2000

9th February 2000
World Day of the Sick
Sickness and suffering are inescapable dimensions of all our lives.

Held each year in February, the World Day of the Sick is an opportunity to focus on the needs of people who are sick and recognise the key role that health care workers and volunteers play in our communities.

In our 8th annual World Day of the Sick celebrations, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will join with the Catholic community throughout the world and celebrate Mass for the World Day of the Sick on Friday evening at 5.30 pm.

Hospital Chaplain and Liturgy organiser, Fr Brian Mascord, says that the World Day of the Sick is an opportunity to bring carers and hospital and nursing home staff together to highlight the importance of working collaboratively to care for the sick. "The whole purpose of this is for us to come together to support those people who care for the sick, and to support the sick themselves, with our prayers - as a community".

At a time of uncertainty and change within our local health services, the World Day of the Sick provides a timely opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of both the workers and volunteers in the health profession, as well as the many people caring for sick family members and friends.

As the Catholic Church throughout the world celebrates its jubilee in this year 2000, Fr Mascord believes that the World Day of the Sick celebration takes on a special significance.

"We have so many aspects of our lives that need to be celebrated. And we have wonderful people who care for our sick. The whole jubilee is looking at the expression of where God is present to us. And in those who care for our sick, we see the presence of God".

The World Day of the Sick Mass, presided by the Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Michael Malone, will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday 11 February at 5.30pm.

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