Parish News
On the back of Fr James’ Sabbatical Presentation at St Mary’s in Donald earlier this year, St Mary’s Sea Lake were fortunate to host a second presentation in August.
Parishioners from Culgoa, Lalbert, Berriwillock, Sea Lake, Woomelang, Mittyack, Nandaly, Buelah and Birchip gathered to hear all about Fr James’ 3-month Sabbatical in Rome.
Through a series of photos and stories, Fr James shared some of the highlights of his pilgrimages to holy sacred sites in Italy and beyond and how they were directly connected with Jesus, Mary and the saints.
With each pilgrimage, Fr James explained the significance in relation to his own personal journey of growth and enrichment. Further to this, Fr James also gave insight into the benefits of the Sabbatical experience. His 3-month period away provided him with an opportunity to rest, recharge and renew the professional and spiritual requirements of being a priest.
As recipients of Fr James’ continuous “around the clock” service and ministry within the Holy Family Parish Northeast Mallee, we were very thankful and appreciative that this period of leave was offered to him. We hope and pray that it continues to assist him with the long-term longevity of his vocation.
At the conclusion of the presentation and on behalf of those present, Janice Kelly thanked Fr James for his generosity of his time and efforts in travelling to Sea Lake to offer Mass and talk about his sabbatical on such personal level.
Janice also expressed a “collective” relief that Fr James had returned home to Swan Hill and had not been transferred to another parish. Thank you God.
As tradition dictates in our small country communities, food and fellowship go hand in hand. We thank Anne McInerney for her work in organising all the catering requirements of the delicious meal afterwards and also for providing the surprise birthday cake to celebrate Jo Brady’s 70th birthday. This unique opportunity to gather together was enjoyed by all and we wish Fr James another successful presentation at St Mary’s Swan Hill in September. We are sure they will enjoy it as much as we did.
Nancy Summerhayes
