1998

5th August 1998
Hunter Students to Gather for "Mission" Celebration
Approximately 400 Catholic school students, teachers and friends from the Newcastle, Hunter and Manning areas will attend the Fourth Annual Diocesan Students Mission Mass tomorrow (August 6) at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Hamilton.

With the theme "Shine Your Light" this year's Mass will once again focus on and celebrate the students' commitment to those less fortunate than themselves through their involvement with the church's three main official outreach organisations - Caritas Australia, Youth Conferences of the Society of St Vincent de Paul and Catholic Mission.

The Most Reverend Michael Malone, Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle will concelebrate this Mass with other priests of the diocese.

According to Diocesan Director of Catholic Mission, Gail McBurnie, the students' willingness to help ease the burdens of people who struggle is a prominent feature of their Christian formation.

"The Church's agencies are there for the long haul and so are the students. Catholic agencies have been deeply immersed in works of charity and justice in a quiet sort of way both at home and abroad and the extent of this work is far greater than the wider community realises", said Mrs McBurnie.

"I think it's very important that we acknowledge the support we receive from the students and thank them for their outstanding efforts. It's timely that we do this now in the light of their response to the PNG tsunami disaster. All three agencies are playing significant roles in the aftermath of this disaster", said Mrs McBurnie.

Fundraising efforts for Catholic Mission are conducted year-round and proceeds are distributed to education, accommodation, healthcare, nutrition and literacy projects that focus on children. Countries that receive this support include PNG, East Timor, Africa, India, and the Philippines.

Caritas Australia, through its annual Lenten Project Compassion Appeal applies funds to justice and development work in an equally wide range of countries. Caritas also co-ordinates emergency relief appeals as in the recent PNG disaster.

Students in the St Vincent de Paul Youth Conferences provide material assistance, practical care and friendship within the local community through a variety of initiatives.

The Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Cathedral Hamilton, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle beginning at 11am, and will be followed by a picnic in the grounds. The Diocesan Schools Brass Band will perform at the picnic from 12.30pm.

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