Deanery Bulletin Board

The Geelong priests are busy preparing for the National Council of Priests Convention to be held at Lorne, down the Great Ocean Road, in the first week of May. Over 100 priests are coming from across Australia to participate in the convention, which is focussing on ‘The Road to Reconciliation’. Local priests Minogue, Trythall and Spillane are on the committee. Joe and Catherine Taylor from Bell Park will be involved in some of the input. The committee is most grateful to those families who have volunteered their holiday houses around the time of the convention.

The Mercy Respite Centre, located at 13 Bedggood Ave, Point Lonsdale, is a facility is open to mothers in need of a rest or break after an illness, surgery, birth of a baby, miscarriage or bereavement. All who are referred may stay for up to two weeks. Pre-schoolers may accompany their mother. The centre is not open over Christmas or during January. For further information, call the coordinator, Sr Noela Farrell, on 5258 2387.

On Sunday, 26 March, a special celebration was held to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the opening of the Holy Family Parish School, Bell Park. It also marked 45 years of dedicated service by the Sisters of Mercy and the end of an era with their departure from the school. The day began with a special Eucharist that highlighted in many ways the contribution of the Sisters to the development of the community. After Mass all were invited for refreshments at the school, where an open day was held and many were able to share memories of earlier days, whether as past pupils, parents or teachers. The day was drawn to a conclusion by Sr Ruth Boucher, the second principal of the school, who unveiled a commemorative plaque.

The Corio/Lara parish has a new addition to its team. Anna Demetriou is assisting with music and liturgy. She is partly replacing Sr Mary Brady whose parents in Ararat are in need of special care.

The New Charismatic Community holds a Charismatic Renewal gathering every Wednesday night at 7 pm at St John’s Church, North Geelong. People who can play musical instruments are needed.

After the 6 pm Mass each Friday night at St John’s Church, North Geelong, those attending are invited to a get-together either at one of the parishioner’s homes or at a restaurant.

The Corio parish office is a busy place at the moment as The Official Directory of the Catholic Church in Australia 2000 is about to be published. Sally Heath and Mary Budd have been preparing the directory on behalf of the National Council of Priests. The directory is a huge work containing information on all parishes, schools and Catholic organisations in Australia. It also lists all the clergy and key people in the Church. If you would like to order a copy (600 pages, $55), please contact the Corio parish office on 5275 4120.

Talks for young people on the Catholic faith are held every second and fourth Sunday of the month at 7.30 pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church, Norlane. There will be a variety of speakers and time for discussion and a cuppa and something to each after the talks.

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