NSW State Conference
..... Newcastle 20/21 August 2010 .....
..... Be Joyful Always .....
Sydney members joined with members from the Dioceses around NSW for a wonderful Conference at Panthers Club, Newcastle.
The State Council Meeting was held on Friday August 20 and then at 5.30pm we were welcomed to the Conference by State President, Catherine McGrath.
After the welcome to country, and an Opening Liturgy, the Conference was officially opened and we all enjoyed a buffet dinner.
It was then time to be "Creative, Cultured and Caressed".
From the many stall holders, the Chocolate Wheel and even learning Circle Dancing, it was a light-hearted way to mix and socialise
with old and new friends.
On Saturday we began the Conference
with an Opening Liturgy and then the keynote Speaker Author Sandy Blackburn Wright spoke on her time in Africa.
She was a most interesting and engaging speaker and she has also written a book Holding up the Sky: An African Life
After morning tea and buying some beautiful gifts on the Trading Table we went to our breakout groups.
Everyone heard from different and enjoyable speakers - the time just went too quickly as each speaker was so very good.
We were addressed by our National President Madge Fahy and also the State Chaplain Father Sean Cullen.
Deacon Martin Johnson from Maitland/Newcastle Diocese told us his amazing life story and the Diocese is lucky to have Martin working for them.
We watched two moving powerpoint presentations - one recognised long serving members and the other was dedicated to our deceased members.
Robyn Miller is to be congratulated for these.
Ann Hogan gave a thorough and humorous overview of the Conference.
It was then announced that
Carolyn Metcalfe - from Broken Bay Diocese - is the new State President.
Congratulations Carolyn!
Moya Potts made a presentation to Catherine McGrath and thanked her on behalf of all members for her leadership, energy and great friendship.
Catherine has served as State President for four years and will be sadly missed.
Catherine thanked everyone and said it had been a joy (and a few trials) to serve in this position.
Carolyn and the Diocesan Presidents were commissioned and then we had a wonderful Closing Mass.
The Presiding Celebrant at the Mass was Most Reverend Michael Malone, concelebrant was Father Sean Cullen and the Diocesan Chaplain was Deacon Martin Johnson.
The beautiful music was provided by All Saints College Lochinvar students.
The concluding song "You are a Light for the World" seemed very appropriate.
The evening concluded with a wonderful dinner, entertainment and warm friendships celebrated.
Everyone at the Conference felt renewed and promised to Be Joyful Always.
Jesus the Christ eConference
Thursday, September 16th 2010.
Fr Gerald O’Collins sj will share his understanding of Jesus Christ as
Son of God, Son of man; fully human, truly divine.
This eConference is a faith formation experience.
There are no costs involved.
More information from the website:
Jesus the Christ eConference.
