News from Bundaberg
09 August, 2022
Relay for Life Fundraiser
Every person knows of or is related to someone who has been affected by cancer. The Queensland Cancer Council’s annual Relay for Life raises much needed funds for cancer research and The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg has been a supporter of this annual activity for the last 10 years. After two years of virtual relays, the parish Relay for Life team is eager to don their walking shoes once again in support of this cause.
Fundraising for each team is a major component of the relay. On Saturday, 30th July, a luncheon was held at the Brothers Club for parishioners who wished to support the Cancer Council and our parish’s team. 108 people attended and were treated to an afternoon of food, entertainment by violinist, Bernadette Connolly, and the local acapella singing group “Rhythms of the Reef” to which a number of our parishioners are members, and a continuous raffle of nearly 85 prizes donated by local businesses and parishioners. The afternoon raised $4,284! An amazing total.
Fr John Daly spoke of his experience with cancer and his family and friends who have been affected by cancer as well. He reiterated the need for support of the Cancer Council in their continuous research projects. He stressed how important it is for us as a Catholic parish to support the local Bundaberg community in any way possible. We are not isolated from the community but a vital part of the civic community.
The Relay for Life walk will be held on Saturday, 13th August, from 1.00pm-10.00pm at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct. Our team of 30 walkers will do us proud.
Youth Groups reorganised
Over the last few months Youth ministry groups have been rearranged and refocussed. We now have three groups: Blaze Youth, Horizon Youth, and Illuminate Young Adults. All three groups are being organised by our Youth Ministry coordinator, Elizabeth Kelly.
At Blaze Youth the students have been looking for proof of the resurrection! He is Risen! At the beginning of each session the students are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt to get their minds ready to discuss the historical evidence for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and how this gives us hope today.
Horizon Youth, for senior high school youth, have been working through Alpha Youth which requires them to watch and listen to input on various faith topics and discussing questions raised from them.
School Eisteddfod Involvement
Our four Catholic schools have each been involved in the recent Bundaberg Eisteddfod for choirs and instrumental ensembles. This traditional arena for young music students to gain performance experience is well-supported by our schools and shows the extent and depth of the music programs on offer for students today. Not all were winners but all had fun!
Farewell Taniela
Not everyone would know him, but most parishioners would recognise the patriarch of the Tongan family, Taniela Kaufusi. Taniela, or Daniel, sadly passed away on Saturday, 6th August, after an unexpected infection overtook his strong body. Daniel has been the quiet, strong and loving father for his nine children and seven grandchildren. With his wife Pelenetita, or Bernadette, they have supported our parish in so many ways over the years, at Mass, major liturgies, social functions or priests’ farewells, even taking part in two diocesan ordinations! Who can forget the Procession of the Word during Fr Peter Tonti’s ordination in 2003? For 15 years he and Bernadette have organised the family and friends to sing at a monthly mass. Parishioners looked forward to the “Tongan Mass” and if you listened carefully, you could hear his deep bass voice come through. Taniela was always the quiet one in the background, but the respect afforded him by his family and friends was evident. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and our parish family.
