News from Bundaberg
15 September, 2021
Relay for Life
Relay for Life was held in Bundaberg on Saturday, 14th August, at the Bundaberg Precinct. For many years now our parish has registered a team, sometimes two or more teams, in the Relay. We had one small but energetic team this year raising money for the Queensland Cancer Council. This year Mrs Margaret Lloyd-Jones, a long-time relay walker, was awarded the Spirit of Relay Award for her continued support of Relay for Life. Well done Margaret!
Ministry Training and Formation
Ministry Training and Formation Sessions were held recently for all Ministers of Communion, Ministers of the Word, Sacristans, and Mass Assistants. Fr Peter, together with Anne Sheehan, Liturgy Co-ordinator, led the attendees through further formation on each ministry using lectures given by Bishop Robert Barron, Word on Fire Institute. Our regular training gatherings were cancelled last year as a result of Covid, but it was good to be able to gather again for reminders and brush-ups on the practicalities of each ministry and affirm the good work of service all do in ministry.
Alpha in the Catholic context
We are looking at introducing the Alpha program to our parish. The Queensland leader of Alpha Catholic, Mrs Donna Brennen, was due to speak to parishioners interested in finding out more about Alpha on Saturday, 21st August. Unfortunately, she was in isolation in Brisbane so could not come in person, but thankfully, was able to join us on Zoom.
Alpha is “a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, online or in person, where people can explore life, faith and
meaning.” It is an evangelisation tool for a parish where people are invited to “come and see” life in a Catholic Christian context. From our “Come and See” session with Donna we now have 12 people who are willing to pilot Alpha in the parish, starting Wednesday 15th September. It will run for 10 weeks, and each session involves food, video and discussion. If you would like to know more about Alpha in your parish go to: https://www.alpha.org/catholic-context/ We’ll keep you posted.
Adult Faith Formation
If you haven’t heard of Bishop Robert Barron I encourage you to discover him through the Word of Life Institute, USA. We have been offering Bishop Barron’s courses, weekly, for two months now and have been amazed at the wonder of God unfolding through his lectures. Judith Renshaw, coordinator of Adult Faith Formation, has led the groups through courses on Scripture, Sacraments, Our Story/Your Story, and Saints to name a few.
“Let heaven rejoice and earth be glad! Let all creation sing!” In this Season of Creation, give thanks.
Anne Sheehan
