Diocesan News
On Thursday, May 21, the Ballarat Region of the St Vincent de Paul Society held their Festival Mass at St Peter’s & Paul’s Church Buninyong. What a beautiful venue for this Mass. The amazing stained-glass windows of the church really create an environment where you immediately feel in the presence of something special. The day was hosted by the Ballarat East Conference.
Festival Masses are held annually in regions to bring the members together on a social level but also the commissioning of new presidents and the acknowledgment of members and their years of service takes place.
Bishop Mark Freeman and Fr Justin Driscoll concelebrated the Mass and Michael Ryan, North West Central Council (NWCC) President was the Master of Ceremonies. It proved a great opportunity for our new bishop to meet members of our society in this region.
Mr Brian Hall (Ballarat East Conference) was presented with his Emeritus Award and at the commencement of Mass, Peter Rix, President of the Wendouree Conference spoke of Jim McNulty, a former member of Wendouree for over 50 years. Jim had recently received an Emeritus Award and sadly passed away a few days prior to our Mass.
State President Brendan Podbury attended together with Margaret Gearon, Chair of Social Justice and Advocacy and Susan Dornom, State Vice President, Special Works and Projects.
The day was completed with a delicious lunch which was served in the church hall.
Thank you to the Ballarat East Conference organisers for hosting such a wonderful day. It provided an enjoyable opportunity for members to connect, share experiences and strengthen relationships. Events like this are a great source of encouragement and support for members in their day-to-day work serving those in need.
Helen Meade, Ballarat Regional President
