The 29th May marked the end of the first month of the Acculturation Program for priests.
This week, the first two sessions of a three month program on Acculturation for International Priests serving in the Bunbury Diocese began in Bunbury.
The first session included a beautiful prayer ritual led by Fr Tony Chiera, which welcomed each priest and invited them to make a personal commitment to the program.
Informative sessions on the History of Bunbury Diocese by Fr Noel FitzSimons, and Diocesan demographics and organisation by Dr Michael Jackson, wound up a very successful first day.
Day two was presented by Rev Deacon Greg Lowe, director of the Intensive English Centre at Aranmore College. Greg led a full day program on Language which was very well received by all the participants.
The program continues each Tuesday and Wednesday for the remainder of the month of May, before taking a break and resuming in July.
Over the past four months there have been 3 separate groups visit our projects on the island of Flores in Indonesia. In October a group of 9 young people from Dawesville Catholic Primary School and St Damien’s Parish along with 13 adults attended the first ever First Holy Communion celebration held in the Zeu community. The entire group was involved in painting the church and preparing for the celebration…
Bishop Gerard was happy to experience firsthand the background the priests come from.
Father Jess ….
Has achieved his dream job because he has always wanted to be a priest from grade two.
After a full year, the day finally arrived when we were to leave Australian soil and begin what most of us would call one of the best experiences of our lives. One of the group; Louise MacNish shed some light on what India meant for us, “as students studying year twelve, our lives revolved around ourselves and educational success. The India Immersion Trip opened our eyes to possibilities that we could never have imagined. Being immersed in Indian culture helped to re affirm our values and expand our views on life. The world now holds endless possibilities and India has ignited our passion to help others.”
AM I A PEACE-MAKER?
Every Christmas, my thoughts return to the promise: ‘Peace on earth to all who enjoy God’s favour’. It is a time for Catholics to ask: ‘Are we doing our bit to advance Christian peace?’ ‘What is our parish community doing?’
This week, the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, announced that a Royal Commission will be established into the sexual abuse of children across Australia. Though terms of reference are yet to be announced, this Royal Commission will be welcomed by all who are concerned for the safety of our children, and for the healing of past victims.
Why, after two thousand years, are we still celebrating the Christmas Story? Because, like the rest of the Gospel, it relates to the hopes and lives of people across the world.
DownloadThe introduction of Middle Schooling in our schools is raising questions about when the Sacrament of Confirmation should be celebrated. To date, this sacrament has been conferred in Year Seven. We now have an opportunity to reconsider whether this is the best age for children to receive Confirmation.
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