CHURCH OPEN: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

New beginnings
As we embark together on this journey — St John Vianney church preparing to become a co-Cathedral, and the move to become a Pastoral Region — there is a lot to take in and adjust to. And then you have to break-in a new priest as well! Sorry for those who are struggling in the midst of all this...l am certainly very excited to be part of your parish and your faith walk as together we soak ourselves in the grace and peace of Jesus Christ, receiving his forgiveness and sharing in his compassion and love. We have been given an incredible gift in our faith and an even more incredible privilege to share it with others. Let’s not miss the chance to experience everything that God wants for us this month!

New ministries
One of the new possibilities offered by the Pastoral Region is the chance to refresh our liturgical ministries. In addition to the existing ministries of Reader, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and Altar Server, we will also introduce Senior Servers — a ministry of the altar that is open to men and women over 16 — and Sacristans (who help to manage the liturgical needs of the church and setup for Mass).These ministries are already common in other parts of the Diocese and are supported by Bishop Peter and the Liturgical Commission. If you are already exercising a liturgical ministry in the parish, or would like to be involved in any of these ministries, you are invited to attend an Information Session on Wednesday 18 August at 7.30pm in St John Vianney Church (with Fr Richard and Fr Ron). Appropriate training will be provided for all liturgical ministries. In due course we will also look at formation for musicians and singers and the introduction of new music...

World Youth day 2011
One year to go?!  lt may have seemed so far away back in Sydney at the end of WYD08, but preparations for the next WYD in Madrid in Aug 2011 are now in full swing. l am on the National Committee and Youth Chaplain for the Diocese, so these preparations take up a lot of my time and energy. l also look after the Diocesan website (and others), and l’m on the Council of Priests, Vocations Team and celebrate Mass at Wollongong Uni, among other things. But if l can help you in any way that l can, l’d love to - so please let me know! Grace and peace, dear friends,  Fr Richard

First Communion (Eucharist) classes begin this week (20 July); Reconciliation classes will be held in a few months time.

Senior Citizens—Every Tuesday 9:30—2pm. Come along for fun, friends and food! All welcome in the Parish Meeting Room.

Sunday School—10am at Balgownie Hall every Sunday!

BULLETIN NOTICES: All bulletin items must be in by 12:00pm Wednesday.

At the end of Mass, please close windows, and place any left-over bulletins in their holders. Thank you.

The Elevate Youth Group (run by Youth Mission Team) meets every Friday night from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at St Columbkilles School Hall. All youth aged 14—18 are welcome! For more information phone 4284 1635 or email wollongong@ymt.com.au