A message from Bishop McKenna

in relation to the National Apology

Dear Friends in Christ,

I welcomed this week’s apology, by the Parliament, to our fellow Australians who are victims and survivors of historical child sexual abuse in institutions. Our task now is to work together for the healing of those who have suffered: and to continue making our institutions safe places for children, so that these horrendous crimes will not happen again.

In my first Pastoral Letter to you, back in 2010, I wrote the following:

This Word, which we both minister and receive, is reconciliation in Christ. To announce it, we seek it. Along with our own sins, we bear the burden of the sins of those united to us in the mystical body, the Church. As the Venerable John Paul II said, “The recognition of past wrongs serves to reawaken our consciences to the compromises of the present, opening the way to conversion for everyone.”

There are many old sins for which we could ask forgiveness as a local church, including our treatment of the first Australians. The most scandalous right now involve crimes against minors by priests, religious and other adults.  As Bishop, I have apologized directly to individuals who have been hurt in these ways and I repeat that apology today, to all of them and publicly.

I have renewed that apology on other occasions since then, including in my meetings with survivors. Once again, I ask our communities to walk with those who have suffered: and to cooperate in our continuing vigilance in safeguarding children now. We cannot undo the past: we can only do our best in the present, for a better future. May God give us the wisdom and courage to persevere in our good intentions. Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us. 

+Michael McKenna
Bishop of Bathurst
October 2018

YOUTH MASS

9AM

11TH NOVEMBER

All students and their families are welcome to attend the St Mary’s Parish Youth Mass celebration held at St Mary’s Church at 9am on Sunday the 11th of November 2018.

The Mass will continue the celebrations of the ‘Year of Youth’ by celebrating the Youth of the Parish whilst acknowledging the preparation of the candidates making their First Reconciliation in the upcoming weeks.

We welcome everyone to join the Parish in a Morning Tea after Mass to celebrate, for catering purposes we ask you to RSVP to the School office or Parish Centre by Tuesday the 6th of November 2018.

Contact Us

57 MARKET STREET
P.O BOX 14
MUDGEE NSW 2850

Phone

(02) 6372 2122

Fax

(02) 6372 6700

Email

(remove XX) office.mudgee XX @cdob XX .org.au

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Office Hours

Monday

10:00am - 4:00pm

Tuesday

9:00am - 4:00pm

Wednesday

9:00am - 4:00pm

Thursday

9:00am - 4:00pm

Friday

9:00am - 4:00pm

STAFF LUNCH BREAK FROM 1:00PM - 2:00PM