Daily Prayers

Saturday, 30 May 2009

Love in a Foreign Land

Love in a Foreign Land
© SMP Donovan 2007


Now,
As the years going by
And that look in your eye -
It's the spark of desire.
It's the start of a fire.

There's no need to revise
Any thought in your mind.
I am thinking it, too,
I am thinking you'd

Come to me,
Cling to me,
Bring everything to me.
 
Be with me,
Pray with me,
Stay every day with me.

Live in me,
Love in me,
Live all your love in me.

Don't go away.
Would you please come and stay.
Would you tell me your name is the same as my name.
 
'Cause I long
To be with you now
And always, but how
Can this last out the time?
Can you always be mine?
There is God in your touch.
Need to feel you so much.
It's like Heaven to me.
If you choose
Can we
 
Stay
Every day
Of our lives
In this way?
 
Was it you,
Was it me,
That the world could not see?
 
In your arms
I have found
That there's no neutral ground.
 
It's a strange magic feeling
That keeps my head reeling,
A trick of the light,
Or the night,
Or the climate.
 
It's all
Wonderful and magic,
Love in a foreign land.
Fanciful and tragic,
Love in a foreign land.
 
Once
In a lifetime you find
A true meeting of minds,
And a sameness of heart
That is there from the start.
 
A real peace in your soul,
That is finally whole.
You have found one to care
And you share in their
 
Each breathing moment.
Two hearts beat in time.
Like a cosmic explosion
Less force is alive.
 
If you stay with me always
Then we will arrive
At the gates of the Garden,
Our own special Eden,
Our own private world
That no-one
can intrude on.
 
In time
You'll look at the world,
And think of the girl
You left far behind
Forgetting her lines.
A young child she was,
But then of the loss
You won't be surprised,
'Cause you know
That you
 
Grow every day
In your mind,
In your way.
 
It's a part of your life
That you can't throw away.
If you think for a moment
Then you'll hear me say.
 
It's a strange magic feeling
That keeps your head reeling.
A trick of the light
Or the night,
Or the climate.
 
It's all
Wonderful and magic,
Love in a foreign land.
Fanciful and tragic,
Love in a foreign land.
 
Wonderful and magic,
Love in a foreign land.
Fanciful and tragic,
Love in a foreign land.

May News



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Masters Swimming NSW <admin@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au>
Date: 2009/5/29
Subject: May News
To: Masters Swimming NSW <admin@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au>


Hi All,

Please find attached the new for May. Please distribute to your members for their information. I look forward to receiving lots of Expression of Interest in projects and positions.

 

Cheers,

Di

 

Di Coxon-Ellis

Administrator, Masters Swimming NSW

Try Masters Swimming for fun, fitness and friendship.

Phone 02 8116 9716 Fax 02 8732 1606

Website www.mastersswimmingnsw.org.au

 

 


Tuesday, 26 May 2009

Fwd: Sutherland shire meet



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Masters Swimming NSW <admin@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au>
Date: 2009/5/25
Subject: Sutherland shire meet
To: Masters Swimming NSW <admin@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au>


Hi All,

Please find attached the documents for the invitational meet organised by the three clubs in The Shire.

The flyer should be distributed to all members plus the non-member entry form so it can be displayed at your pool. In this year of the World Masters Games, some non-members may wish to get some race practice in a masters meet prior to competing in the Games in October. So, spread the word and bring a friend!

 

The manual summary sheet is attached for those race Secretaries not using TM Lite.

 

Cheers,

Di

 

Di Coxon-Ellis

Administrator, Masters Swimming NSW

Try Masters Swimming for fun, fitness and friendship.

Phone 02 8116 9716 Fax 02 8732 1606

Website www.mastersswimmingnsw.org.au

 

 


Wednesday, 20 May 2009

FINA swimsuit advice press release

Greeting Leatherjackets! - Nice to know that they are bringing the pack back to us :-)  See attached

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Masters Swimming NSW <admin@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au>
Date: 2009/5/20
Subject: FW: FINA swimsuit advice press release
To: Masters Swimming NSW <admin@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au>


Hi All,

Please circulate this information to all your competitors and interested members.

Cheers,

Di

 

Di Coxon-Ellis

Administrator, Masters Swimming NSW

Try Masters Swimming for fun, fitness and friendship.

Phone 02 8116 9716 Fax 02 8732 1606

Website www.mastersswimmingnsw.org.au

 

 


From: Noeleen Dix [mailto:gm@mastersswimming.org.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 20 May 2009 10:21 AM

Subject: FINA swimsuit advice press release

 

Dear All,

 

Please find attached a press release from FINA regarding the latest decisions on the compliance of swimsuits for competition.

 

 

Regards

 

Noeleen


Tuesday, 19 May 2009

Alien Intentions

Alien Intentions
© SMP Donovan 2007

I looked and saw
Sitting in the sun
Lots of friends.
Food cooking,
People talking,
Smiling, happy to be here.

I looked up and saw a black spectre in the sky.
As I watch an eagle appears,
Disperses the spectre as it soars from right to left.
All of a sudden, the eagle bursts into flame and disappears.
I turn to the man next to me,
He is watching, too.

Then everything became suddenly cold,
Chilling to the bone, chilling to the soul.
Hundreds of black specters flying from left to right
Filling the sky.

 
I looked around the room,
Warm and comfortable
With the fire alight.

A draped entry caught my eye.
The curtain moving
With the breeze.

Behind the curtain I sense
An evil malevolence.
It's something that I sense
Is hidden there
In there.

I back away
But feel it coming near.
A red glow flashes behind the drapes
But there's no warmth.
The room turns cold.

What are your alien intentions?
What are your alien intentions?

 
I see a black man
Sitting in a dining room
With someone there.
They are talking,
Heated, but not quite arguing.

The man looks through the door
Into the next room
And sees a cat on the mantlepiece.
He stands and gets
A long blade dagger,
Which he throws at it.

I see the dagger
Spinning through the air
Toward the cat.
As it jumps it is impaled
Onto the wall
By the blade.

The scene cuts back 
To the man,
But the dagger blade
Is thrust into his mouth.
His eyes are wide,
Blood is flowing out.


"I saw a great white throne
And the One
Who sat on it.
Earth and Heaven disappeared,
Leaving me
In emptiness.

I saw the dead,
Great and small,
Standing there,
Standing where
A book was opened
Listing all their works
By which they were judged.
The sea gave up
All the dead in it,
And death and hades, too.

And all were judged
By what they had done,
And Death and Hades were
Thrown into the lake of fire.
Thrown into the lake of fire."

BEGINNING THEOLOGY INFORMATION SESSIONS

Thursday, 21 May
BEGINNING THEOLOGY INFORMATION SESSIONS

Do you want to study your faith at a deeper level? This certificate level course requires no 
previous theological background. Find out more at information sessions held on
Thursday, 21 May 2009 at Albion Park, St Paul's Parish meeting room, 10.30am – 12.30pm
and Campbelltown, St John the Evangelist Parish hall, 7.30pm – 9.00pm. 
Contact Jane Edwards on 4253 0900.


More details in the attached brochure

Fwd: IMPORTANT - NSW Long distance Championships

Greetings Leatherjackets!

We usually have a couple of takers for the long distance. Seem's that the board want a long distance forecast for this year, otherwise they will cancel it. Can you let me know if you might be interested and I shall pass along prospective numbers.

Ta
Sean

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Masters Swimming NSW <admin@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au>
Date: 2009/5/19
Subject: IMPORTANT - NSW Long distance Championships
To: Masters Swimming NSW <admin@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au>


Hi All,

The MSNSW Board needs to assess whether to clear up the packed calendar mid year 2009.

 

The suggestion is to cancel the Branch Long Distance Championships scheduled to be held over two days on July 25 & 26.

 

However, the Board does not wish to disappoint long distance swimmers who target this meet so in order to make a decision, clubs need to advise this office by May 31 of the number of swimmers in the club who intend to enter the Long distance Championships.

 

If the office is advised of sufficient numbers, the meet will go ahead as planned or may even be reduced to a one day meet.

 

Please contact your members as a matter of urgency and send a response in by May 31. We heartily request all clubs to respond whether they have no swimmers or a large number.

 

Thank you in anticipation of your prompt attention to this important question.

Cheers,

Di

 

Di Coxon-Ellis

Administrator, Masters Swimming NSW

Try Masters Swimming for fun, fitness and friendship.

Phone 02 8116 9716 Fax 02 8732 1606

Website www.mastersswimmingnsw.org.au

 

 


Thursday, 14 May 2009

FAITH & LIFE EVENTS - REMINDER

Dear Friend in Faith

I offer a reminder of some of the special events coming up in our diocese over the next couple of months.

I hope you may be able to attend some of these offerings.

Please RSVP as it assists with catering and set up.

We also depend on you to communicate these offerings to others in your own network.

Thank you for your support.

Peace

Richard McMahon
Director of Parish Services, Office of the Bishop
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong

Thursday, 21 May
BEGINNING THEOLOGY INFORMATION SESSIONS
Do you want to study your faith at a deeper level? This certificate level course requires no
previous theological background. Find out more at information sessions held on
Thursday, 21 May 2009 at Albion Park, St Paul's Parish meeting room, 10.30am – 12.30pm
and Campbelltown, St John the Evangelist Parish hall, 7.30pm – 9.00pm. 
Contact Jane Edwards on 4253 0900.

 Saturday, 23 May
Justice, Peace, Ecology and Faith Gathering
"To act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 
What are the issues affecting our diocese and wider world in the areas of justice, peace and ecology?  How are we called to respond in faith as individuals and communities? What support is available?  Gather with our Diocesan Justice, Ecology and Peace Council to share our wisdom and consider the way forward.  3 Bond Street, Bellambi, 23 May, 10.00am – 12.30pm with morning tea.
RSVP to Jane Edwards on 4253 0900 or jane.edwards@woll.catholic.org.au

Saturday, 6 June
BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY, LIVING A LIFE OF FAITH TODAY
Presented by international guest speaker Barbara Bowe rscj, Professor of Biblical Studies, Boston College. Saturday, 6 June 2009, St Mary Star of the Sea College Library, Wollongong.  10.00am – 3.00pm.   Gold coin donation.  Please bring own lunch.  RSVP jane.edwards@woll.catholic.org.au or 4253 0900.

Tuesday, 30 June
YEAR OF ST PAUL NATIONAL E-CONFERENCE
The Man, his mission and message today presented by Brendan Byrne SJ, Michelle Connolly RSJ and Richard Leonard SJ. 10.00am – 4.00pm. 
TWO VENUES: Catholic Church Offices, 86-88 Market St, Wollongong
RSVP jane.edwards@woll.catholic.org.au OR
Magdalene Catholic High School (Library), Smeaton Grange Road, Narellan
RSVP jane.mcdonald@ceowoll.catholic.edu.au .  Please bring your own lunch.
Gold coin donation.

Thursday 2 & Friday 3 July
STEWARDSHIP – TWO DAY CONFERENCE
Stewardship continues to inspire people across Australia in their life of faith.
It offers a down to earth way of responding to God in our everyday life.
The two day conference at Campbelltown Catholic Club offers two streams,
one to those starting the stewardship journey, the other for those who are already
living stewardship as a way of life. This national event draws upon the international
experience of Leisa Anslinger, as well as experienced presenters from our Australian context.
Cost $250.00 excluding accommodation.
Contact Helen Bennett on 4253 0934 for more information.

Saturday, 4 July
FORMING GENEROUS HEARTS
– IN THE SPIRIT OF VATICAN II
Presented by international guest speaker, Leisa Anslinger who will explore principles of parish life that lead to living discipleship and stewardship and look at effective pastoral practices that contribute to forming generous hearts in individuals and the community of faith. This day continues our seminars in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. All welcome at Chevalier College, Bowral, 10.00am – 3.00pm.  $30.00/$15.00 or by donation.  Morning tea and lunch included. 
RSVP ESSENTIAL – contact Jane Edwards on 4253 0900 or email jane.edwards@woll.catholic.org.au


CONTACT DETAILS
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong
Marian Centre, 86-88 Market Street, Wollongong
PO Box 1239, Wollongong NSW 2500
http://www.dow.org.au
Tel: +61 2 4253 0900
Email: info@dow.org.au


Monday, 11 May 2009

Fwd: Warringah Masters Meet



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Masters Swimming NSW <admin@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au>
Date: 2009/5/11
Subject: Warringah Masters Meet
To: Masters Swimming NSW <admin@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au>


Hi All,

Please find attached the flyer and associated documents for the Warringah Masters meet on July 18. Please forward the flyer to all your swimmers.

 

The summary sheet is for the use of the Race Secretaries still using manual entry methods.

 

Thank you for your assistance in distributing this information.

Cheers,

Di

 

 

Di Coxon-Ellis

Administrator, Masters Swimming NSW

Try Masters Swimming for fun, fitness and friendship.

Phone 02 8116 9716 Fax 02 8732 1606

Website www.mastersswimmingnsw.org.au

 

 


Thursday, 7 May 2009

New Jerusalem

© Sean Donovan 2000

New Jerusalem

In the city of a night

there's a rainbow

and it glitters

on a hazy street-life.

All the actors

on a rain-weathered street-stage

Make their entrance from a low-swept doorway.

 

Take me back

New Jerusalem.

Take me back

to the roots of them.

Shuffle aimlessly between the ends of day.

 

Lifeless Romeo

face down on the pavement.

Leaves that settle

on his dust-covered raincoat.

Cries of merry

from the darkness are sounding.

Pallid Fallstaff

leads the chorus downward.

 

Take me back

New Jerusalem.

Take me back

to the roots of them.

Shuffle aimlessly between the ends of day.

 

Wednesday, 6 May 2009

Friday, 1 May 2009

What Happened to the Spacemen

Something more recent ...

What Happened to the Spacemen

© SMP Donovan 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I was four, I remember,

The Spacemen used to come into our home

Beamed in from some place

Far away

In the sky.



The spacemen used to float around

All shiny black and white

Looking for a site

To set

Their spaceship down



Tell me, what happened to the Spacemen?

What happened to their nightly stories

And their tales of glory?

Tell me what happened to the Spacemen?

How I miss them now.



Tell me, what happened to the Spacemen?

What happened to their nightly stories

And their tales of glory?

Tell me what happened to the Spacemen?

I wish they'd come again.



But now the Spacemen come no more.

Their magic powers have gone away.

How come

It isn't like

It was before?



Everybody knew a Spaceman.

Most liked one or two.

Though they were only few

They seemed to be

Everywhere.



Tell me, what happened to the Spacemen?

What happened to their nightly stories

And their tales of glory?

Tell me, what happened to the Spacemen?

I wish they'd come again.



Tell me, what happened to the Spacemen?

What happened to their nightly stories

And their tales of glory?

Tell me what happened to the Spacemen?

I wish they'd come again.



(Instrumental break)



Tell me, what happened to the Spacemen?

What happened to their nightly stories

And their tales of glory?

Tell me, what happened to the Spacemen?

I wish they'd come again.



Tell me, what happened to the Spacemen?

What happened to their nightly stories

And their tales of glory?

Tell me what happened to the Spacemen?

I wish they'd come again.