Fwd: Bishop Ingham's Statement on the Asylum Seeker Issue

 

Bishop Peter Ingham's statement on the asylum seeker issue   In the lead-up to the Federal Election, the harsh asylum seeker policies from both the Government and the Opposition do not seem to be inspired by what should be central to any such policy: respect for the dignity and rights of every person; and the duty of care we should all have for our fellow human beings, many of whom in desperation ask for our welcome and assistance. The sheer number of people seeking refuge from war-torn countries, oppressive dictatorships, persecution and malnutrition, raises huge social, economic, political, cultural and religious problems while posing dramatic challenges to the international community. Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, prior to his retirement, pointed out that every country has the right to enact migration policies dictated by the common good, though always respecting the dignity of each person. In addition, Pope Francis challenges what he calls a "globalisation of indifference" where we seem to have lost any sense of responsibility for our fellow human beings. Pope Francis said "We have become so accustomed to the suffering of others that it no longer concerns us; it is none of our business." My fear is that taking such a tough stand on asylum seekers can make us Australians become more indifferent to their plight. I call on our political leaders to make this a bipartisan issue so that, as a nation, we may work together to devise ways to deal with the unscrupulous people-smugglers, while facing up to the forgotten issue of the human dignity of refugees. An alternative way to prevent tragedies at sea would be to process and accept more refugees in source countries, providing them with the possibility and hope of reaching Australia through a regular legal pathway. Yours in the Lord Most Rev Peter W Ingham DD Bishop of Wollongong

Exploring our Gifts for Ministry

Dear all,

 

Greetings and I hope all is going well.  This is a quick invitation email to our upcoming 'Exploring our Gifts for Ministry' workshops being held soon in your area, they are:

 

Aug 29:

10:00am-12:00pm &/or 1:00pm-3:00pm

Mary Immaculate Parish Church Meeting Room,

2 Aquamarine Dr, Eagle Vale

 

7:30pm-9:30pm

Mary Mother of the Church Meeting Room,

2 Edgar St Macquarie Fields

 

These workshop are for everyone and are aimed at assisting us either explore our own gifts for ministry or how we might encourage others to take up their gifts in ministry.  For further information and to register please contact me on 4222 2463 or cfl@dow.org.au  You can also follow us on facebook.com/cfldow or Twitter: @CFLDOW

 

Attached is the original flyer that came to parishes about these workshops.

 

Regards

Darren

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fwd: Liturgy Notes August 2013

 

          

August 2013 Welcome to the August edition of "Liturgy Notes", the liturgy and music section of the Faith & Life e-newsletter. This month we continue the series of background articles on the seasonal psalms with an examination of Psalm 63 "My Soul Is Thirsting for You." The update on upcoming workshops provides some further information on the "Lift Up Your Hearts" Liturgy Conference in Wollongong in January 2014. EARLY BIRD Registration is now available (15% discount). Also included in this edition are music recommendations for the months of August. Next month's edition will provide music recommendations for September. A summary index page will soon be available on the website for easy access. View this month's articles and the weekly music suggestions by clicking the links below: Music Selections for Sunday Mass - August 2013  18th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C (3-4 August 2013) 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C (10-11 August 2013)  20th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C (17-18 August 2013) 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C (24-25 August 2013) Upcoming Liturgy and Music Workshops Psalm 63 - A Seasonal Psalm for Ordinary Time   Paul Mason Diocesan Liturgy Coordinator Subscribe to Liturgy Notes and Faith & Life E-Newsletter Do you know someone that would like to subscribe to Liturgy Notes and our Faith & Life E-Newsletter? If so, just forward this to them and ask that they click here to subscribe. It takes less than 30 seconds!