate the Mass in Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel, Mount Street, North Sydney at 5.30pm. Following Mass a celebratory dinner will be held at The Living Room (Greenwood Plaza rooftop), 36 Blues Point Road, North Sydney. The venue is licensed and the three course meal will cost $40 per head. The North Sydney train station is within walking distance of both the Chapel and the dinner venue. Car parking may be difficult. RSVP to Luke Edwards by Thursday, 3 May 2012 email luke.edwards@catholicearthcare.org.au or mobile 0459 101 590.
