This weekend on the solemnity of Christ the King, Bishop Brian has shared his transformative vision for parishes in the Diocese of Wollongong!
His heartfelt message echoes the beating heart of our communities—the person of Jesus. Come & See, Go & Make: A Vision for Parishes is an inspiring call to encounter Jesus, be transformed, and become disciples.
This weekend, parishes across the Diocese of Wollongong will receive:
Additionally, in December, parishes will receive several worksheet documents that will support communities in the process of prayer, reflection, and discernment in the New Year. Engagement with these activities will be a crucial part of the renewal process in parish communities.
We embark on this journey together, trusting in the goodness and mercy of God who promises, “I know the plans I have for you … plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
VISION DOCUMENTPRINCIPLES & FOUNDATIONS DOCUMENTGOING DEEPER DOCUMENT
Experience the essence of God’s love and purpose. Through Baptism, we’re all called to a unique vocation and to share in the eternal love of God. This starts with our daily “yes” to God in countless little acts of sacrificial love. This is our first, primary vocation, that all Christians share. Whether you’re discerning marriage, consecrated life, or ordained ministry, it’s a journey worth exploring and a path filled with love and meaning.
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Did you know you can set up your parish giving on the new DOW App? It only takes a couple of minutes and then you have full control of your regular and one-off giving to first, second and special parish collections. The App also has an amazing diocesan Mass times finder, daily Mass readings, upcoming diocesan news and events, and links to other important diocesan media and resources. Download now!
The diocese’s weekly television production in partnership with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference of Mass for You at Home (MFYAH) broadcasts around the country on Network Ten (6am) and Foxtel’s Aurora Channel 173 (10am) each Sunday morning. It is then available to watch on demand on Network Ten’s streaming platform 10play.com.au and the new MFYAH website massforyou.com.au where you can also subscribe to the MFYAH YouTube channel.
This important ministry reaches into people’s homes, hospital beds and prison cells, inviting them to pray along with the priests and other ministers. If you are able to support Mass for You at Home through prayer, promotion or financial support, see below link.
Catholic Business Connections (CBC) is an opportunity for business women and men in our diocese (active and retired) who share common values, to network and engage with each other and leaders representing the diocese. CBC gathers three times a year for lunch and to listen to guest speakers chosen to inspire with their unique story and share how they relate their work and spiritual life experience to the context of living in a modern world. Members are also invited to attend Bishop Brian’s End of Year Thank You Gathering
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The daily readings are taken from the lectionary which divides much of the Bible into three years worth of readings.
Discover your unique vocation, and explore the call to marriage, consecrated life, or ordained ministry.
Weekly radio program and podcast developed by the diocese all about faith, hope, love and life.
Opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. Alpha is an experience!
Free weekly faith-sharing small group resource to help to build and develop community and faith.
Popular pocket-sized book with beautiful artwork and daily reflections for Advent and Christmas.
Popular book and music resource for Lenten groups and individuals. Includes beautiful artwork and daily reflections.
Provides policy and guidelines, online forms, and resources to support those preparing liturgy.
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Our diocesan logo is theologically rich and very succinct. As a hand, it depicts our mission as a diocese and as individuals within the diocese, of bearing (bringing, carrying) Christ’s love to one another and to the world around us. In this, we are the hand of Jesus Christ, and we are offering ourselves to him so that he might work through us.
We can be the bearers of his love only as a response to his call and in the strength of his grace. We are reminded of this in two ways—through the symbol of the dove (the Holy Spirit) also present in the logo, and by the incorporation of the cross that segments the logo. The presence of the cross is a reminder that bearing the love of Christ will inevitably cost us if we live it authentically. However, in the way that the Cross is the portent of redemption and life—an echo of the tree of life in the book of Genesis—so becoming bearers of the love of Christ will also bring us to life.
The four fingers of the hand also represent the four regions of our diocese. The first is blue representing the beautiful water of the Shoalhaven. The second is a blue and green combination representing the waters and escarpment of the Illawarra. The third is green depicting the hills and plains of the Macarthur. The fourth is dark green illustrating the forests of the Southern Highlands.
