Bishop Michael is currently on annual leave. We wish him a good break and keep him in our prayers as we know he keeps us in his. 

The following is an extract from a talk to the Mackay Men’s’ Dinner Club given by seminarian Ashwin Acharya, who is currently serving in Mackay.  The talk was on vocation.

There are a few things about “vocations” which I often name at the beginning of a talk.

Firstly, vocation is a call from God. But it is not the special privilege of Priests and Religious; these are not the only people who are “called by God.” Rather everyone is called – ultimately to sainthood – to serve God and neighbour in the world in some particular state in life. In the Catholic imagination, there are four states: Priestly Life, Religious Life, Married Life and Single Generous Life in Christ.

Secondly, God does not spam vocations at us like junk mail, neither does God fill out a vocation letter as from a digital template, then hit “ctrl + a” and send. No, God’s vocation to each person is absolutely unique and unequivocally personal. God writes the most profoundly tender and intimate of letters to you (and only you), and then hides it in the deepest depth of your heart. This is a little unsettling, perhaps, because it implies incredible responsibility: no one can respond to your vocation except you; if you don’t, no one else can and no one else will.

Thirdly, as we can see, discerning one’s vocation is not easy. But it is only more difficult in a busy, messy, mixed up time and place such as ours. It is the responsibility of all of us to cultivate a culture in which is it easy for people, especially young people, to discern their vocation, rather than one in which it is near impossible to do so. And the renewal of culture to this end is not an overnight task, but a long undertaking of tilling the soil, planting seeds, watering the ground and nurturing the young, green shoots as they sprout forth and slowly grow into whatever God is calling forth.

In this way, our seemingly small part in the work of vocations promotion is incredibly exciting, and God, I believe, will bless whatever small work we can commit to that undertaking.

The Mackay Men’s’ Dinner /club meets on the last Monday of the month 6.30pm for 7pm start at the Boomerang Hotel. Our guest speaker for September is Craig Doyle CEO Mackay Regional Council, October Bishop Michael McCarthy, November Mark Day CEO Mackay Sugar.  Visitors are always welcome.

There were some new faces in Emerald on the second weekend in August.  The Saint Vincent de Paul Society in the Rockhampton diocese held a rare Festival Meeting away from the coast on Sunday 11^th.

It was an opportunity for Vinnies teams across the region to meet, share experiences and focus on the basic tenets of the Society as they assist those in greatest need.

Forty delegates from Bundaberg to Mackay and west to Longreach enjoyed a presentation by Sister Melissa Dwyer, the state spiritual advisor to the Society. Melissa spoke on the history on Vinnies: it is 125 years since its establishment in Australia. However, this was no dry history lesson. Attendees were challenged to work in groups to discuss and report on the relevance of the organisation to the situation in Australia today. Many families need assistance in a variety of ways, in the cities and increasingly in the regions. The Society is one of the first responders in times of great need – through drought, fires and floods - as well as providing on-going support throughout the year.

In a brief Q & A session, two young people from the Emerald community, Jack Heinemann and Abby Nixon spoke about their work with the Neighbourhood Centre in supplying meals - as well as a sense of respect - to local people living on the margins of society.

Awards for long service were presented to members at a function on Saturday evening with some clocking up 60 years of practical community assistance.

It was a great experience for all involved and resulted in a resolution to hold more future meetings in the west.  

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the first Anniversary of Our Lady of Good Heath

Friday the 6^th of September, we celebrated the first anniversary of the statue of Our Lady of Velankanni (Our Lady of Good Health), as we celebrated the Birthday of Mother Mary. We were visited by Very Rev Father Matthew Moloney the Director of Clergy Life and Ministry who offered the Mass for us. 

Sadly, we also farewelled the Pindo family who are relocating to the Gold Coast.  The Pindo family kindly gifted the statue of Our Lady of Velankanni to the St Patrick’s Blackall community last year.  We are grateful to the Pindo family for the gift this statue is to our Parish and also thank them for generously donating the food for our celebratory lunch. We shared a meal with the Parish community of cake, sausage sizzle and drinks. We wish the Pindo family the best for the future. I sincerely thank Father Mathew for being with us to have a fantastic celebration and I also thank the school and staff for participation in the Mass.

Relay for Life

We once again entered a parish team in the Queensland Cancer Council’s Relay for Life, held on Saturday 10^th & Sunday 11^th August. Our tent was erected next door to Shalom College’s, so it was a night of fun and frivolity for the young and young at heart. The overall theme for Relay this year was “Musicals”. Our team took for its theme “The Sound of Music” and decorated their tent with “alive” hills, music, and dubious people in nuns’ habits. For their efforts the team won Best Letterbox and the Spirit of Relay awards. It’s a long day and night for t

hose involved but the commitment to community service is rewarding. Overall our team and parish donated nearly $5000 to the Cancer Council.

Filipino Mass

Fr Ronaldo was keen to have the Filipino community come together for Mass. A date was set, Friday, 16^th August, in St Patrick’s Church, and a planning committee was formed. Never has so much effort gone into one Mass! It was a good thing for the various Filipino leaders to come together as a liturgy team and plan. Jeffrey, our parish finance officer, was chief musician and numerous singing practices were held. Raquel, our receptionist, created the powerpoint and liturgy sheets. All priests joined Fr Ronaldo to celebrate Eucharist with many non-Filipino parishioners there as well. After much practice Fr Jomon even prayed a prayer that he led in Tagalog! Afterwards a veritable feast of Filipino delicacies was provided and all enjoyed a social time together.

Holy Rosary opens its Doors

Holy Rosary Church is opened each day from 7.00am – 7.00pm, welcoming anyone who seeks quiet prayer or Mass. On Saturday, 23^rd August, the doors were opened to the public as part of the Bundaberg Regional Council’s “Open House” event. Several local historical buildings are open for guided tours on this day and we were pleased to greet 60 people into our house that morning. We are blessed to have Cathryn King volunteer her time as an archivist for our parish and Cathryn was delighted to show Holy Rosary to the public.

The 17th Annual Bundaberg Ecumenical Luncheon.

On Saturday, 24 August one hundred and fifty guests arrived at the Bundaberg RSL for the 17^th Annual Ecumenical Luncheon. Leaders and members of the Anglican, Uniting, Lutheran, and Baptist Churches joined the many parishioners from our Catholic parish for a wonderful meal and social interaction.

This annual gathering was originally started by the Knights of the Southern Cross, and in the last seven years has been run by our menALIVE ministry. However, in an endeavour to make the occasion more ecumenical members of the other Churches joined our first “Ecumenical” Planning Committee. Our Guest Speaker this year was a recently retired Police Commissioner from Cairns, Mr Rolf Straateimer, who had been a member of the Qld Police service for the past 43 years.

Rolf’s topic “About Life, About Death, A Journey of Discovery” was well received by the audience, as they enjoyed listening to his journey from “no faith, to a strong faith in a compassionate loving God.” His life, “as a police-man, who never knew whether he would return home from duty each day” was a series of many incidents, both humorous and very challenging, but always connected with people from all walks of life. These people helped him come to an understanding “that there is life after death won by our saviour, Jesus Christ, through his death on the cross, and resurrection to new life.” Rolf, a member of the Baptist Church, now lives each day with a close relationship in Jesus Christ.

As we have done each year, any funds raised have been given to a local charity of the Guest Speaker’s choice. This year it was our pleasure to present a cheque for $3,500 to the Qld Police Legacy who support the families of police officers, killed while serving our communities.

‘Take my Hand’ Parish Retreat

Fr John Daly offered to lead parishioners in a time of quiet and reflection on Thursday, 29^th August, at St James’ Church, Bargara. He titled his retreat “Take My Hand”, using many images from scripture to show the power of touch in its healing, comforting, helping, compassionate and tender forms. Retreatants were given time for personal reflection and prayer. The Years 5 & 1s from St Joseph’s School also contributed to the day by making Praying Handprints with “I use my hands to…” written on them. No parish activity is complete, however, without social interaction and morning tea and lunch were great opportunities for parishioners to catch up.

Parish Planning Group

The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg has enjoyed, for a number of years, wonderful participation by the parishioners. We have been well led with our pastoral focus: We are a stewardship parish gifted by God, grateful of heart, using our gifts and talents to serve.

The Parish Planning Group (PPG) has recently been established, under the direction of our Parish Stewardship Council, to determine how, as a parish, we can ensure the governance structures, roles, leadership formation and co-responsibility for mission be relevant today and into the future. The PPG will be seeking parishioner assistance and participation. We encourage all to truly respond to the call of Jesus and spread the Good News in our communities and beyond. 

On June 15^th, members of the Park Avenue Catholic community gathered with locals to remember and give thanks for the 100 years since the land was purchased to build Our Lady of the Lourdes Church in Marlborough.

The closing ceremony was officiated by our Parish Priest, Fr Marcel Kujur in the presence of our Vicar General, Fr Bryan Hanifin.  On conclusion of the Litany of Farwell, members and local residents joined with Fr Bryan and Fr Marcel to enjoy a morning tea and an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful past of members of the Marlborough faith community.  Some local people reflected on many services, baptisms, marriages, confirmations and celebrations which were held in the Church over many years and the number of visiting priests from Park Avenue Parish who celebrated Mass with them once a month.

The Church has been purchased by Livingstone Shire Council and the locals are hoping that the building can be used for a youth arts gallery which will complement the heritage museum across the road.

Kevin Hogan

Parish Manager

Park Avenue

Multi -cultural celebration 2019

A vibrant and colourful multi-cultural festival was celebrated at St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral on Sunday, 25 August 2019 at 9.30am.

The celebration recognised the diversity of nationalities in the local Rockhampton Catholic community. Pope Francis challenged us to reflect on “it is not just about migrants” it is really about all of us in our own journey of spiritual fulfilment to be God’s people.  Mass was celebrated by The Most Reverend Michael McCarthy, Bishop of Rockhampton, at 9.30am

 The celebrations were welcomed by a Digeridoo call, as the congregation gathered representing people from all four corners of the earth. The procession included a flag bearing ceremony of the nations represented.

Representatives from various national communities joined in the celebration with colourful and vibrant dancing and singing including people from the Philippines, India and Africa.

Following the Mass, entertainment including TCC Contemporary Band, a Battle of Primary School choirs and battle of Community Group Choirs was enjoyed by all.

Fine cuisine was served – camaraderie abounded.

The Cathedral Parish achieved Mother Teresa’s motto: “Together we can do something beautiful for God”.

Margaret Hallinan – Pastoral Associate.

Bucasia Orphans Memorial

Mackay Regional Council has approved a memorial to the 33 orphans who died from illnesses after being admitted to the Bucasia orphanage between 1880 and 1885.

Father Pierre Bucas arrived in Mackay in 1869 and brought the first nuns to the area, the Sisters of St Joseph, who ran the orphanage from 1876 to 1879. They were then replaced by the Sisters of Mercy who ran the orphanage from 1880 to 1885.

Many children were later found to be suffering from a malarial condition due to the location of the orphanage in a swampy area where disease-carrying mosquitoes bred in profusion.

Nineteen of the orphans were recorded as buried at Merara (now known as Bucasia) but the exact location of the site is unknown.

The memorial will be placed adjacent to the Fr Bucas Memorial on the esplanade and the Orphans Memorial Group are raising funds to cover the cost of the memorial. The memorial to the orphans will be unveiled at 2pm on Sunday, October 20 at the Esplanade Park, Bucasia.

Mental Health Support

St Dymphna’s conference of St Vincent de Paul Society, Mackay, conducted an information morning at St Joseph’s Parish Centre Hall following 9am mass on Sunday, September 8.

The conference supports people suffering from some form of mental health problems and outlined the work of the conference to those interested in the hope of boosting their numbers in the hope of coping with current needs of the conference.

A morning tea was provided.

Police Chaplaincy

Fr Raj and Rev Rod McLennan receiving their Police Chaplaincy stoles at the Emerald Ceremony held in August. Fr Raj and Rev Rod will preside at the 2019 Police Remembrance Mass, along with other church leaders within our community. The Mass will be held at St Patrick’s on Friday, 27 September, St Patrick’s Church.

Multicultural Mass

On Sunday, 25 August St Patrick’s Parish acknowledged and celebrated the diversity of its faith community. The theme was: We acknowledge with grateful hearts the many voices that pray with one voice in our parish.  Readings, prayers, song and dance were presented in Tongan, Filipino, Irish, Zimbabwean and Indian. Families came in traditional dress and the parish was a sea of vibrant colour and sounds. A shared meal followed where the egg sandwiches and lamingtons took second place to the sensational rice and pasta dishes, continental sweets and spicy soups.

Although Birdsville may be a remote town in western Queensland I think that most if not all Queenslanders have heard of it, as have many people from around Australia, especially those who have an interest in horse-racing. I am told that it has a population of one hundred residents outside of the tourist season. Almost directly north and just on 190 km from Birdsville is another town with the same population – although no racetrack – which fewer Queenslanders know about. This is the little town of Bedourie. Bedourie is the western-most town in our Diocese of Rockhampton, the most distant extent of the Western Pastoral Ministry. The road ‘out’ there crosses into the Diocese of Townsville, taking you via Winton and through some stunning country which reminds me of the cowboy pictures we used to watch as children. Another four hours or so takes you to Boulia where an overnight stop is necessary after travelling from Barcaldine. It’s almost 220 km directly south back into the Diocese of Rockhampton before you arrive at Bedourie.

There isn’t a Church of any description in the little town. On a rare occasion such as 2018 when Bishop Michael visited with Fr. Matthew - taking drought packages with them – locals gather in one of the public spaces for Mass. Last year it was in the Shire hall. The time before that it was in a room at the Primary Health Centre. It is only once a year that Cath and I make the journey to visit the people, those in town and when possible those from the properties. As you might remember from Primary School Geography or Social Studies classes, the country is very poor – gibber plains - and consequently the properties are huge at a million to two million acres. There are not many people living in that part of the State.

 Several years ago, timing our visit to happen between the many tourist events in the Diamantina during June, July and September, we happened to be in town when MISA (Mount Isa School of the Air) held its annual mini-school. Children and parents/govies came to town for the week from hundreds of kilometres in all directions. It proved to be ideal for us, ensuring that we were able to see the maximum number without having to travel hours over some very corrugated ‘roads’ to properties. Each year now, I contact MISA to check when the mini-school will occur and to make sure that our presence to link up with the families will be acceptable. Members of staff have been most welcoming.

Winton to Middleton

  Over the week it is possible to spend time both visiting around town (Shire Office, Health Centre, Information Centre, Police etc.) and with those from the properties. The year before last it was an opportunity for me to give an initial face-to-face lesson with one of the children preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation – so much better than the usual phone lessons. Although there was about two and a half inches of rain early in the year over some of that far western area, at one stage Bedourie was surrounded by water which was the result not of rain but of the movement of water from areas to the north. Footage on Landline several months ago showed the amazing advance of water across the land in the phenomenon known as a “dry flood”. It has brought some relief and some welcome green in parts of the country. My thoughts and prayers remain with those we met and with all who are living and working in the Diamantina, that distant part of the Diocese of Rockhampton.

 Western Pastoral Ministry (Sr. Mary Farrelly)

SCHOOL Savvy CQ has gained serious momentum, following a successful fundraiser last month which raised $900.

CentacareCQ School Savvy project coordinator Anna Morris and assistant Danielle Mitchell are asking the wider community to get behind the appeal and help Central Queensland families.

“We are grateful for the money raised from the trivia night, but the project is far from over,” Danielle and Anna said.

“We are seeking community donations of pre-loved uniforms, as well as any stationery or monetary contributions people are able to make.

“We have our pack-a-pencil case initiative back again this year, so if people aren’t able to help on the uniform front, donating a packed pencil case is always an option.

Danielle said there were also options for businesses to jump on board for sponsorship.

All donations from residents, community groups and local businesses would go towards the 2020 appeal – pop up shops will be held in the Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast and Bundaberg regions in January 2020.

“We wish to thank everyone involved in helping support the School Savvy CQ initiative thus far.

Anyone interested in donating to or sponsoring School Savvy can phone CentacareCQ on 1300 523 985 and speak to Anna or Danielle, alternatively you can email schoolsavvy@centacarecq.com.

GET INVOLVED:

Donate preloved school uniforms or a pencil case packed with basic school supplies to one of the School Savvy drop off points:

- CentacareCQ Rockhampton – 16 Bolsover Street, Rockhampton

- CentacareCQ Yeppoon – 5/15 James Street, Yeppoon

- CentacareCQ Bundaberg – 79 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg

- visit www.centacarecq.com/uniformdonations for more

Praise and celebration filled St Joseph’s Cathedral in Rockhampton as a congregation of around a thousand, comprising priests, religious, civic leaders, Catholic Education staff, students and families gathered for the state launch of Catholic Education Week 2019. 

Hosted in Rockhampton for the first time, the launch commenced with Mass led by Most Rev Mark Coleridge Archbishop of Brisbane assisted by Most Rev Michael McCarthy Bishop of Rockhampton and priests from throughout the Diocese of Rockhampton. 

A moving liturgy brought to life by a 90-voice choir accompanied by 30 musicians provided an uplifting and joyous celebration for all gathered and for many more watching on livestream throughout the state.

Following Mass Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) Chair Hon Margaret White AO gave the official welcome.

QCEC Executive Director Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM introduced the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards which were presented to 10 recipients from throughout Queensland for outstanding contributions to the life of their school communities.

Rockhampton Catholic Education Director Leesa Jeffcoat AM said the celebrations were a truly fitting way to mark Catholic Education Week in Queensland.

“The memorable liturgy set the scene for a celebration where all that is positive, life-giving and faith centred about Catholic Education from Kindergarten to Year 12 was well and truly showcased,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

One of the highlights of the ceremonies was a choir of 60 Prep students from across the Rockhampton Region. 

“The Preppies enthusiastic performance of “God is Great” with accompanying actions prompted older primary and secondary students and other members of the congregation to join in,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“We were delighted to host the launch this year in Rockhampton on behalf of the 20 000 staff and 149 000 students in our Queensland Catholic schools and to welcome representatives from each of the five dioceses in Queensland,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

The Catholic Education Week candle was ceremoniously passed to Brisbane Catholic Education Director Pam Betts as the 2020 launch was due to be hosted in the Brisbane archdiocese to mark 175 years since the first Catholic school opened on what is now the site of the Myer Centre in the heart of Brisbane.

Held annually Catholic Education Week provides an opportunity for all 306 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos to their school and wider communities.

Schools and colleges throughout the state held a wide variety of activities and events under the 2019 theme Many Voices, One Spirit

What is a Plenary Council?

A Plenary Council is the highest formal gathering of all local churches in a country.

“Plenary” refers to the Council being attended by all local churches that are in Australia. This means the geographical dioceses such as Brisbane Archdiocese, Lismore Diocese etc., as well as the other local churches, which include the Military Diocese, Eastern Church Eparchies and others of this nature. Altogether, Australia has 34 “local churches”.

The decisions that are made at the Council become binding for the Catholic Church in Australia. A Synod does not have this legislative and governance authority.

 Our Plenary Council 2020 is being held so that we can all participate in dialogue about the future of the Catholic Church in Australia.

There are many reasons for having a Plenary Council for the Catholic Church in Australia, the main ones being: -

• Pope Francis has invited the local church to dialogue;
• the contemporary society of Australia has changed significantly,
• the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse has been a significant and influential event that requires deep consideration and response.

When the Australian Catholic Bishops announced the decision to hold a Plenary Council, Archbishop of Brisbane Mark Coleridge said that “the Church is not the presence in our society it once was. We need to take a measure of that and make decisions accordingly. The culture in which we have to proclaim the Gospel is very different to what it was even 20 or 30 years ago.”

In 2018, the entire People of God in Australia began preparing for this historic moment by listening to God, by listening to one another’s stories of faith. The whole of Australia was encouraged to submit responses to the question;

WHAT IS GOD ASKING OF US AS CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA?

More than 222,000 people participated in listening and dialogue encounters and contributed submissions during the first stage of preparation for the Australian Plenary Council.

IN OUR DIOCESE

In 2016 Bishop Michael McCarthy of the Rockhampton Diocese, had begun a two-year process of listening to the people throughout this far flung area. This process dovetailed with the National Plenary council process. In the Rockhampton Diocese, each region experienced two sessions, months apart.

 The first session was to find out what the issues and the dreams were for the people in each region and see what they saw as barriers or assists needed to achieve those dreams.

The second session was to prioritize those issues that had arisen and to address them as they were relevant to each particular region of the Diocese and formulate ideas as to how they could see ways to achieve those dreams.

This was followed up by a Diocesan Assembly in March 2019 where the representatives of the regions explored and discussed the issues that had been raised and came up with concrete plans.

There was a great sense of consensus during the Assembly. Now we have collated themes for further work.

There is close correlation between what has come from the national discussions and our own diocesan discussions.  The Plenary Council themes for discussion and discernment are

HOW IS GOD CALLING US TO BE A CHRIST-CENTERED CHURCH THAT IS…..

• MISSIONARY AND EVANGELIZING

(bringing ourselves and others to live the gospel more closely)

• INCLUSIVE, PARTICIPATORY AND SYNODAL

(sharing ideas and inspirations with respect so we can move forward together)

• PRAYERFUL AND EUCHARISTIC

(continually seeking the guidance of the Spirit)

• HUMBLE, HEALING AND MERCIFUL

(revealing God’s healing and ever-present love through our lives)

• A JOYFUL, HOPE-FILLED AND SERVANT COMMUNITY

(recognizing the light of Christ shining even in the darkest of time)

• OPEN TO CONVERSION, RENEWAL AND REFORM

(recognizing our need to change if we are to be a catalyst for good in our world)

Plenary Council will be held in two sessions.

The first will be held on October 4th to 11th, 2020, in Adelaide,

and the second session will be held in mid-2021 (possibly in May).

The Council will be held in two sessions in order to enable to deeper discernment, further learning, dialogue and listening where it may be needed and to write or rewrite anything in response to the dialogue of the first session.

Most importantly, the time in between sessions will allow us to ensure we are “listening to what the spirit is saying”. Rev 2:7

TIMETABLE IN OUR DIOCESE FOR DISCUSSION AND DISCERNMENT OF THEMES in 2019-

EVANGELISING: September. MISSIONARY: October. PRAYERFUL AND EUCHARISTIC: November.

Sr Noreen Dunne smsm

We Remember and Give Thanks

As we look for new ways to engage those preparing for the sacrament of Eucharist by recontextualising (establishing a holistic Catholic identity in the context of a secular and pluralist society by bringing the Catholic tradition and the surrounding culture into dialogue.) it is important to remember the reason for coming to the table.

Dominic Grassi in his book LIVING THE MASS-How One Hour a Week Can Change Your Life describes the Mass as both the cornerstone and apex of his prayer life and how the words of the Eucharistic Prayer fill him with awe, humility and thanksgiving. (p95-96)

Once we have been nourished by the Word of God, we turn our attention to “The Liturgy of the Eucharist”.  This is a complex prayer beginning with thanksgiving and acclamation, followed by the invocation-the priest expressing our desire that by the power of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of bread and wine will become for us the body and blood of Christ and that all who receive him will be saved. With the institution narrative-recalling Jesus’ words and actions at the Last Supper- the bread and wine become the body and blood of our Saviour and Messiah Jesus Christ. The prayer then remembers all the great and wonderful ways God has shown his love for us.  Then comes our time to offer our appreciation for all God has done for us- “We offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice…”  Then we pray for the church and all the members living and dead, that we might be strengthened by the Eucharist to do the work of the gospel.

And we end with the great Amen, the final doxology whose aim is an expression of ownership, allowing the faithful to confirm that the words of the Eucharistic Prayer are indeed our words. (Grassi p101-112)

How then can we pass on the depth and breadth of this beautiful prayer to those in the sacrament’s workshops? We must have a deep understanding of the prayer and look for ways to connect it to everyday life-we must bring our life to our faith and our faith to our life.

Ann Voskamp in her book One Thousand Gifts says that “deep ‘chara’ joy is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo-the table of thanksgiving.

Charis. Grace.

Eucharisteo. Thanksgiving.

Chara. Joy

Grace, thanksgiving, joy. Eucharisteo. (p32-33)

Ann Voskamp’s book is a journey of thanksgiving that begins and always leads to the table of the Eucharist.  She takes on a challenge and in turn challenges readers to make a list of one thousand blessings, gifts we are thankful for.  It is through the writing of this list that we learn how to be grateful and happy, whether hands full or empty-that is a secret worth spending a life on learning. (p47)

A possible activity (see photo below) would be to have a pair of novelty sunglasses for each child.  The home activity is to put on the glasses and find things they are grateful for.  They can take a photo.

Eucharisteo-thanksgiving-always precedes the miracle.

For more information on Ann Voskamp and her journey: https://annvoskamp.com/

Please feel free to contact me regarding any queries concerning sacramental preparation for school aged children. (4994 8104)

Jocelyne Benoit (Sacraments-Resource Contact Diocese of Rockhampton