News in Brief 133

WHO WILL CELEBRATE MASS WITH US?
Each time we are gathered for Mass, we rely on the presence and service of the priest to enable us to participate in this sacrament. Who will this person be in the coming years? For those called to the priesthood it is a fulfilling, joyful vocation. Have you considered that God may be calling you to this role? Is God prompting you to encourage someone else to think about priesthood? You don’t have to have all the answers, but are you asking the question? To know more: contact Fr Richard Healey on priesthood@dow.org.au or 0401 621 591, or visit http://dow.org.au/priesthood.

POSTPONEMENT – INSTALLATION OF ACOLYTES AND EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS
Please note that the upcoming diocesan installation ceremonies for acolytes and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion have been postponed. Details of the new dates will be announced shortly.

ENCOUNTER EVENING – FOLLOWING CHRIST
16 to 35 years old? Looking to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ? Wanting to know which way to go in your life? Meet, pray and share a meal with other seekers; listen to those who have encountered Christ and the amazing ways in which they follow him today. Tuesday, 26 May, 6.30pm to 9.30pm, St John the Evangelist Parish Hall, Cordeaux Street, Campbelltown. Contact Cameron Smit on 4253 0823 or email cameron.smit@woll.catholic.org.au

NB: UPDATED NOTICE – THE CLOSING DATE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MONDAY, 18 JUNE 2012
CLERGY CARE COORDINATOR.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons to this permanent part-time position (two days per week) with the focus of this new role and service being to assist the Diocese to care for its aged and frail priests. Please see noticeboard for more details. For further information please contact Sr Moya Hanlen on (02) 4253 0967 or email moya.hanlen@woll.catholic.org.au Candidates must address the selection criteria in their application. Expressions of interest close on Monday, 18 June 2012.

MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARIES MASS 2012
If you are celebrating 25, 40, 50 or 60 years of marriage this year and would like an invitation to the Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Peter Ingham at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral, Fairy Meadow on Sunday, 29 July 2012 at 2.00pm, please contact Helen Bennett at the Office of the Bishop and an invitation will be sent to you. Telephone 4253 0934 or email helen.bennett@woll.catholic.org.au

STEWARDSHIP CORNER – 11 Sunday Ordinary Time
Like the sower in today’s Gospel, I scatter as seed my gifts of time, talent, and resources; and I trust that, by God’s grace and in God’s time, these small gifts of myself may grow and flourish and help to bring about the reign of God.

“COME TO THE FEAST” A WORKSHOP ON HOSPITALITY – MORE THAN A CUPPA
with Mr Chris Ehler, Archdiocese of Brisbane on Saturday, 21 July 2012 at St Thomas More Parish, Ruse from 10:00am-2:30pm. Morning tea and lunch provided. Hospitality is fundamental to the life of any community. The way we welcome others, especially those who enquire about joining our community, reflects on who we are as disciples and stewards of God’s mission. This day is for all those involved in ministry and indeed the whole community. Mr Chris Ehler, from the Archdiocese of Brisbane, will lead us in exploring the meaning of hospitality and assist us in developing ways for creating hospitable and welcoming communities in all areas of ministry and community life. We will also briefly discuss initiatives arising from the March Stewardship Renewal Day. RSVP essential to Darren McDowell on 4253 0985 or email darren.mcdowell@woll.catholic.org.au

THE SPIRITUALITY OF THOMAS MERTON
Reflection Morning with Barbara Smith on Saturday, 7 July 2012 at Holy Name of Mary Parish hall, 3 Mary Street, Hunters Hill. Enjoy some reflection, silence and solitude in the beautiful Marist grounds. Entry by donation. No booking. Tea and coffee provided. Enquiries Carole on 9869 1036 or Michelle 9958 5963.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
– a weekend for married couples from Friday, 20 July to Sunday 22 July 2012 at St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre, Douglas Park. A weekend away for married couples in peaceful, picturesque surroundings – away from the distractions of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule to invest in your most precious asset...your marriage! This is a unique opportunity to recharge your relationship batteries, refocus on each other and fall in love all over again! Bookings (02) 4283 3435 or email wsharpe@bigpond.net.au . For more information visit www.wwme.org.au

SCENE (Sydney Congress Embracing the New Evangelisation) hosted by CREDO.
Wednesday 11 July to Sunday 15 July 2012. Scene is held in non World Youth Day years as a follow-up event. Programme includes a three day Vocations Expo in Martin Place, Sydney, catechesis each morning, lunchtime outreach activities on the city streets, workshops, pub talks, a youth concert, art installations, live music performances, Mass, the Divine Office and Eucharistic Adoration. For further details visit www.credosydney.opg/SCE E2O12 or telephone (02) 9390 5996.

YOUTH MISSION TEAM CHARITY BALL
on Saturday, 23 June 2012 at Panorama House, Bulli Tops, Bulli from 7.00pm. Tickets are $75, including a three-course meal and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. Bar facilities available. 100% of the profits go to the Youth Mission Team Wollongong supporting the character and faith development of teenagers throughout the Diocese of Wollongong. For more details or to purchase tickets contact Chris Brennan on 4284 1635, 0433 636 359, wollongong@ymt.com.au, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

FIRE WEEKEND - LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR.
Friday, 20 July 2012 from 7.00pm until Sunday, 22 July 2012 at 1.30pm at The Venue Conference Centre, Bellambi. Organised by the Disciples of Jesus Catholic Community and the Youth Mission Team it is an amazing opportunity to come and experience the power of God’s love for you. The weekend is for those aged 18 - 40 years old. Cost is $95 which includes accommodation, food and resources. Eucharist and Reconciliation will be available on the weekend. Numbers are limited. To register or for more details contact Chris Brennan on 4284 1635, 0433 636 359, wollongong@ymt.com.au, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

iSTAND GENERATION - NATIONAL CONFERENCE
will be held at Holy Spirit College Bellambi, Saturday, 7 July 2012, from 9.00am – 9.00pm, for 14- 18 years old. Young people who are in contact with YMT’s four teams from Wollongong, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne will be converging on Wollongong for this event. The day will include a live band, blow-up obstacle course and fooseball, sport, Mass and youth rally. The cost is $50 including all meals, activities and conference bag. To register or for further details, please contact Tim Fitzwilliam on 4284 6600, 0408 209 946 or email tim.fitzwilliam@ymt.com.au.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS’ REGIONAL GATHERINGS
Wednesday 20 June, 8.00pm – 9.30pm at St Thomas More Parish Hall, Ruse
Monday 25 June, 7.30pm – 9.00pm at St. Brigid’s School Hall, Gwynneville
Thursday 28 June, 7.30pm – 9.00pm at Sacred Heart Church, Warilla.
Given the success of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) formation day in February, regional gatherings for PPC’s have been planned. These sessions offer the opportunity to continue sharing about the good work happening in your parish as well as receiving further information and formation on the topics raised during the February gathering. More information will soon be made available. All members of parish pastoral councils are invited to regional gatherings. For further information contact Darren McDowell on 4253 0985 or email darren.mcdowell@woll.catholic.org.au