Mary MacKillop Mass @ the WIN Entertainment Centre | IMPORTANT INFORMATION

	Mary MacKillop Mass a Full House! The Diocesan Mass on this Sunday 31 October (2.30pm) at the WIN Entertainment Centre is officially a full house and is set to eclipse the record set during the Diocesan World Youth Day Mass in 2008 for the largest single religious event in the history of the Illawarra region. This is a wonderful opportunity for our Diocese to gather, united in prayer and fellowship, to celebrate St Mary of the Cross and give praise to our God for the gift of her life. If you are registered to attend Seating allocations for parishes, schools and communities have now been finalised and you can download the final allocations HERE. This download also contains important information for those people with a disability or limited mobility. We suggest that you arrive by 1.30pm in order to ensure you are ready to find your seats when doors open at 2pm. If you are not registered to attend Unfortunately, the venue is now full. We still encourage you to join in prayer on the day (HERE). Finally, we do ask that only registered people attend on the day. If additional members of the community who are not registered do attend, this will effectively mean that there will not be enough space for those who have registered.
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, 86-88 Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500. For more information, please call (02) 4253 0900 or email info@dow.org.au

Faith and Life News October 2010

	Faith and Life News | Catholic Diocese of Wollongong Faith & Life News in the Diocese of Wollongong Loving and Provident God, We give you thanks for the life and goodness of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. You placed within her heart the desire to promote the love of Jesus in the lives of little children through education. Her loving and compassionate heart led her to a life of service to the poor and to the neglected men, women and children of society. Inspired by her example may we follow in her footsteps With a joyful heart and live by her motto: "Never see a need without doing something about it." In brief: 31 October Celebrate Mary MacKillop's Canonisation. WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong. Join our diocesan celebration on 31 October at 2.30pm at WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong. There will be a dramatic musical interpretation of the spirituality of Blessed Mary of the Cross, performed by young people of the Diocese. This will be followed by Solemn Mass of St Mary of the Cross. At the end of Mass there will be a special collection. Refreshments will then be served in the grounds of St Francis Xavier Cathedral. This diocesan celebration will be the principal opportunity for the Church of the Diocese - the laity, religious and clergy - to claim St Mary of the Cross as our own. Admission is free however you must register with the parish to ensure a seat. In the meantime, keep informed and inspired by signing up to e-news on Mary MacKillop via www.sosj.org.au 27 November Vatican II Seminar – The Church and its significance for our Diocese in light of Diocesan Pastoral Plan. Chevalier College, Bowral Keynote speakers : Fr Frank Moloney SDB and Bishop Peter Ingham 10.00am – 2.30pm. RSVP essential. Day includes morning tea and lunch. Contact Jane Edwards for registration and cost on jane.edwards@woll.catholic.org.au or 4253 0899 Calendar for October - November 18 & 25 October, 1 & 8 November Partnership Course (Marriage and relationships) Campbelltown. 7.00pm – 9.30pm CatholicCare. Enquiries 4628 0044 22 – 24 October Growing in Grace and Freedom – Weekend Retreat We will explore with help from Henri Nouwen and St Teresa how God's love works in our actual lives. Fr Greg Burke OCD Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville 9603 1433 24 October Catholic Women's League Diocesan Meeting, 10.00am Xavier Centre, Bellambi 26 October Spirituality in the Pub Bulli Heritage Hotel, Princes Highway, Bulli 7.30pm – 9.00pm Contact Simonette Bunder 4227 5637 or wollsip@gmail.com 29 October Prayer Around the Cross Drawing inspiration from the prayers and music of Taize in France reconciling people from across faith denominations to offer a quiet atmosphere for prayer and reflection. Jamberoo, St Matthew's Catholic Church, Chapel Street 7.30pm. Contact John Brentnall 4464 1034 29 October Healing – Sharing the Good News A night of spiritual renewal and healing with Fr Ken Barker. 7.00pm -9.30pm. St Therese Parish, West Wollongong. Enquiries 4272 7298 or 0417 249 741. 29 – 31 October Young Adults – Come Away to Chill Come away for a peaceful weekend to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Enjoy a time of faith-sharing, meditation and prayer with like-minded peers. Br Bernard Hancock OCD Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville 9603 1433 29 October – 4 November Dark Night - Sacred Flame: John of the Cross 6 Day Guided Retreat "How gently and lovingly you wake in my heart …and how tenderly you swell my heart with love." John of the Cross Caressed by the dark silent night, we will enter the poetry of John of the Cross and create a silent heart ready for the sacred flame of love to awaken in our hearts. Presented by Dr. Kerrie Hide msc. St Mary's Towers, Douglas Park. 4630 9159 29 – 31 October Dark Night - Sacred Flame: John of the Cross Prayer Weekend "How gently and lovingly you wake in my heart …and how tenderly you swell my heart with love." John of the Cross. Caressed by the dark silent night, we will enter the poetry of John of the Cross and create a silent heart ready for the sacred flame of love to awaken in our hearts. Presented by Dr Kerrie Hide msc St Mary's Towers, Douglas Park. 4630 9159 30 October Men Alive Breakfast Guest speaker: Fr Ken Barker MGL. Invitation to join in fellowship with other men from 16 to 60+ for a hearty breakfast and inspiring presentation. Enquiries 0423 183 627 or 0434 894 589. 7.30am, Illawarra Leagues Club, Wollongong. 31 October Commencing at 2.30pm with a dramatic musical interpretation of the spirituality of Blessed Mary of the Cross, performed by young people of the Diocese, followed by a Solemn Mass of St Mary of the Cross. Refreshments will be served after Mass. RSVP mackillop@dow.org.au 1 November All Saints Day 2 November All Soul's Liturgy 7.00pm, St Patrick's Port Kembla Parish 6 November Bus to Golf Links, The Crossroads Good News Community Prayer and leisure program for adults with a disability. Sr Jeanie Heininger 0405 158 763 6 November Day Retreat The Journey of Grief: From Loss to New Life We grieve for loved ones and for other things that we have lost in our life. In our time today, we will see to see grief as a time of grace that opens us to living more fully. Fr Greg Burke OCD Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville 9603 1433 6 November Catechist Mass and presentation of Awards Fairy Meadow 2.00pm (Training and Years of Service Awards) 12 November Life Ascending Bookclub 10.00am – 12noon Life Ascending is for Catholics and all Christians in their middle and later years.Spirituality to deepen awareness of God in their lives. Friendship to create and enjoy close and lasting friendships. Loving Service to share their wisdom and concern for all those in need. Our Bookclub tries to achieve the above by sharing our insights in the books we have decided to read. Contact Simonette Bunder 4227 5637 12 – 14 November Women's Weekend of Prayer "I believe there is no alternative for women except contemplation, if they are to avoid the trivialization of their own religious experience... The contemplative love experience, which is beyond conscious control and is not given on demand, is concerned not for the image of God...but with God...What is critical to see is that one has to allow the experience to take place through a love that is gradually welling up from the ground of one's being." Constance Fitzgerald in Women's Spirituality edited by Joann Wolski Conn The Retreat is for women, by women, with women. Retreatants will participate in contemplative silence, communal prayer and reflection on women's ways of prayer which enrich the weekend. Presented by Dr. Kerrie Hide msc and Sr. Patricia Naughton SSpS. St Mary's Towers, Douglas Park. 4630 9159 14 November Diocesan Marriage Anniversaries Mass St John Vianney's Church, Fairy Meadow Contact Helen Bennett on helen.bennett@woll.catholic.org.au or 4253 0934 for more details. 14 November Catechist Sunday 17 – 25 November 8 day Directed Retreat "Come to me all you who labour and are heavy burdened and I shall give you rest" Jesus invites us to enter his heart of tenderness and compassion and allow ourselves to be held there in love. Accompanied by the Retreat Team. St Mary's Towers, Douglas Park. 4630 9159 19 – 21 November Memory in the Spiritual Life – Weekend Retreat Memory should not hinder spiritual growth, we can learn to use and respond to our memory. Fr Greg Homeming OCD Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville 9603 1433 22 November – 18 December Youth Leaders' Formation Course 2010 You are invited to be a part of the 4thYouth Leaders Formation Course (YLFC) from 22 Nov to 18 Dec 2010. YLFC is a unique opportunity for 20-30 young Catholics who will live community while being immersed in spiritual, pastoral, intellectual and human formation. If you want to know more about your faith and be transformed by an intense experience with Jesus Christ, then consider attending the 2010 YLFC. A typical week includes daily Mass and Adoration, lectures, sharing of personal experiences, sport and recreation (plus great food from the YFLC French Chef)! Some of the high points include participation in a parish mission, a vocations forum and a weekend silent retreat. Over the course participants will hear presentations from over 30 high quality and dynamic Catholic speakers from around the country. The YLFC is run by an enthusiastic team from the Sydney Archdiocese and includes a full time priest chaplain. To see the video, the flyer and feedback from past participants go to www.sydneycatholic.org/ylfc or email ylfc@sydneycatholic.org for more info. Applications close 18 October. Apply now! 23, 30 November, 7 December Partnership Course (Marriage and relationships) Wollongong. 6.30pm – 9.30pm. Enquiries CatholicCare 4227 1122 23 November Catholic Women's League Diocesan Meeting, 10.00am Xavier Centre, Bellambi 26 November Prayer Around the Cross Drawing inspiration from the prayers and music of Taize in France reconciling people from across faith denominations to offer a quiet atmosphere for prayer and reflection. Berry Uniting Church, Albert Street, Berry. 7.30pm. Contact John Brentnall 4464 1034 26 – 28 November Waiting in Hope for his Coming – Advent Retreat As the pace quickens in our world with the approach of Summer and the festive season the Church presents us with the beautiful season of Advent to prepare our hearts and homes to welcome the Word made flesh. Fr Gerard Moran OCD Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville 9603 1433 27 November Vatican II Seminar – The Church and its significance for our Diocese in light of Diocesan Pastoral Plan. Chevalier College, Bowral Keynote speakers : Fr Frank Moloney SDB and Bishop Peter Ingham 10.00am – 2.30pm RSVP essential. Day includes morning tea and lunch. Contact Jane Edwards for registration and cost on jane.edwards@woll.catholic.org.au or 4253 0899 28 November First Sunday of Advent 29 November – 5 December Knit to God: Julian of Norwich 6 Day Guided Retreat We are knit in a knot so wonderful that we are oned to God" Julian of Norwich Nourished by the prayer of beholding, these days will be spent immersed in the prayer of Julian of Norwich, with our gaze on how God knits us and makes us one. Presented by Dr. Kerrie Hide msc. St Mary's Towers, Douglas Park. 4630 9159
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, 86-88 Market Street (PO Box 1239), Wollongong NSW 2500. For more information, please call (02) 4253 0900 or email info@dow.org.au

Pastoral Planning eNewsletter - Important Information on the 3rd Plenary

	Second Plenary Session a Success! Over 250 people participated in the Second Pastoral Planning Plenary Session at St Patrick's College, Campbelltown on Saturday 18 September. People were very engaged with the process and a large amount of feedback was received both on the draft actions and how the plan can be integrated and implemented. A full report will be published in the Summer edition of Journey Magazine due out in December. Third Plenary Session Cancelled Because of the success of the Second Plenary Session and the overall engagement in the process, there is no longer a need for a Third Plenary Session. As such, the Third Pastoral Planning Plenary Session scheduled for 13 November 2010 has been cancelled. The two main aims of the Third Plenary were: To seek endorsement of a plan that integrated all the various proposed actions; and To seek endorsement of an effective way of implementing the plan. Because we had to move the date of the Second Plenary back a month (due to the Federal Election), we found we had time to develop these ideas and bring them to the Second Plenary. Further, the Second Plenary gave resounding support for integrating the plan, and clear direction on how not to implement the plan, and what was required for effective implementation. The Steering Committee feels very confident that we can now proceed to develop a draft plan without needing a Third Plenary. We do want to keep in regular touch with all participants in the planning process, however, and so regular interim information will be made available to you through Journey Magazine, and through eNewsletter Updates such as this. It is proposed that there will be a launch of the plan in February 2011, and that members of the Steering Committee will then revisit all the groups we consulted early in 2010, reporting on what happened to their proposals and how the plan is going to work. What's the latest? Since the Second Plenary Session, all the feedback received on the draft actions and identity, hope and calling statements has been processed and given to Bishop Peter and the Pastoral Planning Steering Committee. Over the past couple of weeks Bishop Peter has been consulting with some of his key advisory bodies including the Council of Priests and the Senior Executive Council in relation to the draft actions in light of the feedback received at the Second Plenary. Their feedback has been invaluable. Dr John Honner is currently in the process of revising the draft actions into a summary document giving greater prominence to the theology and the strategies implicit in the actions, so that in the coming weeks, members from the Steering Committee will be able to meet with other Diocesan councils and committees for their feedback, including: Diocesan Finance Council CatholicCare Advisory Council Diocesan Schools Council Catholic Development Fund Advisory Council Committee for the Aged Committee for People with Disabilities and their Families Diocesan Liturgical Committee Diocesan Justice, Ecology and Peace Council Diocesan Council for Catholic Women Diocesan Stewardship Support Committee Multicultural Council Seminar on Pastoral Planning and the Church 27 November Vatican II Seminar – The Church and its significance for our Diocese in light of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. Chevalier College, Bowral Keynote speakers : Fr Frank Moloney SDB and Bishop Peter Ingham 10.00am – 2.30pm RSVP essential. Day includes morning tea and lunch. Cost: $30/$15 or by donation. Contact Jane Edwards for registration and cost on jane.edwards@woll.catholic.org.au or 4253 0899
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, 86-88 Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500. For more information, please call (02) 4253 0900 or email info@dow.org.au

Anchor October 2010

For information and bookings | 4284 1635 | 0433 636 359 | wollongong@ymt.com.au
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, 86-88 Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500. For more information, please call (02) 4253 0900 or email info@dow.org.au

RSVP's Now Due - Second Pastoral Planning Plenary Session

Hi RSVP's for the Second Plenary Session are now due. Thank you to those who have already RSVP'ed.  Please RSVP by replying to pastoralplanning@woll.catholic.org.au (RSVP's are essential for catering). The plenary is on Saturday 18 September (10am-2.30pm) at Saint Patrick's College Campbelltown (4 St John's Road). Bishop Peter invites us to our second pastoral planning plenary session to help consider responses to goals from the first plenary in the areas of evangelisation; celebration of the Mass; inclusive communities; gifts in ministry; faith and spirituality; and developing diocesan structures to meet new needs. We are being offered a great opportunity to help plan together with Christ for the future of the church in our region. Transport for Shoalhaven and Illawarra participants We are offering transport via bus commencing at Kiama at 7.45am with stops at Albion Park at 8.15am and Fairy Meadow at 8.45am before heading up to Campbelltown (return trip included). Bus travel will be free. Please advise ASAP if you require this service. Childcare and interpreters for the Deaf community Childcare facilities will be available through CatholicCare's support. Please advise ASAP the number of children (and ages) you will be bringing. AUSLAN interpreters are available to sign for the Deaf community. Please advise ASAP if you will require this service. Preparation Materials - Journey Magazine Please read the 10 page Pastoral Planning supplement in Journey Magazine available in parishes and schools at the end of this week. You can download a low res copy (PDF) of the supplement HERE. Please advise if you require bigger print. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jane Edwards on 4253 0899 or me on 4253 0902. You can also contact us via email by pressing reply. We look forward to your participation at the Plenary! Cheers Daniel Hopper Coordinator of Pastoral Planning

Fwd: The Lords Prayer

This is in two parts, The Prayer is in blue letters and GOD in red letters . ********* Our Father Who Art In Heaven. Yes? Don't interrupt me. I'm praying. But -- you called ME! Called you? No, I didn't call you. I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven. There -- you did it again! Did what? Called ME. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven" Well, here I am.. What's on your mind? But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty. Well, all right. Go on. Okay, Hallowed be thy name . Hold it right there. What do you mean by that? By what? By "Hallowed be thy name"? It means, it means . . good grief, I don't know what it means. How in the world should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean? It means honored, holy, wonderful. Hey, that makes sense.. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before. Thanks. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Do you really mean that? Sure, why not? What are you doing about it? Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there. We're kind of in a mess down here you know. Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you? Well, I go to church. That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money -- all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read ? Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those People at church! Excuse ME.. I thought you were praying for my will to be done.. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you -- for example .. Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others. So could I. I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free. Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME. I'm proud of You.. Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. Give us this day, our daily bread. You need to cut out the bread... You're overweight as it is. Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups. Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME -- and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying. ( pause . . ) Well, go on. I'm scared to. Scared? Of what? I know what you'll say. Try ME. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. What about Ann? See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her! But -- your prayer -- What about your prayer? I didn't -- mean it.. Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it? Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born. No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that.. You can? How? Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you; And the hate and the sin, will be Ann's problem -- not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned. Oh, you know, you're right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You . . (sigh). All right, all right . . I forgive her.. There now! Wonderful! How do you feel? Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know. Yeah, I know. But, you're not through with your prayer, are you? Go on. Oh, all right.. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted. What do you mean by that? You know what I mean. Yeah. I know. Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Do you know what would bring me glory -- What would really make me happy? No, but I'd like to know.. I want to please you now. I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you.. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me . . . How do I make you happy? YOU just did. ______________________________

St Theresa

In case you are not aware!, Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways, meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. She is represented by roses... May everyone who receives this message be blessed?

Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.