Attention: This page is under review. Contact the Parish Office for the most up-to-date information.
This Parish Directory incorporating Sacred Heart Church Wodonga, Our Lady Help of Christians Tangambalanga, St Joseph’s Church Dederang and St Joseph’s Church Mount Beauty speaks volumes of the many ways in which our Parishioners reach out in loving service to others in the community and beyond.
I proudly introduce these pages to you which contain information on the many groups that operate in our parish. You may find that you could benefit from the activity and service of one of these groups or you may feel you could be involved in one of the particular areas of parish life.
Participation is welcomed and encouraged in this great Catholic parish of ours and involvement provides an opportunity to meet other parishioners, share friendships and faith while at the same time contributing to the life of the parish.
You are invited to make contact with any of the people listed or return the enclosed Time and Talent sheet to the Parish Office.
I encourage you to share your gifts with our parish community and in doing so enrich your own faith and enhance parish life.
ALTAR SERVERS This is a very important ministry for our young parishioners. Serving at the altar enables our young to appreciate more the celebration of the Eucharist as well as fulfil a very helpful ministry.
Contact Julie Cotter 6056 1374 or Michael McLinden 6059 2924
ALTAR SOCIETY This group maintains the cleanliness and tidiness of the sanctuary and sacristy at Sacred Heart Church and St Augustine’s. This is usually done on Saturday mornings or as arranged. At Sacred Heart for weddings and funerals flowers are arranged by the parties involved. At St Augustine’s Church, flowers are arranged with the coordinator for weddings and funerals as required.
Contact: Neta Lawson 6057 2737 for St Augustine’s Church
Margaret Whitehead 6024 4697 for Sacred Heart Church
BAPTISM PREPARATION Parents requesting Baptism for their children are to attend an information evening. These are offered on the 1st Tuesday of every second month beginning in February. They are held in Sacred Heart Church from 7:00pm until 8:30pm.
Contact: Helen Egan 6024 5114 or the Parish Centre 6024 3366.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP As a parish we offer support to families experiencing bereavement. As well as helping in the preparation of the funeral liturgy, members of this group keep in touch with families to offer on-going support. Cards are sent to the bereaved on the first anniversary of death and a Memorial Mass is celebrated in November each year.
Contact: Margaret Whitehead 6024 4697
CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL The CCR Micah Prayer Group is a charismatic prayer group where people come together for prayer and fellowship. Parishioners are very welcome to attend any of the prayer evenings. We meet every Wednesday at St Augustine’s Church. Adoration 6pm-7pm; Cuppa 7pm-7:3Opm; Prayer meeting 7:3Opm-9pm. Contact: Brigita Rore 6059 2596.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WODONGA – CEW Our parish catholic schools are governed by CEW COUNCIL. The Council meets each month or as needed. Membership comprises the school principals, a parish representative, school representatives, a finance office, an independent chair person nominated by the Parish Priest, an employed project officer and the Parish Priest.
Contact: Vanessa Williamson at the parish centre 6024 3366.
CATHOLICS RETURNING HOME Our parish provides an opportunity to support people who seek to re-connect to the parish community. This program assists their return by offering support; providing an opportunity to respond to any questions and to clarify changes in church practice.Contact: Gerri Bo 6056 2442.
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE The CWL is a member organisation of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisation. In our parish in Tangambalanga, we welcome all Catholic women and aim to help members develop their spiritual life and to aid worthy causes supported by the church.Contact: Gwyn McCall 6027 3407.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY & PRESCHOOL PRAYER TEAM We provide an opportunity for school aged and preschool children to leave the Sunday assembly during the Liturgy of the Word and gather in their area for scripture teaching that is more appropriate to their level of understanding. This takes place at 8:30am Mass most Sundays, except during school holidays. A special room behind Our Lady’s Statue has been prepared for this. Any parishioners who feel they can help would be most welcome. Contact: Mez Moffat 0478 154 252 or Melinda Clifford 0408368696
CHURCH GROUNDS GROUP It is necessary to maintain and tidy the grounds and gardens around our parish church and St Augustine’s. An annual meeting is held and notification of the next working bee, which is usually on a Saturday morning, is announced in the bulletin.
Contact: Judith Moore 6056 1600.
COUNTRY VICTORIAN FAMILY GROUPS We meet once a month for social events which include bike riding, bush walks, picnics etc. These are usually family events but occasionally adults only events are scheduled. All events are planned at the beginning of the year. Any age, families and singles are welcome. Contacts: Neil & Bryony Bright 6020 8451 or Isobel Seymour 6024 1294
ECUMENICAL TERTIARY CHAPLAINCY Albury Wodonga The Albury Wodonga Ecumenical Tertiary Chaplaincy Group was established in 2005 to promote and manage a program of volunteer chaplains in the two universities on the border – LaTrobe University Wodonga Campus and Charles Stud University Albury/Thurgoona Campus. Kath Thomas 6059 5293
EVANGELISATION This is a very widespread arena and involves a small group of people who have worked together for years. Outreach consists of: Scripture Studies held weekly at my place, prayer and outreach through the School of Evangelisation, which is based in Melbourne.Contact: Gerri Boldrini 6056 2442
FAMILY BRUNCHES The 8:30am Mass has become the “gathering place” for many of our young families. In support of this there is an opportunity for social gathering at a brunch every second Sunday after the 8:30am Mass. All welcome.Contact: Tracy & Rob Homer 6024 3298
FOSTERING SPIRITUALITY The function of this group is to organise various events which are of a spiritual significance. We look for opportunities to support parish groups and parishioners generally to reflect upon and develop further their spiritual life. e.g. a ‘Retreat in Everyday Life’. Contact: John Byrne 6024 3473
GODSTART This is a parish based Post Baptism program designed to help parents and family members develop the faith of their pre school children and reinforce the important link between parish and family in their combined mission of teaching and nurturing God’s love in the lives of young children. We deliver cards once a month on or around the date of the child’s birthday up until they start school. We welcome anyone wanting to be involved in this program. Contact: Mary Anne Cariss 0357545236. or Parish Centre 6024 3366
LITURGY GROUP As well as preparing for the special liturgies of Christmas and Easter, the Liturgy group meets regularly to ensure that our weekend masses are well organised. This involves music, the various ministries and any other mailers that need attention in relation to our parish liturgical celebrations. Contact: Marg Whitehead at the Parish Centre 6024 3366 or Jane Zagorski 0419 509 792 . The function of this group is to organise various events which are of a spiritual significance. We look for opportunities to support parish groups and parishioners generally to reflect upon and develop further their spiritual life. e.g. a ‘Retreat in Everyday Life’. Social gatherings for single women and men/widows/widowers! divorced. We usually meet fortnightly or monthly for breakfast, lunches or dinners. Newcomers are most welcome. This is a parish based Post Baptism program designed to help parents and family members develop the faith of their pre school children and reinforce the important link between parish and family in their combined mission of teaching and nurturing God’s love in the lives of young children. We deliver cards once a month on or around the date of the child’s birthday up until they start school. We welcome anyone wanting to be involved in this program. . As well as preparing for the special liturgies of Christmas and Easter, the Liturgy group meets regularly to ensure that our weekend masses are well organised. This involves music, the various ministries and any other mailers that need attention in relation to our parish liturgical celebrations.
MOTHERS’ PRAYER GROUP Mother’s Prayers began in 1995 in Kent, England and are now worldwide. In Wodonga we have two groups of Mothers’ Prayers. We have been meeting for four years and pray for children worldwide, especially our own. It is a very gentle meeting and we have had some wonderful answers to prayers. Information and DVD available. Contact: June Fuery 6024 5440.
NEIGHBOURHOOD GROUPS/POSTIES Our team is responsible for the distribution of 3,200 copies of Parish Talk each quarter. The purpose of the magazine is to reach the homes and hearts of every Catholic in Wodonga and is delivered every three months to the front door of 99% of the Catholic homes in and around Wodonga. A mammoth task, we are always looking for assistance either in the office or with deliveries. Please contact the parish office if you can help and leave the message for the attention of Kevin Mckinley. Contact: Parish centre 6024 3366.
PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE This group meets monthly to review the previous month’s finances, to discuss matters relating to parish finance, e.g. loans, income, and expenditure. A yearly budget is prepared and is reviewed regularly.Contact: Terry Smith or John Walpole at the parish centre 6024 3366.
PARISH TALK: A quarterly parish magazine with informative stories and articles on what’s going on in the parish. Articles can be submitted to the Editor or through the Parish Office. We encourage parishioners to be involved in distribution by acting as a postie.
Editor: Sam Ebert: samebert@iinet.net.au
PASTORAL CARE For People Going Through Separation & Divorce Helping people practically to connect with services in the community and church.Contact: Michael & Pauline 6024 3366.
PASTORAL COUNCIL The purpose and role of the Parish Pastoral Council is to support the priests in the Church’s apostolic work. The Council meets monthly from 6:30pm for two hours. As well as prayer and a topic on areas of pastoral and personal formation members discuss how best we can reach out to parishioners, what areas of parish life need attention, how we can encourage parishioners to own our parish and be involved and various other matters that arise. For more information about becoming a member contact the parish priest or a current member of the council.Wodonga Pastoral Council: Jacinta Bartlett c/0 Parish Centre 6024 3366. Tangambalanga Representative: Margaret Bates 02 6027 3272Dederang Parish Council: John McEvoy 02 6028 9293 Mount Beauty Parish Council (Sec.): Barb Talbot 03 5754 1667
PARISH COMMUNTIY CHOIR Open to all! Rehearsal at Sacred Heart Church, Tuesday 5.45pm-6.45pm. We sing on the 4th Saturday of each month @ 6pm Mass. We meet at 5.30pm for Prayer and practice
contact Helena Brennan 0411-288-696.
RCIA. Rite of Christian Initiation In support of adults who wish to embrace our Catholic faith the R.C.I.A. team talk with people as they explore their faith and learn about the Catholic tradition and practices. These adults are accompanied by a team member and a personal sponsor. Contact: Marg Hannebery 6059 4669 or one of the priests.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM Preparation for Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation runs over atwo year cycle and involves parish, school and family, preparing both the children and their parents for these sacraments. Secondary school students wishing to prepare for any of these sacraments are invited to contact the parish centre. Any enquiries about this program please contact Louise Ward wcpsacramental@hotmail.com
SACRED HEART GIFT SHOP Is located at the front of the Church on the Mark Street side. Books, C.D’s of Sacred Music, Rosary Beads, Statues, Medals, Cards, gifts for those receiving Sacraments and much more. Open after all weekend and weekday Masses or by appointment.
Contact: Parish Centre 6024 3366
SANDPIPER DIOCESAN MAGAZINE REPRESENTATIVE The Sandpiper is a monthly magazine published by the Sandhurst Diocese which provides news and information about activities in the diverse parishes within the diocese. Articles and or photographs for submission to the Sandpiper are to be forwarded to the parish centre
MASS OF ANNIONTING GROUP: The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month. We arrange transport for the elderly who come to the Mass of Anointing which is held on the same day in the Parish Hall. After Mass the group serve afternoon tea. This is a great time for a catch up and a chat contact Lucette Brown 6024 5007
SOCIAL JUSTICE A new group has been formed to focus on social justice. We would like to raise awareness in our parish community in reaching out to other people locally and internationally. People are welcome to join us. Contact: Bronwyn Craig Phone: 60244975
ST VINCENT DE PAUL CENTRE Shop Based: Hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 9:00am to 1:00pm. We are always looking for assistance with regard to volunteers, furniture and goods. Contact: 6056 5174
ST VINCENT DE PAUL ASSISTANCE As well as spending time in reflecting on the charism of St Vincent De Paul and therefore enriching the faith of individual members, this group takes calls for assistance and acts upon the need by distribution of vouchers, etc. Meetings held on Wednesday evenings. Contact: 6024 3493.
TEAMS OF OUR LADY Teams help married couples develop their spirituality through practices compatible with the busy lives they lead today. A team consists of about five couples who gather monthly in each other’s homes for a simple meal, prayer and discussion. Where possible, the inclusion of a priest or religious is mutually beneficial. Each team is a small Christian community in which the members support each other in living out their Christian values. Contact: Ross & Erris Black 6024 4594.
VESTMENTS GROUP A few years ago there was a huge need forthe complete refurbishment of the priests’ vestments. With a big cleanup of sorting, washing, unpicking and reusing we finally completed the task and are still active today making banners and coloured cloths for around the church. We would be grateful to hear from any artistic person who might be interested in helping. The pay is nil but the rewards are heavenly!Contact: Juliana Vaughan 6059 6670.
VISITORS GROUP The Visitors group provides friendship and companionship for the elderly through visitations and by also holding three major social events throughout the year. Monthly meetings are held at the parish office. Contact: Sue Breen 6024 5736