Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Orange Milestone Celebrated
P
riests and Religious who have served in Orange over several decades returned to the City last month for the Parish’s sesquicentenary dinner. Master of Ceremonies, Michael Croke (Principal of Catherine McAuley Catholic Primary School in Orange) said the event exceeded all expectations. “We wondered whether we could get 150 people interested – and now we have more than 350 here tonight”. A number of the priests and sisters had made a huge effort to return to Orange, Mr Croke said. “Many of them are now ageing, and we may never have this many in a room again”. A ‘Q &A’ session after dinner provided an insight into the history of the parish, as well as views on the future and challenges faced by the Church. Students from James Sheahan Catholic High School in Orange played a big part in the success of the evening, providing chamber-style music and waiting on tables. Contributed by Janice Harris Photo courtesy Robert Bruce
Mr Doug Sutton, Fathers Tim Cahill, Martin O’Mahony, Mark McGuigan, Joshy Kaithakulangara, Greg Kennedy, Paul Devitt and Carl Mackander, Mr Tom Ruane, Fathers Tony Hennessy, Brien Murphy, Garry McKeown and Pat Ruane. Margaret Cameron, Parish Secretary from the early 1970s to mid 1990s, is cutting the cake.
Buon Viaggio Father Bellamy! Father Greg Bellamy, Assistant Priest at St. Brigid’s Dubbo, has been farewelled as he heads overseas to continue his studies. Father Greg will be undertaking a Licentiate in Patristic Theology (a study of the writings of the early Church) and the History of the Church at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome for a period of approximately two years from July 2014. It is interesting to note that Bathurst has already produced one great Patristic scholar of international stature - Dom Hugh Connelly OSB (1873-1948) - originally from Carcoar. “I am very grateful for the time I have spent with the Catholic community in Dubbo, and in a particular way I have enjoyed working with the students at St. John’s College” said Father Greg. “Likewise, I feel very privileged to have been involved in our Diocese’s vocations ministry for the past three years. Helping young people discover their vocation is such an important part of the Church’s mission”. Father Bellamy said he was excited at the prospect of living and studying in Rome “… particularly because it is an opportunity to be close to the Holy Father, Pope Francis. I am grateful to Bishop McKenna for the chance to study the writings of the great Fathers of the Church. There is much they can teach us today concerning ministry, theology, prayer and how to read the Sacred Scriptures in a faith-filled manner. Please keep me in your prayers”.
Father Greg after Father Thuc Van Le’s Ordination in Bathurst
July 2014 - Page 18