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RECONCILIATIONThe four boys presenting for the Sacrament Reconciliationcompleted a four week program involving parents andchildren together.A DVD (Destructive David) from the Resource Centre madea strong impact on the group and provided food fordiscussion. A PowerPoint presentation that follows theceremony step-by-step, helped to ground the concept andto bring the sacrament to the level of the participantsOn Wednesday, March 25 the community gathered withthose receiving the Sacrament and joined in prayers andreadings, followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation.SACRAMENTS OF INITIATIONOn Sunday, June 21, local parishioners were joined byfamilies, extended families and members of the local parishcommunity for the celebration of the Sacraments ofInitiation.Four excited boys andone lovely baby girl wererecipients of thesacramentsofConfirmation and FirstEucharist, and theBaptism of baby TessaSheahan.The impact of the occasion on the local church and beyondwas evident.. A PowerPoint presentation giving a picturestory of each of the participants was prepared by RobertJames and shown to those present.CONFIRMATION AND FIRST EUCHARISTParents & childrenwho were receivingthe sacramentscame together withthe catechists for thepreparation program.Following the “Letthe Children Come”program, allparticipants wereactively involvedL – R: Fr John Monaghan, Lauren Hogan andthrough the use of Paul Fawcett (hidden), John Forrester, Paulaworksheets and Hogan, Mitchell Cole, Meaghan Walsh,making posters,Leanne Poyner and Karen Williams.which were displayed in the Church to inform parishionersof the content of the program and also to involve thecommunity in prayer for the participants. Names andphotos of those receiving the Sacraments were displayed.BAPTISMThe Baptism of Tessa Sheahan, daughter of Rickyand Di Sheahan, was one more celebration for theNullawil Catholic Community. The Baptism wasincluded in the Eucharistic Celebration, which alsobecame a community celebration welcoming Tessainto the Catholic and wider community.An Ecumenical Service combining the Catholic,Uniting Church and representatives from otherdenominations, gathered for prayer and reflection twoweeks before Easter. The Primary School children,who participate in the Religious Education Program,presented the Easter Story through words and song.This was followed by the presentation of a Caritasstory, telling of the effect on the lives of people inIndonesia where land is being cleared of trees,especially the rubber trees, which provided anincome on which people were totally dependent. Theloss of dwellings because of landslides was also anissue. Links were made with the Jesus story and ourfaith in everyday life journey.REFLECTION DAYSeveral of the Nullawil people came together in theCommunity Complex to reflect on our faith and howthis is lived in our community. Nourished by a goodbreakfast together, Fr John McKinnon began theprogram for the day with some insights into the life ofSt Paul and his missionary work. This was followedby a DVD showing segments of the life and times inwhich Jesus lived. We then took time for quietmeditation. After a delicious lunch, Sr VeronicaQuinn directed us through the process of discoveringLectio Divina (an ancient way of praying thescriptures) as a means of exploring the Gospels.The latter part of the reflection day required of us, theparticipants, some serious thinking about our faith inrelation to our Church, to the wider community and tothe environment. We were left with many questionsand with the message that our faith is a work inprogress. Our day was enriched when we werejoined by the wider community for 5.00pm Mass.We sincerely appreciate and thank Fr John and SrVeronica for the gift they have been to us and webelieve the benefit of the day will remain with us.L - R: Joan Smith, Carmel Sheahan, Fr John McKinnon, SrVeronica Quinn, Denise Hogan, Moira Sheahan and LeannePoyner.
MINISTRY TO 30 - 49 YEAR OLDSIn the 2006 National Church Life Survey, it was identified that almost 1in 5 of the respondents in the Ballarat Diocesewere aged between 30-49 years. In response to this, the Ballarat Diocesan Pastoral Council proposed that Catholicswithin that age bracket come together to examine their role in the Church and to meet other people at a similar stage oflife.A trial group was set up in Warrnambool, with an initialmeeting held in late October 2008. Representativesfrom each of the three Warrnambool parishesexpressed a wish for further faith formation and aforum for socialising.A series of three adult faith sessions were held at StJoseph’s Parish Hall, facilitated by Fr Barry Ryan. Anaverage of 30 participants for each session braved thewet, cold wintry weather of Warrnambool to cometogether to nourish their faith. Barry’s sessions wereenjoyable and thought provoking. His presentationschallenged the group to examine beliefs, scripture andpractice of Catholicism in a way that many had nothad the opportunity to do since being at school.Due to requests from the group, three more sessions will be held later this year in the lead-up to Advent. Special thanks toFr Barry, Vin Dillon and the Diocesan Office for their work in getting this great project off the ground. Thanks also to ourparish priests Fr Michael Linehan, Fr John Fitzgerald and Fr Lawrence O’Toole for their ongoing support.Joe & Gabrielle Ewing and Steve & Jenny CallaghanDIOCESAN YOUTH COUNCILThe creation of the Diocesan Youth Council is an essential part of the Diocese’scommitment to youth ministry. The profoundly rewarding and participatoryexperience of the Sydney World Youth Day Pilgrims, highlighted the need for thecontinued involvement of young Catholics at a Diocesan level and an affirmation oftheir contribution to everyday parish life. Throughout 2009, several events havebeen held to advance the formation of a responsive and representative body ofyouth. Expressions of interest led to a Discernment Day in April, led by Sr. MargaretCarmody SGS and attended by an enthusiastic group of young women and menfrom a variety of parishes. Through a focus upon gifts, responsibilities and mission,a preferred model for the Council was established and the Bishop made thefollowing appointments to the Council:Belinda Brown - WendoureeTara Fitzgibbon - MaryboroughAnna Kemp - TerangRobert O’Shea - CororookeJandree (Jaz) Patel - AraratMichael Rix - WendoureeSiobhan Simper - WarrnamboolAs well as benefiting from the support of the Bishop, the Council is enhanced by the assistance of Fr Andrew Hayes andFr Ed Moloney, the Youth Chaplains of the Diocese. This group held their first formal meeting on Sunday, June 28 inBallarat, and intends to hold regular meetings in different areas of the Diocese, so as to remain connected to the diversityof youth and their issues. The Council members will also share in a Formation Weekend in August, facilitated by Fr ChrisRyan, who was responsible for the journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon across much of the Diocese. TheCouncil’s initial tasks include organising a one-year reunion for the region’s World Youth Day Pilgrims, while futureprojects shall seek to further encourage the active and important role of young people within our faith communities.Robert O’Shea, Diocesan Youth Council Member
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Page 17 and 18: BIRCHIPSeventeen gallant believers
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Page 23 and 24: Reconciliation & Right Relationship

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