our diocesan community - Catholic Diocese of Ballarat - Australian ...

Knights of the Southern Cross contribute to
Ballarat Diocese WYD participation
Bishop Peter Connors was recently the grateful recipient of a cheque
for $4600 donated by the Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross,
Victoria, to assist in funding the participation of youth from Ballarat
Diocese to attend the World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney in July.
In accepting the cheque from the Knights, represented in Ballarat by
Peter Finlayson, District Chairman, His Lordship expressed his deep
gratitude to the Order in Victoria for selecting the Diocese as the sole
beneficiary of its WYD support efforts, commenting that, “the money will
mean the participation of some diocesan youth who might otherwise not
be able to attend”.
In handing over the cheque, Peter Finlayson explained that the Order
chose this diocese to benefit from the results of a special WYD fundraising
effort undertaken throughout the State in 2007 because it had
suffered most from the impact of below-average rainfall in recent years, which has imposed financial strain on many families. He
added that the donation also acknowledged the support given so readily by Bishop Peter to the activities of the Order throughout the
Diocese before and since his appointment at its Bishop.
WYD Diocesan Coordinator, Stacey Atkins, likewise added her delight with the much-needed funding. She also looked forward to
further involvement from the KSC in assisting with accommodation of the many overseas visitors expected to descend on the Diocese
in the wake of the Sydney activities.
Above: Bishop Peter Connors, with WYD Coordinator, Stacey Atkins, and Peter Finlayson, District Chairman of the Knights of the Southern Cross.
ST MARY’S GIVES THANKS
More than two hundred people gathered at St Mary’s Church
on Sunday 2 December to celebrate Mass and give thanks,
on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the blessing and opening
of the Church. In the congregation there were many visitors,
including Sisters of Mercy, who were responsible for the
opening St Mary’s School in 1959.
Many past parish priests were present at the Mass and there
were more from other parishes at the luncheon after Mass.
Present at the Mass were Father Les Sheahan, Father
Brendan Smith and parish priest at the time of the opening,
Father Peter Taffe. These visiting priests, together with the
incumbent parish priest, Father Bill Melican, co-celebrated
the Mass. The chief celebrant, and special guest, was the
Bishop of Ballarat, the Reverend Bishop Peter Connors.
The Mass was a lively affair with the children from St Mary’s
School, under the direction of Clare Jury, supplying the
choral singing for the Mass. The Liturgy was prepared by
Marie Pragt. In a positive and encouraging homily given by
Bishop Connors, he stressed that our church is “…a haven,
a sacred space that captures something of peace and
hospitality that finds perfect expression in the life that awaits
us in God.”
In another part of his sermon he said: “The history of the church
down through the past two thousand years has been mirrored in
the story of the past quarter of a century of this community here in
Robinvale. You have experienced times of sadness, of frustration,
and of bitterness as you have to cope with events caused by
human weakness and frailty. Here in this place, you have come
to weep at moments of pain and sorrow, you have supported one
another as you have focussed your minds and hearts on God,
who never abandons you and is forever faithful.”
The Mass was full of symbolism. The parish candle was lit by
Parish Council chairman of twenty-five years ago, Mr Pat Curran.
The ‘Mercy’ Candle was lit by Sister Connie Walsh, who was one
of the original pioneers who opened the school and was the last
sister to leave the parish in 2006. The ‘Prayers of the Faithful’
included thanksgiving prayers to the many people involved in
the building of the church, and the Offertory Procession was by
members representing all peoples in the parish. The Advent
Candle was lit by some students from St Mary’s School.
After the Mass, about 140 people attended the excellent luncheon
provided by the Robinvale Golf Club, where old friendships were
renewed and conversation centred about old times and about
prominent parishioners who are no longer living.
Parish Priest, Father Bill Melican, in his speech, stressed that the
intensity of their belief is not as important as the ability to consider
the church as a spiritual home, to be used as a place of peace
and prayer. Father Taffe wished the parish well in the future and
encouraged the people to care for each other and for members of
wider community.
After an inspiring and uplifting day, the dinner concluded after
parish council chairman, Tony Pisaale thanked the many people
present for their sacrifice and generosity and wished them well for
the future.
Acknowledgement & thanks to : The Robinvale Sentinel 13/12/2007
Sr. Connie & Pat Curran
12
Our Diocesan Community - April 2008