News from Bundaberg
15 April, 2024
What a wonderful demonstration of faith was exhibited over the liturgical events of Holy Week. All ceremonies were attended by great crowds who were very devotional during the celebrations. We welcomed our seven catechumens into full communion on Saturday evening in a ceremony which was personal and communal.
Behind the scenes, there was much work done to ensure fitting liturgical events marked this holiest of weeks. Hours of preparation of the settings by a small band of workers and church cleaners, practice for the liturgies, practices by singers, musicians, readers, altar servers, and special ministers, and then untiring work of our sacristans led up to each ceremony where welcomers, greeters and collectors added their ministry to provide for parishioners and visitors a special observance led by our priests as presiders who provided the tone of sorrow, celebration, joy and hope which is the essence of the Easter Triduum. May we carry that spirit of Life, Light, and Joy with us as we march towards Pentecost.
Laudato Si Task Force
The small enthusiastic group was thrilled to receive the following response to the submission of its self-audit of the Parish to Catholic Earthcare:
“Thank you for returning your completed Earthcare Parish Audit. Congratulations – your audit is a great read. Fantastic that you have a RAP – very impressive for a parish!
It was great to read what you are doing but also to see how many times you say, ‘need to’! I’m glad to see that the audit has, as we hoped, stimulated thinking about what you might do. It will remain a useful reference document as you move into action planning.
Attached is your level TWO Earthcare Certificate which we hope you’ll display proudly for your community to see.”
The group has plans in place to celebrate Laudato Si Week (May 19 – 26).
St Patrick’s Day Morning Tea.
Approximately two hundred ladies attended the CWL’s Celebration of St Patrick’s Day. Irish entertainment and a cent sale highlighted the atmosphere of the occasion. Fr Don, albeit not dressed in green, was able to mingle with the crowd. The CWL is grateful to Brothers’ Club for their continued support.
Sr Mary Della’s Farewell
Sisters of Mercy have been a constant in the life of the Bundaberg Parish and community since 1893 when they arrived as teachers at the fledgling St Joseph’s School. From there, they established the Convent High School in 1915, and have been involved in other schools, St Mary’s, Holy Spirit, St Patrick’s, and Shalom. In 1946, they opened the Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Bourbong St. Their service of care, compassion and mercy has been poured forth by the Sisters themselves initially and, as times changed, by many dedicated lay women and men who were truly inspired by the Catherine McAuley charism.
It is with gratitude that in mid-May we say farewell to Sr Mary Della who as the last Sister of Mercy in Bundaberg moves to Rockhampton.
Sr Mary has been a compassionate presence to the sick and needy, a devoted visitor of housebound and nursing home parishioners, an inspirational leader and follower in various prayer groups in the Parish and a woman whose presence has been an example to all of faithfulness, devotion, care and concern.
Sr. Mary would be embarrassed with any attention, stating that she stands on the shoulders of the many Sisters who served in Bundaberg and who had remarkable foresight and perseverance.
However, it is fitting that we will recognise Sr Mary and all Sisters of Mercy at a simple farewell to be held after the 9.00am Mass at St Patrick’s on April 28th.
Morning tea will follow.
