Is the Catholic Church relevant in the new millennium?
Holy Name Catholic Parish Church and Prouille Primary School both in Wahroonga are posing questions of the relevance of the Church and Christianity for Australians in the 21st century.
During the week of June 21st – 25th, an internationally-renowned preaching team, “The Dominican Preachers”, Fr Nicholas Punch, Sr Joan Bukrey and Fr Michael Champlin are welcoming all those who wish to attend, whether Catholic or not, and will be leading talks and discussion based on contemporary interpretations of Scripture and the teachings of the modern Church, addressing real issues of Christian faith in everyday life.
“This is the perfect forum to learn more about any topics that people in the local community are interested in or are questioning, especially relating to the practical application of faith in our lives,” said Fr Steve Hume, the parish priest at Holy Name Church on Billyard Ave, Wahroonga.
“We are extremely privileged to have “The Dominican Preachers” in Wahroonga. As well as a school mass (June 19), a renewal mass, a reconciliation mass and a healing mass during the week (June 21 to 25), we offer the opportunity for anyone to pose questions to very respected members of the Church, who have seen and experienced the power of faith. It will be a unique event,” said Father Hume.
Issues under discussion will include the role of women in the Church and the depiction of women in the Scriptures, understanding the Sacraments, faith and doubt, God’s generosity and the meaning of suffering.
The Dominican Preachers:
Fr Nicholas Punch O.P. : Joined the Dominicans in 1961 and was ordained in 1966. Formerly elected provincial of the Australasia and Solomon Islands Dominican Province of the Assumption, after which he was appointed parish priest of Holy Name. Also a high school teacher and university chaplain. He transferred to the central U.S.A. Dominican Province in 1995.
Sr. Joan Bukrey O.S.F.: Entered the Sisters of St Francis in 1964. Has taught primary school and been director of parish religious education. Also served as Director of Vocations and Formation.
Fr. Michael Champlin O.P. : Member of the Dominican Order and priest since 1966. He is founding director of the Thomas More Centre for Preaching and Prayer. Has been a seminary professor and been engaged in full-time preaching for the past 27 years.
The Program
Sunday 21 June
Holy Name: 7:30 – 8:30pm – “What is Christian Spirituality?” An introduction to how we can live out our spirituality in our world.
Monday 22 June
Holy Name: 9:30 – 11:30am – Mass followed by “The Priesthood of the Faithful” + Q&A time St Peter calls the Christian community “a royal priesthood” – what does this mean for us? How are we called to live out our Baptismal calling each day?
Prouille: 7:30 – 9:30pm – “The Image and Generosity of God” + Q&A time When Jesus taught his disciples about God, he used the images of a loving Father, a faithful shepherd, a generous master – what is our image of God?
Tuesday 23 June
Holy Name: 9:30 – 11:30am – Mass followed by “The Holy Spirit” + Q&A timePope Benedict XVI called our nation “the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit” – but do we really appreciate the role the Spirit plays in our daily lives?
Holy Name: 7-8:30pm – Reconciliation Night A beautiful chance to experience the gift of God’s gentle and loving forgiveness, that washes away all that is holding us back from Him and from others, in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Wednesday 24 June
Holy Name: 9:30 – 11:30am – Mass followed by “Busy Person’s Prayer” + Q&A time Yes, we know we should pray, but how, when life is always so hectic? Come and learn some practical tips about how to stay in touch with God in the midst of our busy lives.
Prouille: 7:30 – 9:30pm – “The Eucharist” + Q&A time Come and find out why the Eucharist is “the source and summit of our faith”, and what we’re really saying Amen to when the priest says “the Body of Christ”!
Thursday 25 June
Holy Name: 9:30 – 11:30am – Mass followed by “Journeying” + Q&A time What should our attitude to this life and this world be, if, as Mary MacKillop said, “We are but pilgrims here”?
Prouille: 7:30 – 9:30pm – Healing Mass Many of us need healing, not just of our bodies, by from anxiety and addictions, in our relationships and our memories, and other areas of our lives. Come and experience the beautiful Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick – even if you do not wish to be anointed, you are invited to come and join in the final night of our Parish Renewal.
For anyone unable to attend anointing Mass on Thursday
evening, 25th June, the Renewal team will be available for anointing on the
morning of Thursday 25th after the morning session.
The team will also be available to anoint the housebound in their homes on
Tuesday morning, 23rd, after the morning session. Please advise the office
of such names, addresses and phone numbers ASAP.
Parishioners are asked to please bring a plate for morning sessions as well as Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions. There is a sheet at the back of the church for parishioners to indicate their willingness to assist at ALL sessions except Monday and Wednesday evenings when session involvement will be organised by the School Staff