2000

19th June 2000
Catholics En Masse Celebrate Jubilee!
Almost five thousand Catholics from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter and Manning regions will celebrate their faith at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre this Sunday, June 25.

Joined by almost sixty priests, two deacons and four seminarians, the Most Reverend Michael Malone, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, will preside at a Mass filled with music, movement and ritual!

The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (also known as the Feast of Corpus Christi), celebrated on June 25, is one of the most significant feasts in the Catholic Church's calendar.

According to Bishop Michael, "this is a most fitting occasion for the Diocesan community to join together and celebrate Eucharist. As Catholics, we believe that Eucharist is the source and summit of our worship".

"Many people perceive the Eucharist as a solemn experience. While it is undoubtedly an experience of profound privilege and respect, it is also a celebration of great joy; a vibrant expression of our dynamic faith community. We are proud that this Liturgy reflects the joy and celebration of the Eucharist," Bishop Michael said.

The Liturgy is the major Diocesan event for this year of Great Jubilee - celebrating two thousand years since the birth of Christ.

"A jubilee is a time of special blessings; a time for re-creation and rekindling a deep respect for God's creation; a time for reverencing every human being; and an opportunity to celebrate the reality of God's presence in our lives. Celebration is a central theme to both the Eucharist and to Jubilee," Bishop Michael believes.

Proceedings begin at 11.00am with a Gathering Rite featuring the artistic talents of local Indigenous and ethnic communities.

All media are warmly welcomed and great footage is assured. We ask, however, that you respect the sacredness of this Liturgy and ensure that all mobile phones are switched off.

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