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"O Lord Jesus Christ, I entreat you to give me two graces before I die: first, that in my lifetime I may feel in body and soul as far as possible the pain you endured, dear Lord, in the hour of your most bitter suffering; and second, that I may feel in my heart as far as possible that love by which you, O Son of God, were inflamed to undertake so cruel a suffering for us sinners." (St Francis)
Fraternity Meeting The next Fraternity meeting, scheduled to be held on Friday 26 October will be REPLACED by a visit to Cooma the next day.
Visit to Cooma. Arrangements have been made with Marg Mackay for a Mass to be celebrated on her property, "Braeside", at 11 am on SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER 2001. Marg and her friends will arrange a BBQ lunch after the Mass and will provide the meat. She would appreciate the Canberra people bringing something such as slices for dessert.
"Braeside" is located on Caddigat Rd, Dry Plains, about 40km. on the other side of Cooma (coming from Canberra) so it would be advisable to allow 2½ hours for the journey (depending upon where one starts from in Canberra).
From Cooma take the Snowy Mountains Highway towards Adaminaby. About 27 km past "The Four Mile" outside Cooma (that is, about 34 km from the centre of Cooma) take a sealed road to the right towards "Dry Plains". After about 1.5 km look for a dirt road on the left to Caddigat. (Its sign is low down on the right.) Turn left and follow this road for about 4 km crossing 4 ramps then look for the "Braeside" letterbox on the right.
This visit will replace our normal monthly meeting. It will celebrate the life and work of Brother Andrew. Anyone going and needing a lift or more information can contact Loui at home (6231 1731) as soon as possible.
Regional Chapter. Please remember to pray for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit on the Regional Chapter to be held 13 to 16 November.
November Meeting This will be held at our usual venue, the Marian Hall, Page, on Friday 23 November 201, commencing at 8pm.
Fraternal Visitation. The September meeting was a Fraternal Visitation by the Regional Minister, Sandie Tilley sfo, who was welcomed by the Fraternity Minister, Louis Seselja. The meeting certainly represented very clearly the interest of the Regional leaders in our fraternity.
No one present could recall any previous fraternal visit. The visitator gently pointed out that the Council should request a fraternal visit from the Regional Minister at regular intervals.
Sandie spoke warmly of her visits to fraternities in northern NSW and commented on many things including the warmth of the welcomes that she received and the wonderful contemplative garden of Fr John Casey, sculptor.
In relation to ongoing formation, Sandie pointed us towards a number of sources and left for us material from the Retreat given at Laurieton by Fr Pat Colbourne. That retreat was attended by about 50 people, including our Pat Blayden, and was a great success. It was organised by the very energetic Francis Sweeney, Minister of the Taree Fraternity. Sandie was deeply touched by its "Washing of the Hands" ceremony.
A copy of the Laurieton paper Loving Trust has been circulated.
Outreach to youth was discussed at some length but the consensus seemed to be that, in Canberra at least, the Antioch Movement was vigorous in reaching the appropriate age group. The unmet need was that of those "graduating" from the Antioch movement as young adults and not yet involved in Church activities as young parents.
In relation to our involvement with the local Church, Sandie was privy to our discussion of continuing involvement in the Diocesan Synods. We were invited to send two representatives to the Synod of 19 and 20 October on the theme "Young People in the Life of the Church And the World".
Transitus Ceremony This was held on 3 October 2001. Most of our Fraternity were able to be present and we were joined by one of our Anglican Franciscan friends of the Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis. Cec Webster led the liturgy and others contributed to it. We were very pleased to have our Cooma SFO, Marg Mackay, and her husband Keith join us for the night.
Regional Minister. Sandie has written advising us of an accident, suffered by Trudy Gordon sfo, and seeking our prayers:
Kathryn G. It was also great to hear from Kathy who sends her regards:Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I am sorry to give you such bad news first up this morning, but I am asking you to pray for Trudy Gordon who was involved in a car accident yesterday. Praise the Lord she has only got two broken ribs and will need a little surgery on her top lip between her nose and lip.
Please keep her in your prayers and pass this message on to anyone that I haven't
Your sister in Sts. Francis and Clare
Sandie
Loui
I am very remiss in not thanking you for the CD the Fraternity sent me all those months ago - please forgive me. I have listened to it many times and get great pleasure out of it. What a kind gesture from you. It is much appreciated.
I am going back into hospital on 25 October for surgery on the 26th. I am having the morphine pump implanted as a means of pain control. I hope this will help as I am having more and more trouble coping without stronger drugs these days. Walking is difficult and I use a stick most times when I do out and am relying on my wheel chair when it looks like I will have to stand or walk for any time. So life goes on and it is good.
I am going to be a Grannie in February and so am really gearing myself up for the next stage of life. Martin and his wife Kathryn, are the proud couple. We are all so happy about this.
Please pass my fraternal regards on to the Fraternity won't you?
Kathy
Next Council Meeting Council members to be notified by telephone.
Input for the Canberra Franciscan and requests to Jack Smith jacksmth@ozemail.com.au : phone +61-2-6258 3824