Outreach
Here is some of the work undertaken by members of our parish in order to reach out to others in our society.
St Vincent de Paul
We are lucky to have a dedicated St Vincent de Paul chapter running at Wahroonga. This is a group of people who meet weekly for fellowship and to discuss ways they (and the entire parish, with their guidance) can reach out to those most in need in our community. We have a special connection with the people of Whalan, assisting those in need in their area. This is especially seen at Chrismas time, when the whole parish joins together to create food hampers for families.
CareNet
From the co-ordinator, Rose Raward -
Our mission is to act as an extended family by providing assistance in a practical, organised way to people in our community who are in need of emergency support. We, as volunteers, commit ourselves to discreet, confidential and non-judgmental involvement in this activity, knowing that a Christian Community will love, respect and support one another.
Since our inception in June 1997, it has been our pleasure to provide help for individuals and families from within and outside our parish community. Many varied forms of assistance have been provided, including transporting the elderly to medical appointments, doing light housework, babysitting, catering for funerals, and, most frequently, providing meals for persons or families who are temporarily in need of help. On occasion we have maintained a cooking and housework roster for weeks at a time whilst the primary caregiver is recovering from surgery.
One of the most positive and uplifting aspects of this group of people is their willingness to help someone in need at a moment's notice, sometimes having to make large concessions in their own family life to help others. Our tireless volunteers are the heart of our group and are responsible for our success.
The involvement with our parish school, Prouille, has been very positive. With staff coordinating referrals, and involvement of many parents, this has been beneficial in increasing the involvement of the school with the parish as a joint community.
IIf you would like to help with this wonderful organisation in their work, please feel free to contact the parish office to be put in contact with the co-ordinators.
Ecumenism
Two Bishops in Dialogue
You are warmly invited to attend the 2008 Bishops’ Dialogue between Bishop Graeme Rutherford (Anglican Bishop on the Central Coast for the Diocese of Newcastle) and Bishop David Walker (Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Broken Bay) as they address the topic: 'The Role of Monastic Life in the Church and its future.' (Monasticism has traditionally had a large presence in the Christian Church but seems to be declining in the West. What does it have to offer the Church and the wider world, and does it have a future in these changing times?)
Due to unforeseen circumstances this Episcopal Dialogue between Bishop David Walker and Bishop Graeme Rutherford scheduled for Wednesday 21st May has had to be postponed. A new date will be advertised shortly.
Signing of The Diocesan Covenant:
On Wednesday evening, 2nd April in the magnificent Christchurch Anglican
Cathedral in Newcastle, during a reverent, moving and wonderful liturgy,
Bishop David Walker, Bishops Brian Farrer and Graeme Rutherford (of the
Anglican Diocese of Newcastle) and Bishop Michael Malone (of the Catholic
Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle) signed a covenant committing our two
Churches across the region of our three dioceses to arrange shared pastoral
and liturgical initiatives. More than a thousand people both clergy and laity
filled the cathedral to overflowing. This is a very exciting and major step on
the path of Christian Unity. (Annette Stuart-Robertson.)
You can read all about it through the links below:
ABC interview with the 3 Bishops involved
A DVD of the historic liturgy in Christchurch Cathedral in Newcastle back in April of the signing of the Covenant between our diocese, the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle and the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is now available. The cost will be $15.00 which includes all postage and handling and the DVD will be posted to you directly. If you would like to order a DVD please take one of the order sheets available at the back of the church today and return it with your payment enclosed to the Parish Office by Monday 23rd June.
From the co-ordinator, Annette Stuart-Robertson -
Holy Name has been part of KCEA for 10 years and was very involved in its establishment. KCEA provides a teacher of Christian Studies at Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School 4 days a week. This has been an extremely successful programme with amazing advancements in the attitudes of the students to Christian Studies. In the early years it was so difficult that at times we were concerned as to whether it would continue; the classroom situation was so demanding - student attitude ranging from indifference to open hostility.
Today it is accepted as a normal part of their education programme. The teachers involved have noted a great change in so many students. Although we cannot access figures "legally", we believe Catholics are the 2nd highest number of students in the school. The co-operation and interaction between the Churches, nine in all, has been outstanding. There has never been any disagreement or confrontation regarding the material taught and the present teacher is highly professional and experienced with talents that suit the school environment. Danielle Allen is most cautious on providing a balanced perspective and welcomes support and involvement from youth workers and ministers from the Churches. As representative of Holy Name, I have been involved in the interviewing and appointment of all teachers.
As ecumenical representative for our Parish, I attend meetings of the other reps from the Diocese three times a year where there is occasion for sharing ideas, increasing our knowledge and sharing in organising specified ecumenical endeavours within the Diocese. I am also a member of the Broken Bay Ecumenical Commission and work as Media Officer. This year has seen an increase in ecumenical activity between the Wahroonga Churches with a wonderful celebration of the five Churches in the week of Prayer for Christian Unity as well as preaching visits between Holy Name and St John's.
Inter-faith
As Australian society becomes more and more culturally, socially and spiritaully diverse, we are constantly looking for ways to reach out to members of other faiths, as well as those with no particular religious belief. If you would like to get involved in this area, or invite Holy Name to an inter-faith event, please let us know.
COEXIST -
On Saturday, 12th April, a vibrant and energetic inter-faith dialogue night was held at St Augustine's College, Brookvale, organised by the Diocese of Broken Bay WYD team. The event was one in a series of events called COEXIST, in which members of the Aboriginal community, and the Islamic, Jewish and Christian faiths come together in the presence of huge symbols of faith - the Cresent Moon, Star of David, and WYD Cross, Icon and Message stick. The night included talks from elders and youths from each community, as well as musical items, dances, and cultural exchanges.
To find out more, or to get involved with the next COEXIST evening, to be held on Thursday, 17th of July (during World Youth Day), please contact Kelly Edmunds - kellyedmunds@gmail.com