News in Brief 143
Have you considered priesthood?
Do you want to commit your life to Jesus Christ and to serve God’s people? Priesthood is a fulfilling and challenging way of life. To know more contact your Parish Priest or Fr Richard Healey on priesthood@dow.org.au, 0401 621 591, or visit dow.org.au/priesthood
CONSOLING MASS
will be celebrated at 12noon on Friday, 14 September 2012 at Mater Dolorosa Church, Balmoral Street, Balgownie. Parishioners, parents, families and friends who wish can gather together and remember and honour those who have died as a result of suicide and other tragic circumstances.
STEWARDSHIP CORNER 21st Sunday Ordinary Time
In today’s first reading, Joshua challenges the people to decide whom they will serve. Recalling God’s faithfulness to them and to their ancestors, the people declare, “We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.” In the Gospel too, the apostles must make a choice – who will they follow. They recognise Jesus as the source of eternal life, to whom else would they go? May we, too, be mindful of God’s gifts to us and renew our commitment to serve Him with grateful hearts.
PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE 23-25 SEPTEMBER 2012
As part of the Year of Grace, the Church in Australia has organised a pilgrimage of a relic of Saint Francis Xavier throughout Australia. The pilgrimage aims to help us contemplate and imitate Christ by contemplating the life of Saint Francis Xavier, one of the foremost Church missionaries and evangelisers and a significant exemplar of the imitation of Christ. The pilgrimage will visit St Francis Xavier Cathedral Wollongong, St Thomas More Ruse, St Francis Xavier Berrima, St Patrick’s Port Kembla, Mary Mother of the Church Macquarie Fields and St Paul’s Camden. For details of the pilgrimage, please see the flyer on the Church noticeboard.
CHURCH/SCHOOL BELL WANTED in any condition.
The bell needs to be big and loud enough to used daily for the Angelus. We will pick up at your convenience. Please contact St Paul’s Albion Park parish office on 4256 2038 or Matthew Brookes on 0438 585 838 or brookes9@bigpond.net.au
READERS – MINISTRY TRAINING OCTOBER – NOVEMBER.
Please make a note of the following Regional Reader Training days, to be run by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.
- ILLAWARRA: Saturday 27 October 2012, 10.00am – 2.30pm, St Brigid’s Hall, 115 Gipps Road, Gwynneville
- MACARTHUR AND SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS: Saturday 3 November 2012, 10.00am – 2.30pm, St John the Evangelist Parish Hall, Campbelltown
- SHOALHAVEN: Saturday 17 November 2012, 10.00am – 2.30pm, St Michael's Parish Centre, Nowra
CARMELITE SPIRITUALITY AS A GUIDE TO LIVING
with Fr Greg Homeming ocd on Saturday, 1 September 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.
AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY CONVENTION
Registrations are now open for this national event that is being hosted right here in our own Diocese from Friday, 21 September to Sunday, 23 September 2012. Head to acymc.org for more information or to register and make sure you check out the promo video at www.youtube.com/acbcyouth. If you have any further questions please contact Loretta on 4253 0809 or email youth@dow.org.au.
DADS AND LADS CAMPING WEEKEND
from Friday, 7 September to Sunday, 9 September, 2012 at Cataract Scout Park. The Disciples of Jesus Community, supported by the Youth Mission Team, is organising a camping weekend for men of all ages, not just fathers and sons - but granddads, uncles, men without sons - all are welcome! Cost is $25 per person for the weekend. BYO camping gear and food (cooking facilities available). Archery and Challenge Valley will cost $10 per person per activity. Send an email to wollongong@ymt.com.au to receive a registration form or, for more information, text or call Chris Brennan on 0433 636 359. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
iSTAND WEEKEND (14-18 year olds)
from Friday, 5 October to Sunday, 7 October 2012 run by the Wollongong Youth Mission Team at Cataract Scout Park. It is going to be an awesome weekend filled with fantastic activities like archery, ‘Spot Light’, Challenge Valley, Capture the Flag, bonfires and campfires with marshmallow roasting, and to top it off – an amazing band! Cost is $98.00 per person and includes accommodation (lodges), food and activities. Email wollongong@ymt.com.au to receive a registration form or text or call Chris Brennan on 0433 636 359 for more details. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
MenALIVE DIOCESAN RETREAT WEEKEND,
suitable for all men from 15 years of age to 80+ on Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 November 2012 at St Therese Parish Hall, West Wollongong. The retreat is organised by men within the Diocese and conducted by an experienced team of menALIVE leaders. The weekend is designed so that participants may return to their homes on Saturday night and it concludes with Mass at lunch time on the Sunday. For more information contact Vince Fitzwilliam on 0413 126 095.
