Hosted by St James’ Primary School, Kotara South, over 320 guests joined Bishop Bill, Director of Schools, Dr Michael Slattery, Head of Religious Education and Spirituality Services, Brian Lacey, Vice Chancellor Pastoral Ministries, Teresa Brierley and Director of the Office of Life & Faith, John Donnelly, to acknowledge the good work each school does to support Catholic Mission.
“Internationally, October has been designated as World Mission Month. As we gather on Children's Mission Day with representatives from more than twenty schools across the diocese, we come together in prayer with children in Catholic schools across Australia and young people around the world.
“Socktober or ‘Sock it to Poverty’ is based on the idea of ‘children helping children’ and schools of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle continue to maintain a strong contribution nationally as enthusiastic and effective partners in ‘Socktober’ and other fundraising activities for mission − this month especially but also throughout the year.
“With the support of your prayers and your fundraising, you help Catholic Mission reach out and give life to children living in poor countries around the world. We thank God for you that you show how much you care by putting the words of Jesus into action: ‘I have come that you may have life, and have life to the full,’” said Diocesan Director for Catholic Mission, Mark Toohey.
The Mass was focused on the needs of the Church in Uganda, in particular the needs of the children and young mothers living in Bujuni, Uganda. After Sr Mary Goretti’s visit to Uganda earlier this year, she came to Australia to tell people about the important work she and her sisters are doing in Uganda to help children and infant babies.
Sr Mary is receiving money from Australia which has enabled the purchase of important medical equipment for St Luke’s clinic, much-needed repairs to the roof and a new section for new mums and their babies.
“Everyone’s commitment and passion make all the difference, helping us focus within and beyond the classroom on our mission to share the transformative power of the Gospel,” said Mark.
Follow mnnews.today on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
