News from Bundaberg
17 June, 2023
Memorial Service
The Bereavement Team was pleased to welcome the many relatives and friends who came to the service of remembrance on Wednesday, 24th May. Praying for our departed as well as praying for our comfort and strength were very much to the forefront in the service.
After the short liturgy, supper was served in the hall over which people had a chance to share the stories of their loved ones. This prayer time revives in us memories of loved ones who are here no more. Their memory is a blessing forever.
Pentecost Church Crawl 
The annual Pentecost Church Crawl was attended by more than one hundred people. Beginning at the Uniting Church where prayer and song commenced the sense of unity, we travelled to Holy Rosary Church where we were welcomed to the strains of music and song as we entered the church and then took part in intercessory prayer and song. As we continued along Woongarra St., the bells of Christ Church Anglican Church invited us to prayer, song and a final blessing. The readings of Pentecost were delivered at each church. Fellowship provided by parishioners at Christ Church allowed all to meet and converse as a group united in Spirit. A wonderful celebration of Christian unity on the “birthday” of the Church.
Preparation for the Sacraments
The final activity the children undertake before their Confirmation and Eucharist celebrations is an Activity Afternoon of rehearsal, shared afternoon tea and rotational group activities. This year we spent a rewarding three hours with the children rehearsing for confirmation and first holy communion followed by a shared afternoon tea. Then they progressed through activities related to the Passover meal, working together as the Body of Christ, and making seat decorations for the celebrations.
The children and their parents have worked hard to prepare for the sacraments, finding the time in their busy lives to make this a priority.
Celebration of the Sacraments
Bishop Michael was in Bundaberg for the celebrations of the sacrament of Confirmation during his pastoral visit from June 6th – 8th. Fifty-six children were confirmed. It is always good to have Bishop Michael with us. He put the children and parents at ease with his relaxed personal manner. It was an opportunity for the children and their families to meet our bishop, the leader of our diocese, and for Bishop Michael to be with the people.
Then over the weekends of June 10/11th and June 18th the children received their First Holy Communion in the sacrament of Eucharist. They looked immaculate and excited. This is a special milestone in their lives and the lives of the parishioners. It reminds us of our Catholic identity and our call to live as disciples of Christ.
