Parish News
More than fifty people joined our generous East Wimmera Parish hosts for an inspiring day of reflection with members and friends of the Catholic Women’s League Ballarat Diocese, celebrating the great Australian Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians.
The Reflection Day began with Mass in the 19th century red brick gem of St Mary’s Church Donald, celebrated by Fathers Gerry Prunty of the East Wimmera Parish and James Kerr of the Holy Family Northeast Mallee Parish.
The women and a few of the men who attended were delighted to have the entire school of St Mary’s Primary School Donald making up a bubbly choir of children who accompanied our prayer. Special thanks to Principal Melissa Drum and the school community for their support.
Fr James Kerr gave a presentation about his recent sabbatical stay in Rome and beyond – tying together his experience as a vocational and spiritual pilgrimage to certain holy places in Italy and beyond. Both humorous and touching was his encounter with the restored icon of the Madonna of San Sisto, which is thought to be one of the earliest surviving depictions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr James focused on the image for a moving reflection about vocational discernment.
We were treated to a warming and delicious lunch organised by East Wimmera Paish Manager and CWL member Noeline Hogan. Carefully curated tables encouraged lively discussion and reunions around the room. At the day were women from current and former CWL Branches: Dunkeld, Timboon, Ouyen, Swan Hill, Ballarat, Birchip, Donald and beyond.
This followed with prayer, spiritual discernment and invitation to listening and discussion, which was especially encouraging and rich.
Donald is a small pastoral area with an enormous heart thanks to work and vision of Fr Gerry and Noeline.
Anna Krohn OAM – Ballarat Cathedral CWL