Our Diocesan Community - March 2013 1 - Catholic Diocese of ...

Silver Jubilee Celebrations
Horsham's Ss Michael and John's Catholic Church celebrated its 25th anniversary recently. The anniversary coincided with a reunion
for former Brigidine Convent students. Committee member Marie Foley, launched a book at the reunion of the convent's history,
Journey from Acorn to Oak. More than one hundred and twenty past students attended the reunion, while about five hundred people
joined in a special Anniversary Mass.
Molly Morrissey and her daughter Phoebe Davies travelled from Melbourne for the events. Mrs Morrissey was a boarder at the convent
between 1940 and 1941, while Mrs Davies was a day student from 1951 to 1961, before her family moved to Melbourne. The pair
said there had been several changes since they left the Wimmera. "There is no convent and I still remember the old church,'' Mrs
Davies said. She said she recognised names at the reunion but not many faces. The pair said they had also noticed several changes
throughout Horsham mainly the expansion of the town.
Fathers John McKinnon and Frank Madden
returned for the anniversary celebrations. Fr
McKinnon attended school at the convent
from the end of 1939 to 1946. "It's a bit of a trip
down nostalgia lane,'' he said. Fr McKinnon
was also a parish priest at Ss Michael and
John's Catholic Church a decade ago until
his retirement four years ago. He said it was
great to see everyone's smiling faces at the
special Mass.
Parish Priest Peter Hudson said the reunion
and book launch were highlights of the
weekend. "People reminisced on times in
the convent and what the whole Brigidine
spirituality meant to them all,'' he said. There
were a lot of memories being shared.'' The $1
million church opened on May 10, 1987.
From back, Fr Peter Hudson, architect Gregory Burgess and Fr Frank Madden, front,
Fr John McKinnon and planning committee chairman Denis O Brien celebrate Ss
Michaels and John’s Catholic Church’s 25th anniversary after a special Mass.
.
Article courtesy of The Wimmera Mail-Times
Text by Cassandra Dalgleish
Picture: Samantha Camarri
clergy annual retreat
“Enlarge the place of your tent,
and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
hold not back, lengthen your cords
and strengthen your stakes.
For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left,
and your descendants will possess the nations
and will people the desolate cities.” (Isaiah 54:2,3)
Josephite Sister, Genevieve Ryan, used this quote for her inspirational and
challenging addresses during the annual clergy retreat for the priests of the
Diocese. It was a piece of Scripture which was very important in the spiritual
formation and insight of Saint Mary Mackillop.
Sr. Genevieve drew from the life and letters of Saint Mary and her associates to show how the saint had lived out this message and she
challenged us as priests of the Diocese to likewise enlarge our vision, but at the same time to ensure that our spirituality is well grounded
in the ‘soil’, the history and culture, of this land. Sr. Genevieve reminded us of the many obstacles which Saint Mary Mackillop faced,
but also of the faith, courage and resolution with which she faced them.
Thirty two priests participated in the retreat held in beautiful and awe inspiring Halls Gap and came away refreshed by the opportunity
to rest and pray and to enjoy each other’s company. We were grateful for the wisdom and story telling gifts of Sr. Genevieve who used
the life and times of Saint Mary Mackillop to draw us into a deeper consideration of our times and our mission.
Fr. Adrian McInerney
Parish Priest of Ballarat East
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Our Diocesan Community - March 2013