Warming up for winter

As the beautiful countryside around Galong changes its autumn clothes to winter, life has been hectic at St Clement's. We have had guests aplenty with particular highlights being the annual Marian procession held in glorious sunshine and the assembly of clergy for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. The picture above shows the group of priests and deacons with Archbishop Christopher Prowse (front row, middle) and Emeritus Auxiliary Bishop Pat Power (front row, far left).

Distinguished visitor

Redemptorist Fr Brian Johnstone presented to the clergy of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn on a theology of marriage and family. A distinguished academic and theologian, and a former a professor at the Alphonsianum Redemptorist University in Rome and at the Catholic University of America, his humble and gentle demeanour made a strong impression on the group. One of the many doctoral students he supervised over the years was Father, now Archbishop, Christopher Prowse.

Don't miss this experience

Bookings are strong and more than 40 participants are expected to join world-renowned theologians Fr Anthony Kelly CSsR and Fr. Frank Maloney SDB in sharing and discussing Pope Francis' call to Live the Joy of the Gospel from Sunday, 28 June, to Friday, 3 July. There is still time to book, but don't leave it too late. More info: http://cssr.org.au/news_and_events/fx-events.cfm?loadref=194&id=124

Christian marriage in spotlight

Christian marriage is very much in the spotlight at the moment, which makes an upcoming retreat particularly relevant. Christian marriage: a down-to-earth path to holiness will be held over the weekend of 4 to 6 September. It will be presented by The Majellan Family magazine editor Fr Michael Gilbert CSsR, lay theologian Christiaan Jacobs-Vandegeer and his wife Jennifer. For most Christians, marriage and family is where, with the aid of grace, they work out their salvation. The retreat will be a series of guided reflections drawing on the wisdom of the Christian vision of marriage and family. It will consider cultural forces that shape modern relationships.

Mary's procession

The annual Marian pilgrimage to Galong was well supported as always. A large crowd gathered at St Clement's for the pilgrims' Mass, after which they enjoyed picnic lunches in the sunshine before the crowning of the state of Our Lady and the walk to the grotto. Vicar-General Fr Tony Percy led the procession this year.

Greetings from St Clement’s, Galong, where the seasonal change is evident as our graziers tend sheep and new-born autumn lambs and farmers are sowing wheat and canola for harvest in early summer.

Living so close to the land makes you realize how marvellous our farmers and graziers are at working in tandem with, and how reliant they are on, mother nature to produce food and produce for the nation.

You might spare families on the land a prayer, as life can be depressing at times, especially in times of drought. What strikes me, though, with people from the bush is that there is always lurking in the background a spirit of hope.

Speaking of seasons, we, the Church, have just celebrated the great feast of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost, which draws to a close the season of Easter.

By now we should be all charged up and empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue 'spreading the Good News' by living gently, being patient, loving with kindness and being just (enough of the sermon, you know what I'm saying because you live it and it’s called evangelization).

To all our friends, especially those who are feeling unwell either emotionally or physically at this time, please be assured of our prayerful support. To all of you, may we see you in beautiful Galong very soon.

Why not organize a group of friends and neighbours (15 to 20 is a good number) and come for a weekend or even a week.

Before I sign off please remember in prayer, victims of sexual abuse, the people of Nepal, and people who suffer poverty, violence and the devastation of war.

Again thanks to my Redemptorist confreres, Sue and the team who make St Clement’s what it is.

For more information about our retreat program, or to make a booking, telephone 02 6380 5222 and speak to Sue or Liz, or email info@stclement.com.au.

Yours faithfully in the Redeemer and with best wishes,

Rev William Goldman CSsR, Rector.

Warming up for winter

Distinguished visitor

Don't miss this experience

Christian marriage in spotlight

Mary's procession

How to find us

From the Rector