Westgate Deanery

Aboriginal Message Stick comes to Westgate Deanery 7th April - 27 May 2006

From Sacre Coeur to Sacred Heart

Students, Catherine and Emma, from Sacre Coeur College Glen Iris "pass on" the Aboriginal Message Stick in the School Chapel, to lifelong Newport parishioner Vera Kneal.


Kim Jowett explains the history of theWurrundjeri in Melbourne's western suburbs at
St Margaret Mary's School hall to Parishioners from Westgate Deanery and the general public.


Fr Greg (far left) from Sacred Heart, Sherry Balcombe (far right standing) Aboriginal Catholic Ministry and parishioners and public supporting the Message Stick at St Margaret Mary's 24 May 2006

 

Walk in Support of Reconciliation.

On Saturday 27th May a walk in support of Reconciliation was conducted by the Wesgate Deanery, journeying from Sacred Heart Newport to St Mary's Williamstown. At the end of the Walk, the Message sticks were Blessed by Fr Noel Oliver and Passed On to Represetnatives of the Geelong and Broadmeadows Deaneries.


The Message Sitcks are processed into Sacred Heart Church by Judy Cain (St Andrew's Werribee) and Marie van der Weert (Newport) leading Bishop Mark Coleridge


Bishop Mark Coleridge Incences the Message Sticks before the Walk


Bishop Mark Coleridge listens to Fatima, representing the Newport Islamic Community, reading a short passage from the Koran as the Reconciliation Walk visits the Newport Mosque


Fatima (Newort Mosque) , Sherry Balcombe (Aborigianl Catholic Ministry) and George Akl (Parish Council, Sacred Heart Newport)


The Westgate Deanery Reconcilaition Walk pauses in the shadow of the Westgate Bridge


The journey continues


The Mesage Stick is Passed On to Robin Groves from Holy Triniy Anglican Church Williamstown, watched by Rev Lynda McMinn.


At the end of the journey. Robin Groves, Holy Trinity Anglican Church and Chris Longman, St Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Williamsotwn receive a Blessing from Fr Noel Oliver


Fr George Hogarty, Sacred Heart Newport (far right) and Fr Noel Oliver, St Mary's Williamstown (far left) "Pass On" the Message sticks to the custody of Fr Manny Bonnello, Broadmeadows Deanery and Marita Fitzpatrick representing the Geelong Deanery


Newspaper Report of the Walk

St Mary's Parish Altona, welcomed the Message Stick on Saturday 22nd April

St James the Apostle Parish Hoppers Crossing North
welcomes the Message Stick 6th May 2006


Sr Judith McGowan RSCJ, Tristan Mungatopi, son Jordan and Father Jude Pirotta MSSP



St Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Williamstown welcomes the Message Stick
Saturday 13 May 2006

Fr Noel Oliver and Sr Helen hold aloft the Message Stick.


Alan Browning prepares the fire for the smoking ceremony before Mass to accept the Message Stick. Fr Noel watches on, surrounded by parishioners. Alan received permission to conduct the traditional smoking ceremony by Wurrundjeri Elders.

St Margaret Mary's Spotswood and Sacred Heart Newport welcome the Message Stick - 20th May Students from Sacre Coeutr Glen Iris - Angela, Anastasia, Hannah and Lisa , travelled over the Westgate bridge and into the Westgate Deanery to "pass on" the Message stick to John Carton and Peg Emery at the Saturday evening Mass at St Margaret Mary's in Spotswood

Fr George welcomes and blesses the Message Stick at St Margaret Mary's Parish

John and Peg, representing the Parish of St Margaret Mary, Spotswood, "pass on" the Message Stick to parishioners from Sacred Heart Newport, Chris Crofton and Angela Rund.

Fr Phillip blesses the Message Stick at Sacred Heart

St Andrews Parish Werribee

Wyndham Vale Catholic Community

 

Social Justice activities around the Westgate Deanery Parishes: