OCTOBER 2009 Report
Shortly after our last Diocesan Meeting 28 members from the Diocese flew to Perth for the National Conference. Apart from the members of Western Australia, we were the largest group to attend – a great credit to all who made the journey. All who attended enjoyed the fellowship and look forward to attending the State Conference in Newcastle next year.
Along with members from other branches I attended the Milton/Ulladulla morning tea on 9th September. It was a very enjoyable morning and well patronised. Later that week I visited Albion Park branch which has celebrated its first year and grown in membership.
The Retreat Day held at Bowral on 26th September and led by Fr. Sean was on the theme of Prayer. Fr. Sean gave us great insight into how to put more in and get more out of our life by making prayer a more natural part of our daily life. For those who couldn’t make it to Bowral you missed something special.
International Day on 24th October was hosted by Unanderra branch. It was very well organised and thanks go to Fairy Meadow for the use of their facilities.
You may recall that earlier in the year I reported I was invited by the Bishop to join two Diocesan groups – the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Steering Committee and the Diocesan Council for Catholic Women.
The Diocesan Council for Catholic Women is organising a forum to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the publication of the report on the participation of women in the Church entitled “Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus”. This forum has been posponed till 2010.
The Diocesan Pastoral Planning Steering Committee is a long range committee looking at the needs of the Diocese over the next few years. There is a range of clergy, religious and lay people on the committee. They aim to define a shared vision and mission for the Diocese and enact plans that are achievable. There will be more information coming by way of a Bishop’s letter and article in the Journey. (Wollongong Diocese Newsletter)
As 2009 draws to a close I wish to thank all members for their support and interest during the year. I have enjoyed the time spent with the brances when I have been able to attend branch meetings. All diocesan functions have been well attended and our project for the year, the Catholic Leprosy Service in Korea, will be assisted by an amount of over $3,000 raised by branches. We have just celebrated Mission Sunday and the campaign focused on work in Southern India of helping those with leprosy and HIV/AIDS. Our project has indeed been relevent.
May the Holy Spirit guide us in all we do and Our Lady Help of Christians protect us.
Sue Meehan
Diocesan President.
