1997

8th August 1997
550 People Expected to Gather for 'Mission' Celebration
Approximately 550 students, teachers and friends representing Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools and other diocesan agencies from the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will gather at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton for the third annual Diocesan Student's Mission Mass next Tuesday 12 August.

Vicar General, Rev William Burston will concelebrate this Mass with other priests of the diocese.

With this year's theme "Celebrate! Jesus Christ Today", the Mass will celebrate 'mission' as expressed by the students' support for the church's three main official outreach organisations - Caritas Australia, the St Vincent de Paul Society and Catholic Mission.

As early as the 1930's Catholic school students across Australia have offered financial support to projects caring for needy children around the world through the church's official children's agency, Children's Mission.

In recent years they have also financially supported the Australian church's official development and overseas aid agency, Caritas Australia through the Annual Project Compassion Appeal.

Projects supported by these two organisations provide a wide range of assistance such as education, homes for orphans and the destitute; primary health care and nutritional programs; literacy programs; and development and awareness raising projects. In the last 10 years students from our region have raised over $250,000 for this work.

St Vincent de Paul Youth Conferences have also been established throughout Catholic schools in the diocese. These youth conferences provide material assistance, practical care and friendship within the local community through a variety of initiatives.

"The student's concern for others all year round is outstanding!" says Gail McBurnie, Diocesan Director of Catholic Mission. "This annual gathering is our way to celebrate all that our young people do and to thank them for their efforts."
The Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Cathedral Hamilton, 841 Hunter Street Newcastle, beginning at 11am. Afterwards, a picnic will be held in the grounds of the Cathedral.

The Diocesan School Brass Band will also be featured from 12.30pm.

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