Faith & Life News | December 2012

In this Issue A Dawning of Hope Year of Faith Liturgy Notes BELIEVE: Lenten Program 2013 Faith & Life eNews Online Survey Ten Questions with... Noel Levett Helpful Hints: Family Relationships Resource Spotlight: Youth ESSENTIALS Links and Resources Upcoming Events December 2012 Diocesan Calendar God in the Gong with Dr John Honnner Youth Ministry ESSENTIALS Training   A Dawning of Hope By Fr Graham Schmitzer (Parish Priest, St Columnkille's Corrimal) We are living in an age of transition. Th e age of Christianity has not ended, but rather an age of Christianity. Christianity did not come down from above – it has been continually shaped by times and circumstances in which the people of the time have had to make hard decisions. Year of Faith By Darren McDowell (Coordinator of Parish Services) How is your life of faith going? Or to put it another way, how is your relationship with God going as you live it out through the beliefs and practices of our Catholic tradition? This is the question that the universal Church asks us to consider in this Year of Faith. This 'year' began on 11 October 2012, the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, and will conclude on 24 November 2013, the Solemnity of Christ the King. Liturgy Notes By Paul Mason (Diocesan Liturgy Coordinator) Welcome to this month's edition of "Liturgy Notes", the liturgy and music section of the Faith & Life eNewsletter. As we approach the beginning of a new year, it is time to reflect on the major developments being contemplated in the area of liturgy in the Diocese in 2013. Next year the Diocesan Pastoral Plan focuses on Faith and Spiritual Formation. In the context of our goal for liturgy – that our celebration of the Mass be an uplifting experience of the community at prayer and worship Believe: Lenten Program 2013 PRE-ORDER NOW! By Daniel Hopper (Diocesan Communications Coordinator) Lent begins early in 2013! As Ash Wednesday begins 13 February 2013, we want to ensure that you have as much time as possible to make your Lenten preparations. With that in mind, we are delighted to announce that the Diocese of Wollongong is publishing BELIEVE: Lenten Program 2013 – a 44 page program designed as a six-week Lenten resource for small groups, prayer companions, staff reflections, families and individuals. Why believe in God? How do I believe in the midst of so many contrary signs in today's world? Through this year's Lenten Program, we are invited to renew our trust in God's faithfulness and God's merciful love. Help Us Improve Faith & Life eNews By Darren McDowell (Coordinator of Parish Services) Our Faith & Life eNewsletter has been progressing well over the last 10 months but we are always keen to get your feedback in order to make improvements. So, with 2013 not too far away I invite you to participate in our short online survey. It only takes two minutes to complete. Ten Questions With... Noel Levett (Diocesan Pastoral Council) When and where were you born? What do you normally eat for breakfast? What inspired you to become part of the Diocesan Pastoral Council? Pick three words that describe your lives so far? What is the role of the Chairperson of the Diocesan Pastoral Council? Who are your heroes? What has brought you the greatest joy and most challenge in your role so far? In what ways do you experience God's grace in your life? What inspires you in your broader ministry within the Church? In 25 words or less, what hope do you believe the Church offers the world today? Helpful Hints Take Time to Strengthen Family Relationships In this issue we begin a 10 part series looking at the "Ten steps to strengthen and Support Families" by the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council. Balancing the demands of being with family and working to make ends meet can often be a challenge. However, as we know, good family relationships can go a long way to providing the strength and support that each of us need to face life's ups and downs. Resource Spotlight Youth Essentials Training 21-25 January 2013 Youth Ministry ESSENTIALS is an exciting, intensive training program open to anybody wishing to further develop their skills and knowledge in their ministry with young people. The program will provide an opportunity for valuable personal growth and an experience that will deepen participants' understanding and appreciation for this important ministry of the church. Links and Resources Here is a list of links and resources relating to Faith and Life: Subscribe to the Faith & Life E-Newsletter Do you know someone that would like to subscribe to this E-Newsletter? If so, just forward the E-Newsletter to them and ask that they enter their details below to subscribe. It takes less than 30 seconds! Contact Us Darren McDowell Coordinator of Parish Services (02) 4253 0985 darren.mcdowell@dow.org.au

Christmas with Macarthur Social Justice Network - Saturday 8 December 2012 @ 2.30pm.

 

The Macarthur Social Justice Network exists to promote social justice and peace, ecological concern and respect for life in society, in the light of the Gospel and the social teaching of the Church.	You are invited to join us at the Macarthur Social Justice Network Christmas gathering to be held on:    This Saturday, 8th December 2012 between 2:30pm and 4:30pm at St Thomas More Parish Hall, 43 Acacia Avenue, Ruse  cost $2 donation    Please come and celebrate the Christmas Season with your Macarthur Social Justice Network friends.   Money raised will go to the St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal.     Please bring a plate or non-alcoholic drinks to share.   Looking forward to sharing Christmas blessings and cheer with you.
If you know of anyone who would like to join in our discussions and activities please invite them along Is anyone you know would like to receive our notices please ask them to email secretary@msjn.org Should you no longer wish to receive emails please let us know by email to secretary@msjn.org