Support for all in the Diocese of Parramatta
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Mgr McGuckin appointed Bishop of Toowoomba
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| Right Rev Monsignor Robert McGuckin VG EV - Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Bishop-elect. |
Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Vicar General Right Rev Monsignor Robert McGuckin VG EV as the sixth Bishop of Toowoomba.
Mgr McGuckin’s Episcopal Ordination will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Toowoomba, on Wednesday 11 July at 11.30am, the Feast of St Benedict.
Mgr McGuckin has served as the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta’s Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia since 1997.
Bishop of Parramatta, Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP, said he was confident the priests and people of the Diocese will share his delight in Mgr McGuckin’s appointment.
“He has worked tirelessly for the bishops, priests, religious and people of the Diocese of Parramatta and we are very sad to see him go,” Bishop Anthony said.
“I trust that Bishop McGuckin will be warmly welcomed in Toowoomba and will serve his new diocese with equal distinction.”
The Executive Director of CatholicCare Social Services, Mr Otto Henfling, said “I am delighted for Mgr McGuckin and the church in Toowoomba but saddened that our own Diocese will lose a great priest and tireless worker.”
Mr Henfling went on to say that “Mgr McGuckin has been a tremendous support to me in my role and a great friend and supporter of CatholicCare Social Services. His contributions as Chair of the Council and Episcopal Vicar for Health and Welfare will be missed.”
Read Mgr McGuckin’s Preliminary Statement at the Diocesan site
Read Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP’s Statement at the Diocesan site
RAYMOND FRANCIS JAMES REID
4/10/1944 – 24/4/2012
HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDFATHER, SOCIAL WORKER, PSYCHOLOGIST, COUNSELLOR, THERAPIST, TEACHER, and ADMINISTRATOR
Ray dedicated much of his life to assisting those in the community who experienced psychological/emotional pain or distress. Ray was a faithful servant of God and dedicated to bringing forth the Kingdom of God. Those of you that knew Ray, would have experienced his humility, his patience, his amazing memory for detail, his precision in the spoken and written word and his great care and concern for all those he worked with and for. He was also well known for the great variety of jumpers his loving wife Jean had knitted for him through the years and his frugal, no frills and simple way of living.
Ray as a young man entered the seminary of the Passionist Congregation. After 5 years of study, he discerned that priesthood was not what God required of him. He left the seminary and undertook a social work degree at Sydney University, graduating with First Class Honours. Ray worked for the Department of Social Security and then the NSW Department of Health. There began his love of counselling and assisting people from all walks of life – but in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
To read the full story click here.
Click 
here to read the Eulogy from Ray's Funeral.
Responsible Gambling Awarneness Week
What is gambling really costing you?
14 -20th May
To download the brochure click here.
Didgeridoo Program Aboriginal Catholic Services
From 15 March to 7 June 2012, a Didgeridoo program was conducted at Aboriginal Catholic Services at Emerton. Due to cultural reasons, the didgeridoo program was offered to Aboriginal boys only. Ten boys participated in the program led by Tony Ryan, a strong cultural man and Aboriginal role model. During the program, the boys first prepared the didgeridoos by waxing the mouthpieces and later painting them in their own unique colours and designs. The boys learned the skills to play the didgeridoo, as well as learn cultural ways to further develop their pride in themselves as Aboriginal youth. Aboriginal Catholic Services was very proud to offer this unique program to the community.
Another group is running from 21 May to 16 July 2012, click here to download the brochure.
Celebrating the Early Years of Marriage
The inaugural Celebrating the Early Years of Marriage event was organized by the Marriage and Family Relationship Education Services of CatholicCare Social Services, Diocese of Parramatta to promote and highlight the importance and value of marriage and to give parishioners of the Parramatta Diocese an opportunity to show their support for marriage.
To be taken to the full article click here.
To view photos from the day click here.
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