PILGRIMS MAKING PROGRESS AND SALES

As a Melbourne auxiliary bishop moves around the students of the Catholic Theological College, there are two topics of conversation --- Mel Gibson's movie and John Winson's book. The first has received world-wide publicity, the second is the talking point because Dr. Austin Cooper, a departmental head, launched John's book on Saturday, 21st February at the Pastoral Centre at St. Francis Church in the city.

About forty people (many with UAC commitment) gathered on that Saturday to hear Austin's talk. "You'd buy the book just because of the cover," was one of Austin's first comments. That was due to Milada Kessling's work but more seriously he considered that "place, time and person were important" to each of the book's contributors. Three contributors had mentioned Lourdes.

It was encouraging that a number of issues the book raised were addressed at the meeting. Austin certainly saw this time as one of hope and was asked about his own vocation story. The Vocations Office in Melbourne is enthused enough to discover innovative ways of using the book. Joanne Grainger of that Office noted that those inquiring about Vocations have looked to the heroes of the past-the saints. This book presents, for today's people, accessible role models.

The launch itself was followed by afternoon tea, and sales were, made. Further sales resulted the following week. The Archdiocesan publication "Kairos" will feature a full page article with photographs in a future edition.

The book itself has been a collaborative effort and again a commercial enterprise undertaken by Spectrum Publications. Thanks to all who have been involved and to John whose passion has been a quietly stirring influence, making this dream a realised project.

Lindsay Rust SAC

From the Editress... Has this whetted your appetite? Are you saying I'd like a copy?
Phone John on (03) 9 853 8506. Email johnwinson@tpg.com.au

If you are Melbourne based, this may catch your imagination!!! It's one of the series of "Spirituality in the Pub", an initiative of the Yarra Deanery. The venue is the Tower Hotel, Heidelberg Rd. Alphington.

The date of the next presentation is Wednesday, 12th May at 8 pm .
Meals available from 6 pm. booking essential!!

What's happening at Pallotti College, Millgrove?

Taize.   Dates for this year's weekends are 25-27 June, 12-14 November.
Relax with the beautiful music of Taize, enjoy plenty of free time and the surrounds of Pallotti College.

Pallotti.   Learn more about the man, Pallotti and is message for you in today's church and today's world 23-25 April. Facilitator: Dean Bradbury 03 5966 2585

Pallottine Family Weekend September 17-19.   A reunion weekend for all who have had connection with Pallotti over the years. More information later.
Contact: Dean Bradbury 03 5966 2585, Merle Gilbo 03 9497 1691

Celebration of Life. October 1-3   Come together for a weekend of remembering, celebrating, sharing our stories, our joys, our sorrows, our special gifts.
Facilitators: Maureen Rath 03 9751 1860, Irene Sinclair 03 9775 4257

Ancient Wisdom, New Directions October 15-17.   An opportunity to feel the elements and experience the links between Aboriginal and Celtic Spirituality and to explore the common strands between these two earth cultures.
Bookings to: P.0 Box 838 Warburton. Vic 3799
Phone: 03 5966 2585
Fax: 03 5966 9380
Email: pallotticollege@bigpond.com

Blessed are those who seek more authentic ways
of being Church in the world today,
they are my witnesses.
Blessed are those who strive to live 'in communion'
in their endeavours to build community,
they are my people.
Blessed are those who struggle for justice
within oppressive structures,
they are my prophets in today's world.
Blessed are those who strive to live according to my Gospel
rather than societal values,
they are my heralds in this land.
Blessed are those whose hearts are bent on serving,
rather than being served,
they are my true servants.
Blessed are those in whose hearts my law is written,
they are my friends.
Blessed are those who seek humility and act with integrity
as the Church's mission is redefined
and the call to partnership is heeded,
they are my stewards.
Blessed are those whose ministry is of healing
 and reconciliation in a broken and fragile world,
they are my peacemakers.

REST IN PEACE ... FATHER BOB.

Some years ago, I received a letter from Fr. Bob Albers , a Pallottine priest from the Mother of God Province, Milwaukee Wisconsin. At the International Gathering in Rome in 1995, we had met two couples from Milwaukee it was through them that Fr Bob decided to contact us 'down under' members of the Pallottine family. The communication' occurred mainly at the time I sent the Pallottine Family Newsletter and Fr Bob so often replied. In return, we receive 'People of God', the magazine of the Milwaukee Pallottines and it was from the recent edition that I've learned of Fr. Bob's death late last year. He was 80 years old, a Pallottine for 59 years and a priest for 55 years, a native of Milwaukee. As a faithful Pallottine, he took St. Vincent's goals to heart: to revive faith, to rekindle charity and to unite all in Christ. This he did by being a 'people person' a seminary, a high school, a parish, a retreat centre, as an enthusiastic part of Marriage Encounter. And he used many resources to maintain the contacts, to raise the spirits, cards, movies and plays were important ways, of staying in touch with people. We give thanks for his life and pray for his eternal peace and joy.

Mary's title of MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES was much loved by St. Vincent Pallotti. He appreciated the image of the apostles returning to the Upper Room after their time of teaching and preaching and being able to 'share their stories' and be energized again for their mission.

Being a real 'people person', St. Vincent readily recognized that apostles in all places and of all ages will always need places and people with whom they can 'share their stories' and be affirmed and encouraged to go back to their families, their work places, their parishes, their communities.

This is what we believe can happen when we meet for Mass at 85 Studley Park Rd, Kew on the feast of Mary Queen of Apostles, 29th May, appropriately, the vigil of Pentecost,

Gathering time, 1.30 pm
EVERY-ONE MOST WELCOME.!!

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LIFE OF THE PALLOTTINE FAMILY.

In the last two editions for 2003, we were able to talk of the impetus for the life of the Pallottine family which has been generated since the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers invited members of the wider Pallottine family to take an active role in their September Assembly.

As was planned then, the members of the SAC Council. (Frs. Ray Hevern, Michael McMahon and Dean Bradbury) have met with the Western and Eastern Co-ordination Councils. One outcome of these meetings has been the definition of the membership of the National Co-ordination Council (NC). It will be made up by the Pallottine Provincial, the Co-ordinator of Mariana, the UAC Co-ordinator (an SAC appointment) and the chair people of the Western and Eastern groups. An 'executive officer', a paid, part time position, will support this group. A formulation of the responsibilities and skills needed for this position is being prepared. Applications/ expressions of interest will be sought soon by advertisements in appropriate print and electronic media. It is hoped that it will be posted on the Pallottine Web site by the 1st May. If you know anyone who may be appropriate for this position, please direct them to the advertisements.

'SPARKS OF LIFE'

RITUALS FOR CHILDREN!!

Margaret Abbott RSM and Jennifer Callanan (a member of Mariana) have brought together, in this publication, many years of experience in working with children. The rituals invite curiosity, awe, wonder, expression of creativity, and a sense of interdependence in the children. The authors draw heavily on the four seasons, the liturgical year and the days which the United Nations have defined as 'International' days, together with themes that are part of the life of children.

Access to the seasons is in four sections, bearing in mind that around Australia the seasons present very differently. For Advent, there is the Sense of hope and expectation, leading to the joy of Christmas. 'Ordinary' time is in calmer mood, Lent pensive and penitential and Easter is celebrated, as it should be, from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. The 'International' days are listed on relevant web sites and themes of 'daily life' include the senses, the elements, the school community, the family, the Church and the environment.

Cost $39.95 each. If you purchase 6 copies, you'll receive them for the cost of 5. Postage additional. MediaCom can he contacted at P.0 Box 610, Unley S.A.
Phone. (08) 8371 1399. Fax (08) 8297 8719
Adelaide address: 14 Eton Rd. Keswick S.A 5035.

We acknowledge, with gratitude, permission to reprint news from

Kimberley Community Profile March Edition

Has just arrived !! As always, it is full of life and we appreciate the readiness with which we were greeted when we asked if we could pass some material on to you.

This Two act, 90-minute play was written by one of the parishioners of Queen Of Peace parish, Broome and received great acclaim when it was presented in Perth during 2003.. A new theatrical group, 'The Cathedral Players' has been formed to present 'No greater Love' at the outdoor theatre in Chinatown during the Shinju Matsuri Festival in August.

The aim of staging the play is several fold: it is hoped to deepen our Christian faith, to nourish a spirit of community, to provide opportunities for the community to use their gifts and develop talents, to reach out to the wider community and raise much needed funds for the Cathedral parish.

(I'm sure that, on behalf of the readers of the Pallottine Family Newsletter, I can offer good wishes for a very successful presentation. Ed)

TAIZE EVENINGS AT KEW.

85 Studley Park Rd.
The first Fridays of the month!! 8-9 P.M.
A simple way for a little time of reflection, aided by' the beautiful music of Taize.