By Brenda Pye 

Parishioners at St Mary’s Mooroopna celebrated the 85th anniversary of heir Church building on 23 February, 2021. Parishioners were deeply moved by the Mass. 

This year, Caritas has been offering an exciting new component to Project Compassion: Virtual Immersions —the chance to interact online with Caritas international program staff. Wangaratta Social Justice Team held such an event where attendees were able to pray, reflect, learn and discuss with a focus on the story of Oliva in Tanzania. Kerry Stone shares her experience of the evening.

As we go further on our Lenten journey towards Easter, Lyn Breen suggests we revisit Pope Francis' words at the 2021 Ash Wednesday Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica.  

"Our return journey to God is possible only because he first journeyed to us. Otherwise, it would be impossible ...

"Be reconciled to God" ... Be reconciled: the journey is not based on our own strength.

No one can be reconciled to God on his or her own." 

On Monday 1 March, over fifty people gathered for Spirituality in the Pub (SIP) at the Terminus Hotel in Shepparton to ponder the question, “Why Go Back To Mass?” Gest speakers Cathy Jenkins and Alma Limbrick both assured us they didn’t have the answer, but their thoughts certainly inspired us to ‘good’ conversation as is the aim of SIP. Goulburn Valley SIP convenor, Jen Frisardi shares her recollections of the speakers.

The Mass of the Holy Oils (or Chrism Mass) celebrated during Holy Week has a long and complex history. The oils blessed and consecrated during the liturgy are associated with ancient rituals of anointing used across various religious traditions as symbols of identification, strengthening, healing and sanctification. 

Paul Taylor provides an overview of the historical background, theological themes and pastoral consdierations associated with the Chrism Mass.

Shepparton Catholic, Jobelle Collier, 30, has fulfilled a childhood dream of competing in The Amazing Race Australia with her father, Rani Alegre. Seminarian Jackson Saunders asks Jobelle (aka Erika) about the experience and the role her faith played as she competed in 'The Amazing Race'.

On International Women’s Day, Caritas Australia joins development and aid organisations all over the world in demonstrating support for gender equality and celebrating the achievements of women worldwide.

The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry is hosting a national consultation of Catholic Women. This online event provides the opportunity for Catholic Women to share stories of their contribution to our Church and to articulate their vision for the mission of the Catholic Church in Australia.  

On 21 January Catholic Women’s League members came from all over the state to celebrate 90 years of the Catholic Women's League in Shepparton.  Since the first Annual Meeting of the CWL Shepparton was held on 19 December 1930, there has been much change.  CWL members have rolled up their sleeves and without much fanfare, assisted people in their community throughout difficult times such as the Great Depression, World War II, drought and more; all the while providing opportunites for members to share faith and companionship. 

This year, Caritas has been offering an exciting new component to Project Compassion: Virtual Immersions - the chance to interact online with Caritas international program staff. Wangaratta Social Justice Team held such an event where attendees were able to pray, reflect, learn and discuss with a focus on the story of Oliva in Tanzania. Kerry Stone shares her experience of the evening.