SMP Donovan

Faith & Life News | November 2012

2012-11-10T10:05:00.001+11:00

	In this Issue
Vatican II – Then and Now
Liturgy Notes
Making Space for Everyone
Awaken - Advent & Christmas Program
Ten Questions with... Peter Presdee
Helpful Hints: Inclusion
Links and Resources

	Upcoming Events
Nov / Dec 2012 Diocesan Calendar
Upcoming Liturgy Workshops
Upcoming Music Workshops
Upcoming CatholicCare Workshops
Disability Inclusion Mass
God in the Gong with Maria Pineda

Vatican II – Then and Now

By Dr John Honner (Theologian)

Pope John XXIII was elected on 28 October 1958, when I was twelve years old. He wanted to open the Vatican windows and let some fresh air into the Church. He called for aggiornamento, or 'updating'. He was going to call a Council.

Liturgy Notes

By Paul Mason (Diocesan Liturgy Coordinator)

Welcome to this month's edition of "Liturgy Notes", the liturgy and music section of the Faith & Life e-newsletter. As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the developments in liturgy in the Diocese in 2012.

Making Space for Everyone

By Darren McDowell (Coordinator of Parish Services)

Have you ever felt the joy of being fully included? This may seem a strange question, but how often do we truly experience being part of something – a group, our church or local community? It is a feeling of empowerment, of security, of meaning and purpose. Usually this experience comes through the efforts of others creating an opportunity, a chance or an invitation that fosters our participation.

Awaken - Advent & Christmas Daily Reflections 2012

By Daniel Hopper (Diocesan Communications Coordinator)

The Diocese of Wollongong is delighted to be producing a beautifully presented full colour 68-page pocket size Advent/Christmas resource entitled, Awaken – Daily Advent and Christmas Reflections 2012.

Advent is such a busy time of year, but it is also so important to spiritually prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Therefore, Awaken contains short daily reflections from the beginning of Advent through to Epiphany inclusive primarily for personal use.

	Ten Questions With...
Deacon Peter Presdee (Catholic Chaplain, South Coast Correctional Centre, Nowra)
When and where were you born? What do you normally eat for breakfast? What inspired you to become a Deacon? Pick three words that describe your lives so far? What is the role of 'Prison Chaplain' and what does it involve? Who are your heroes? What has brought you the greatest joy and most challenge in your life as a Deacon and Chaplain to the Prison? In what ways do you experience God's grace in your life? What inspires you in your ministry within the Church? In 25 words or less, what hope do you believe the Church offers the world today?

Helpful Hints

Inclusion of family, school and parish
By Richard McMahon (Director of Parish Services)

Ever been out bushwalking and come to a fast flowing river rushing through a gorge? How do we cross the divide? A recognised gap exists between parish, family and school. While our literature affirms the one community where all individuals and families gather for worship, to have their children educated and their faith nurtured, the reality can be very different.

	Links and Resources
Here is a list of links and resources relating to Faith and Life:

Subscribe to the Faith & Life
E-Newsletter

Do you know someone that would like to subscribe to this E-Newsletter? If so, just forward the E-Newsletter to them and ask that they enter their details below to subscribe. It takes less than 30 seconds!

Darren McDowell
Coordinator of Parish Services
(02) 4253 0985
darren.mcdowell@dow.org.au

Message from Bishop Peter - Vat II

2012-10-22T23:22:00.001+11:00

Updated Diocesan Calendar
October / November 2012

We have updated the October / November 2012 Diocesan Calendar. The updated calendar includes revised dates as well as venue details for the upcoming Vatican II e-Conference at Chevalier College in Bowral.

You can download the updated October / November Diocesan Caldender here. The link in the October Faith and Life E-Newsletter that was emailed out last week has also been updated for the new calendar.

Click here for details on the upcoming Vatican II e-Conference and to download a flyer.

Message from Bishop Peter Ingham on the 50th Anniversary Vatican II

I want to highlight the 50th anniversary of that great ecclesial event, the II Vatican Council and the opening of the Year of Faith. Our Year of Grace neatly dovetails with both of the above especially when you remember Bl John Paul II called Vatican II "the great grace of the 20th Century" (NMI 57) and indicated the Council was a compass by which we can set our direction for the 21st Century. Pope Benedict said on 11 October, "Living faith opens the heart to the Grace of God which frees us from pessimism".

I hope and pray that we will all renew our acquaintance with the 16 Documents of Vatican II. Again the Pope said, "The true legacy of Vatican II is to be found in its texts....draw from them the Council's authentic spirit."

The Council documents are a vast treasure chest into which we have all dipped, but as Bishop Michael Putney said, "not everyone took out the same treasures". So he suggests we look at the total Gift of Grace the Council was.

Bishop Michael prefers we look at Vatican II as if it were a tapestry. We need to stand back and see the whole picture lest we see only the parts we like, but miss how those fit into the whole picture. We also need to look at Vatican II through the lens of our long and rich tradition of Catholic Faith and Culture. Pope Benedict said the Council sought "to proclaim the truths of the Faith in a renewed way all the while keeping intact their perennial content."

Council Items

The Council offered us a new way of relating to God, of deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ plus a new way of thinking about the Church. Bl John XXIII had a beautiful vision of our loving mother, the Church, offering us the medicine of mercy not of severity! He indicated that the sacred deposit of Christian Doctrine....which is to be faithfully respected, needs to be explored in a way which responds to the needs of our times.

Vatican II told us we are the "pilgrim People of God" journeying through history - meaning we have to go forward together to the future God holds out for us. To go on ahead on our own is not the way, nor is it to circle the wagons and be defensive. The Pope also said "The journey is a metaphor for life, and the wise wayfarer is one who has learned the art of living and can share it with others". He also referred to the thirst for God, a thirst for the ultimate meaning of our life.

Jesus is the Light of the Nations (Lumen Gentium) leading us, the People of God. We belong together, we are the Body of which Jesus Christ is the Head or we are adrift, we are the building of the Holy Spirit.

The Council re-focused us on the rich understanding of our Triune God and made the role of the Holy Spirit clearer for us.

Communio

Vatican II helped us to understand Communio which is exemplified in the interrelationship of the Persons in the Holy Trinity. Our own Communio in our personal relationship with God in Christ through the Holy Spirit should keep us in Communio with one another and co-responsible with all the baptised for the mission of Jesus Christ. We Christians serve the wider world by sharing this Communio with others.

Dialogue

Vatican II also helped us to focus on Dialogue. Do you recall that Paul VI in 1964 wrote a positive Encyclical "Ecclesiam Suam" on the meaning of respectful dialogue within the Church and with all sectors of our world? It is still very relevant and practical for today. When we truly listen to another to understand their point of view, we discover not only who they are, but we can also discover who we are! Often in such an exchange, we utter things really important to us that perhaps we had never articulated so clearly before. Ecclesiam Suam deserves re-reading!

When we look back there were four purposes why Bl John XXIII called the Council: - to invigorate our Christian living by strengthening our relationship with God; - to adapt the Church's structures to the needs of the times (aggiornamento); - to foster unity (within the Church, with other Christians, with people of other faiths, with all); - to be in mission, to evangelise.

On the Council's 50th Anniversary, Pope Benedict XVI said: "The true meaning of Vatican II was and remains faith in Jesus Christ, the Apostolic Faith, animated by the inner desire to communicate Christ to individuals and to all people in the Church's pilgrimage along the pathways of history".

With my best wishes and blessings for a happy anniversary.

Most Rev Peter W Ingham DD
BISHOP OF WOLLONGONG

Help me reach my target :-)

2012-09-05T11:04:00.001+10:00

Hi

Support and/or join my team for the Seven Bridges Walk to raise money for the NSW Cancer Council :-)

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/steam

I am taking part in The 2012 Cancer Council 7 Bridges Walk, and will be participating to raise money for Cancer Council NSW and the 1 in 2 Australians that will be diagnosed with cancer. You can help me reach my fundraising goal by donating to this important cause! All you need to do is go to the above link and click the Donate Now button on the page, give what you can and if you want to, leave me a message of support.

Thanks!

Sean

You Don't Have To Look Like Me To Be My Friend--

2012-08-01T16:48:00.001+10:00

You Don't Have To Look Like Me To Be My Friend--

You Don't Have To Look Like Me To Be My Friend:

Thank goodness! Otherwise this would be a very dull world.

Invitation 7 Sept: Peace with People, Peace with our Planet - AFranciscan Perspective

2012-08-01T08:37:00.001+10:00

Dear friends

On Friday 7 September, the Archdiocesan Justice and Peace Office, in collaboration with the Franciscan Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office is hosting a seminar with Fr Joseph Rozansky OFM at the Polding Centre in the City. Fr Joe serves at the Franciscan General Curia in Rome as Director of the Secretariat for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). He co-ordinates activities in JPIC around the globe and animates Franciscans and others in JPIC. Joseph was the leader of the Franciscan group at the Rio +20 Summit this year.

We would love you to join us for what we're sure will be an valuable conversation on the topic Peace with People, Peace with our Planet : A Franciscan Perspective. More information will follow but in the meantime, please claim the date in your diaries and pass this notice and flyer attached on to your your networks.

Warm regards

Chantelle

Chantelle Ogilvie-Ellis

Promoter of Justice and Peace
Justice and Peace Office

Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

T: 02 9390 5319

F: 02 9261 8312

M: 0439 584 221

Level 12, Polding Centre,
133 Liverpool St, Sydney, NSW 2000

P Please consider the environment before printing this email

Peace with People, Peace with our Planet : A Franciscan Perspective.

Friday 7 September, 6:30-8pm (including supper)

Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, Level 5, Polding Centre,133 Liverpool St, Sydney

Joseph Rozansky OFM serves at the Franciscan General Curia in Rome as Director of the Secretariat for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). He co-ordinates activities in JPIC around the globe and animates Franciscans and others in JPIC. Joseph was the leader of the Franciscan group at the Rio +20 Summit this year.

Joseph has a background as a missionary, having spent many years among the landless of Brazil in Goias and in formation work for his home Province accompanying young friars prior to making their final commitment of vows.

RSVP: Chantelle (9390 5319 / chantelle.ogilvie-ellis@sydneycatholic.org) or Sarah (9369 9309 / jpic@franciscans.org.au)

Anti-Bullying Video on ACA!

2012-08-01T08:33:00.001+10:00

Diocesan Anti-Bullying video featured on A Current Affair tonight

A Current Affair is airing a story tonight on the Catholic Education Office's Anti-Bullying DVD resource, Fix You . This resource was released in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wollongong in February this year. The response from students, teachers and parents has been overwhelmingly positive and has subsequently generated significant media interest nationally.

The story features interviews with three young people from Catholic schools in our Diocese, as well as comments from the Director of Schools, Peter Turner.

Peter Turner said: "I'm delighted that A Current Affair has decided to focus on the Anti-Bullying resource. This is more than just a good news story. We are aware that this video has already had a profound effect on the lives of a number of young people and I am hopeful that this resource will have a positive impact on the lives of many more. Our aim is that many young Australians will view this video clip and take a positive stand against bullying, in all its forms.

"I encourage all involved in our Catholic schools, and all in our Diocese, to raise awareness about tonight's show amongst their family, friends and work colleagues. I also urge people to promote and share the video clip through their social networks. You can watch the video clip in full at www.youtube.com/ceowollongong."

It is anticipated that more than 1.5 million Australians will view tonight's screening.

Using the music of Coldplay's, Fix You, the three minute video clip was produced by students for students, to focus on the deep and lasting impact of bullying and to provide practical strategies for youth to deal with this complex issue. It is designed to engage young people to be courageous and take an active stance in their response to bullying in their school and in the wider community.

The video resource is part of the Catholic Education Office's Student Anti-Bullying Policy that was launched this year in response to the growing concern in schools relating to bullying and the impact on our young people.

The story is scheduled to be aired tonight, Tuesday 31 July, on A Current Affair (ACA) on the Nine Network at 6.30pm (Channel 9 Sydney). Unfortunately, ACA is not airing on WIN TV due to the Olympic Games coverage. For those living in the Illawarra and South Coast, you can view the story online at 7pm on ACA's website: www.ninemsn.com.au/aca

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE ANTI-BULLYING VIDEO CLIP NOW!

- ends -

For comments and further media information contact:

Tim Gilmour
Professional Assistant to the Director of Schools
Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Wollongong
02 4253 0938
0438 669 677
Tim.Gilmour@dow.catholic.edu.au

Answering Atheism with Dr Ed Feser

2012-07-18T07:28:00.001+10:00

Answering Atheism:
Dr Edward Feser Ph.D live in the Diocese

The misunderstanding about the relationship of faith and science has seen increasing numbers of people "shelving" belief in God. Often it is claimed that "science is objective" whereas belief in God is "unscientific" and therefore irrational or, at least, has no rational foundation itself.

Professor and popular social commentator from the USA, Dr Edward Feser Ph.D will be visiting the Diocese of Wollongong this month to expose the fallacies of this world view including its inherent contradiction: "the claim that scientism is true is not a scientific claim!"

WHEN & WHERE:

Tuesday, 24 July at St John the Evangelist Parish, Jerematta St, Dapto
Thursday, 26 July at St John the Evangelist Parish, Cordeaux St, Campbelltown
Talk from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Q&A 8.30pm-9.00pm followed by supper. Entry by donation
RSVP essential to Jane Edwards on 4253 0899 or email jane.edwards@dow.org.au
You can also RSVP by replying to this email
Click on the poster below for more details

The Stranger

2012-06-06T08:28:00.001+10:00

From the internet ....

THE STRANGER

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger

who was new to our small town. From the beginning,

Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer

and soon invited him to live with our family. The

stranger was quickly accepted and was around

from then on.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my

family. In my young mind, he had a special niche.

My parents were complementary instructors: Mom

taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey.

But the stranger... he was our storyteller. He would

keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures,

mysteries and comedies.

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history

or science, he always knew the answers about the past,

understood the present and even seemed able to predict

the future! He took my family to the first major league

ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The

stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem

to mind.

Sometimes, Mum would get up quietly while the rest of

us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to

say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet.

(I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions,

but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them.

Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home - not

from us, our friends or any visitors. Our long time visitor,

however, got away with four-letter words that burned my

ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush.

My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol but the

stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made

cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished.

He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments

were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally

embarrassing..

I now know that my early concepts about relationships were

influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he

opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked

... And NEVER asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved

in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly

as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into

my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over

in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and

watch him draw his pictures.

We just call him 'TV.'

He has a wife now....we call her 'Computer.'

Spirit Alive Ministry & Youth Fest

2012-05-08T07:29:00.001+10:00

Free lecture by Vatican representative

2012-04-14T12:14:00.001+10:00

Good afternoon, everyone

As you might know, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is presenting the Australian Catholic Media Congress (Communicating the Word: Timeless Messages, New Media) in Sydney for three days from the end of April. This is a broad overview of the changing landscape of social media now, from Twitter to Facebook, Pinterest to LinkdeIn.

Keynote speaker for the Congress is Mons Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Vatican's Council for Social Communications.

It promises to be a comprehensive overview of this apparently complicated subject. But not too many of us have three days in our schedules to devote to the subject – no matter how much we would like to know about it.

And we in the Church seem particularly to want to know about it. During the course of my interactions with many in the church, I have often been asked about social media, what it is, what it means, how to manage it. We are all a bit in the dark, I feel, about how social media can serve mission.

So, Church Resources, through our flagship, faith-based publication, CathNews, is presenting Mons Tighe in an umbrella event – New Media, New Paradigms: Church Communications in a Digital Age – which will be held on May 3 at Riverview in Sydney from 7.30 pm.

To view the invitation to this free public lecture Click here. It explains the event, and also includes a click-through to enable you to register for tickets. I do hope you can join us, for an insight into the new media in the new world of social communications.

Apologies for the very Sydney-centric nature of the event, but Mons Tighe's schedule was both short and packed. However, I encourage you to circulate the invitation to your friends and subscribing to the event as indicated. I look forward to welcoming you, and them, on May 3 at Riverview.

Peace and grace

Christine Hogan
Publisher

Diocesan Pastoral Council

2012-04-12T08:12:00.001+10:00

Nominations Called for the
Diocesan Pastoral Council

The Diocesan Pastoral Council considers the pastoral questions of our day and makes appropriate recommendations to the Bishop.

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 of the discernment and reflection , Constitution, and nomination form or ring the Bishop's Office and speak with Jane Edwards on (02) 4253 0899.

Click here to view this eBulletin on our website

Message sent from: Diocese of Wollongong, PO Box 1239, Wollongong, NSW - AU 2500

Easter Greetings

2012-04-08T09:49:00.002+10:00

Sean Donovan

STARTING AFRESH FROM CHRIST

2012-03-16T14:44:00.001+11:00

Dear Friend of the missionary Church

Thank you for attending the Bishop's Diocesan Lenten Seminar 'Starting Afresh from Christ' at the Campbelltown Catholic Club on Tuesday 6 March 2012.

I have pleasure in providing you with the link to Rev Dr van Thahn Nguyen SVD's published paper:

http://ctu-faculty.com/Faculty/tnguyen/Articles/Evangelizing%20Empire.pdf

The Holy Father's mission intention for the month of March directs us to Persecuted Christians 'That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution, or death for the name of Christ, particularly in Asia'.

Mike Deasy

Diocesan Director

Tel 02 4284 0970

Fax 02 4283 1455

PO Box 1015 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500

Retreat Day for Young People

2012-02-16T08:47:00.001+11:00

Starting Afresh From Christ @ The Campbelltown Catholic Club

2012-02-16T08:34:00.001+11:00

You are invited to attend our upcoming Lenten renewal event, Starting Afresh from Christ, at the Campbelltown Catholic Club.

The Australian Catholic Bishops are calling the Catholic people in Australia to a Year of Grace, to span the time from Pentecost 2012 to Pentecost 2013. Following Blessed John Paul II's call at the start of the new Millennium, we are called to commit ourselves to "start afresh from Christ" (NMI, 29).

We are fortunate to have secured eminent scripture scholar Dr vanThanh Nguyen, SVD, SThD, Associate Professor of New Testament Studies and Tenure at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL (USA). His keynote address, "The Gospel and Mission of Paul: The Church Today and the New Evangelisation", will help us reflect on what we can learn from the first century Christians for our own time and circumstances, as we look to start afresh from Christ.

Bishop Peter Ingham will introduce proceedings with an opening address on the day.

This is a FREE EVENT (including light lunch). RSVP is essential by 27 February 2012 to Jane Edwards at (02) 4253 0899 / jane.edwards@woll.catholic.org.au.

This is a great opportunity to deepen your Lenten renewal, so invite a friend along and let us know you are coming!

More details below.

God Speaks

2011-11-29T08:03:00.001+11:00

Whispers

The man whispered, "God, speak to me" and a meadowlark sang.

But, the man did not hear.

So the man yelled, "God, speak to me" and the thunder rolled across the sky.

But, the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, "God let me see you." And a star shined brightly.

But the man did not see.

And, the man shouted, "God show me a miracle." And, a life was born.

But, the man did not notice.

So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let me know you are here."
Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But, the man brushed the butterfly away

and walked on.

I found this to be a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted ... even in our electronic age..
So I would like to add one more:

The man cried, "God, I need your help!" And an e-mail arrived reaching out with good news and encouragement.

But, the man deleted it and continued crying ..

Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.

My instructions were to send this to people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Won't you please pass this to people you want to be blessed.

Have A Beautiful Day!

God Speaks

2011-11-29T07:55:00.004+11:00

Strange LinkedIn Pages

2011-11-23T13:18:00.001+11:00

I recently deleted some strange LinkedIn pages that had appeared on my blog. I don’t currently have or use a LinkedIn account so if you get anything from LinkedIn purporting to be me you can ignore it.

MSJN Meeting Saturday12th November 2:30pm

2011-11-07T09:45:00.001+11:00

The Macarthur Social Justice Network exists to promote social justice and peace, ecological concern and respect for life in society, in the light of the Gospel and the social teaching of the Church.

Notice of Meeting

You are invited to attend the next Macarthur Social Justice Network meeting to be held on:

Saturday 12^th November 2011

between 2:30pm and 4:30pm

at St Thomas More Parish Hall , 43 Acacia Avenue, Ruse

cost $2 donation

Agenda:

Business of Committee 2:30pm-3pm

1. Opening Prayer

2. Attendance

3. Apologies

4. Previous Minutes

5. Chair's Report

6. Treasurer's Report

7. Secretary's Report

8. General Business

a. Adoption of Constitution

9. Closing Prayer

Workshop 3pm-4:30pm

1. Parish Reports and Issues

2. Local News and Issues

3. Drafting of Press Releases

Regards,

Sean Donovan

The Macarthur Social Justice Network is the local presence of the

Wollongong Diocesan Justice Ecology and Peace Council

If you know of anyone who would like to join in our discussions and activities please invite them along

Is anyone you know would like to receive our notices please ask them to email secretary@msjn.org

Should you no longer wish to receive emails please let us know by email to secretary@msjn.org

Papua New Guinea - Sunday 23/10 at 6pm - St John's Campbelltown Hall Meeting Room

2011-10-22T15:43:00.001+11:00

Come and learn more about our nearest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, with special guest Fr Isaac Koi msc.

Find out something about the work of the Church in PNG as well as the particular challenges in that country.

Take the opportunity to view photo's, read about the missionary activities, and see how you might be able to do something now or in the future.

All welcome.

Where: St John's, Campbelltown

- Hall Meeting Room

When: Sunday 23/10 at 6pm

Cost: Free (donations welcome J)

Diocese of Wollongong Liturgy Festival | Last Chance to Register!

2011-10-19T07:26:00.001+11:00

Registrations are closing this week for the Diocesan Liturgy Festival to be held on Saturday 29 October, 9.30am - 5.00pm, at St Mary Star of the Sea
College, Wollongong, followed by Mass with Bishop Peter Ingham at the Cathedral at 6.00pm.

The purpose of the Festival is to come together as a Diocese to refresh and reinvigorate our appreciation of liturgy through a day of uplifting music, workshops, stalls, good keynote speakers, networking and, most importantly, by celebrating the Eucharist together.

The cost of the event has been kept as low as possible to encourage wide participation ($25 Adults; $10 Students and Pensioners). However, if cost is an issue for you, please contact Helen Bennett on 4253 0934 or helen.bennett@woll.catholic.org.au

You can register online or by mail, email, fax or over the phone
with Helen. See the below poster for links to online registration and links to
download the brochure and paper registration.

The Diocesan Liturgy Festival is the major event for 2011 to help realise one of the key goals in our Diocesan Pastoral Plan - that our celebration of the Mass will be an uplifting experience of the community at prayer and worship.

Catholic Bishops launch major statement on prisons and the justice system - Link

2011-09-24T11:11:00.001+10:00

Here is a link with info and further links

Catholic Bishops launch major statement on prisons and the justice system

Building Bridges, Not Walls

2011-09-24T07:10:00.001+10:00

Building Bridges, Not Walls

Prisons and the Justice System

SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT 2011 - 2012

Join us on

Sunday 6pm

(after 5pm Mass)

In the Hall Meeting Room

Interested in Social Justice?

Visit www.msjn.org

Following Jesus

2011-08-17T09:37:00.000+10:00

Following Jesus – Matthew eConference.

Tues 6 Sept. 10.30am-2.45pm

Excellent speakers
Bulletin notices have already gone to parishes.
Any parish or person can host the conference. All the details are on the conference website:

http://matthew.vividas.com

Currently the following venues are confirmed hosts:

Magdalen Secondary College; Moss Vale, Varroville, Nowra, Kiama parishes; Marian Centre;

We suggest that people bring their own lunch; parish might provide refreshments.
Previous conferences are available either on line, or through the purchase of cdrom.
Bellambi Resource Centre has the set of previous conferences.

It is possible to arrange the seminar at another time that better suits your local area. If you need any assistance please contact me: vivien.williams@woll.catholic.org.au Ph: 4253 0822

__________________________________________________________________________________

INFORMATION FROM BROKEN BAY INSTITUTE

The Broken Bay Institute in partnership with The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

Following Jesus- Matthew 6th National eConference –
e:econferences@bbi.catholic.edu.au t: +61 2 9847 0726

You can now register for the Following Jesus – Matthew eConference which takes place soon. Follow the link http://matthew.vividas.com and click on the register button.

We strongly encourage you to register your site or your individual participation as we often receive enquiries from people that would love to participate with others.

On the Official Website you will find

The Program
Facilitator Questions (coming soon)
Reading Resources
How to host an eConference guide
Registered eConference site listing (coming soon)
Jan Hynes, The Artist

John Garratt Publishing are offering prizes of a $2000 voucher for an organisation and a $500 voucher for an individual who participates in this eConference.

I have attached a simple "What to do" to assist you.

Rhonda Andersen. Communications Office. Diocese of Broken Bay

P: (02) 9847 0726 E: econferences@bbi.catholic.edu.au

Madrid Encounter

2011-08-09T08:32:00.001+10:00

Faith and Life News | Catholic Diocese of Wollongong

World Youth Day @ Home

While some people are soon to jet off to celebrate World Youth Day in Madrid, there are many more who have not been able (for a variety of reasons) to pack their bags and head to Spain, so we've planned to bring some of the flavour and excitement of World Youth Day to them. On Saturday, August 20 the Diocese of Wollongong, in association with the Wollongong Youth Mission Team and the Verbum Dei Missionaries, will be presenting 'Madrid Encounter', a day-long event filled to the brim with all the things that make World Youth Day the amazing event it is, including Catechesis with Sr Hilda Scott OSB, a dramatic Way of the Cross, Reconciliation, a Spanish Fiesta, Mass followed by a Youth Festival. We also hope to get some live updates from our pilgrims direct from Madrid, Spain. All this for the bargain price of $10, which includes all meals. Pre-registration is essential for catering purposes. Head to www.dow.org.au/youth for more information and to register. For more information contact Chris on 4284 1635.

If you're on Facebook and want to stay in touch withall things youth, find 'Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong' and get regular updates.

There are almost one hundred young people from our diocese heading to Spain to celebrate World Youth Day. Please keep these young pilgrims in your prayers.

Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, 86-88 Market Street (PO Box 1239), Wollongong NSW 2500.
For more information, please call (02) 4253 0900 or email info@dow.org.au