Daily Notes & News
The Month of
February 1999
Monday, 1st
After Mass this morning I travelled to Hobart to attend the opeing of the Law Year Ceremony at St Mary's Cathedral, representing the Tasmanian Council of Churches.
From there I went to the Catholic Education Office to do some work for the Sick & Retired Priests Fund. Then down to the Supreme Court to attend the Luncheon and catch up with Michael Hill, Deputy Chief Magistrate who will coming to speak to the Police & Community Group here in New Norfolk next Friday (12th).
From there I headed to Graham's to say hello before collecting Dad to show him how the internet works and to give him so experience of what it can be used for. That was interesting because during the time he was here I got a phone call about a meeting to be held in Sydney on the 12-13th of this month.
I'm not able to attend all the meeting so I was trying to look at what arrangements I could make so we checked out the flight schedules on the web and Dad got an idea on what could be done with the search engines etc as a practical example.
After I had dropped him off home I called to see Greg Hudson re his daughter's marriage booklet and we chatted about a couple of things before I headed home to prepare for Janelle & David to arrive for the last part of their marriage preparation.
Their booklet is now finished and printed and I also finished another booklet and faxed a copy to Queensland to Katie & Tim for them to check before printing the final version.
Now to bed and hopefully a good night's sleep.
Tuesday, 2nd
There was no Mass in the Parish this morning because of the Awakening 2000 meeting in Launceston so I was on the road early - thankfully before the heat of the day had made life miserable.
The meeting went well and provided some good material for the Advisory Board meeting in a fortnight's time. The trip back wasn't too bad although I did cut it close in arriving back in time for the 4pm teleconference for the TCC. That meeting also managed to organise a new representative for the Executive Working Group and make some other items for the meeting next Wednesday.
I then did some more printing of marriage booklets for two couples - I have all sorts of trouble with ne of the booklets but now it seems to be working.
I've also just had a phone call to say that there is a funeral for Friday morning for Bob Burns - so I'll be in touch with his family tomorrow.
Wednesday, 3rd
Today is Callum's 2nd birthday so most of the family gathered at John and Michele's for a BBQ this evening to celebrate his day.
On the way there I called to see the family of the late Bob Burns - and recalled their 50th wedding anniversary some four years ago when I had blessed their renewal of wedding vows. I also recalled being part of the funeral for a great child who had died suddenly.
This morning was spent reprocessing the fax numbers for all the businesses in New Norfolk and other details that had been deleted in the fixing(?) of the fax - still not exactly right but we're working at it. Then after sending the faxes I called into a whole lot of the other businesses inNew Norfolk to drop off the order form for the business morning tea as well as see the new Police Sergeant re the meeting to be held here next Friday (12th).
I also did some work for mum and her cards but not enough to get ahead so will have to do some more this coming weekend so that she has cards to send her friends as their birthdays arrive. Hopefully in the next few days I will actually be able to get on with some real parish work.
I've just arrived home after the party so will finish now and head for bed - with the fan on and in the hope that it won't be too uncomfortable tonight.
Thursday, 4th
Today has been busy. This morning I worked on the newsletter and have got most of it ready for printing, although I've just recalled something I've omitted so will have to add that tomorrow before I print.
The Christian Leaders meeting has started looking at the whole of the EasterFest process - the meeting went longer than normal and I had to race off just at the end to get to Mas at Midday.
After Mass (and a quick lunch) I went back to work on the funeral booklet for Bob Burn's for tomorrow. I took the draft to show the family just before I went to see my neice to wish her Happy 12th Birthday later this afternoon.
Before I headed for town I called into some of the businesses regarding next Wednesday's Morning Tea and also checked some of the names of people who have been attending the Police & Community Consultative Meetings to ensurte that when the minutes of the previous meeting and the Notice of meeting go to all the right people. I've just finished all of this material and got it ready to take to the Police Station for posting tomorrow morning.
Before heading to town to see the Burns' family I called to see Peter at the hospital - he is much better and seems to be enjoying life once again.
After catching up with the Burns' & my neice I called to see Karen (my sister) to pay my contribution towards the recent photo session and photo's of the family. Also managed to pay for my subscription to the Geelong Football Club for 1999 whilst I was there.
Now it's to bed but I doubt whether there will be much sleeping as it is too hot and muggy upstairs even with the fan going flat out.
Friday, 5th
After waking early this morning I set to and finished printing the booklet for Bob Burn's funeral; prepared the big book for my own use and then printed the final papers for Sarah & Jamie's wedding tomorrow. I also printed the big book for my own use.
Then after Mass this morning I cleared up some phone calls and some other paperwork for the Sick & Retired Priests Fund before heading off to celebrate Bob's funeral rites. There was a good gathering of people and a fitting celebration of his life. Before attending the crematorium there was a breif gap for people to have a cuppa so I visited Tom at the computer shop because I am still not game enough to tackle the registry to get rid of the modem drivers - I'll now tackle it tomorrow morning, after I have posted my pages.
After the service at the crematorium and before returning to join the family I visited Navy headquarters to find out some information regarding the Navy Week celebrations and the visit of HMAS Perth. From there it was a quick trip to Jane Franklin Hall for my photo to be taken for the College Council mug shots.
Back to Glenorchy for a short time to the Burn's family, then off to see the Buchan's and see how they had celebrated the school holidays and then down to the Glenorchy Police Station for the farewell to some of the staff who are on the move.
I had arranged to pick Gabrielle up to take her to the meal we were having for Denise's birthday so stopped off at here new home before heading to town. I dropped her at the hotel where we were to have the meal and then headed for the Cathedral for the wedding rehearsal. After the rehearsal I had just arrived back at the Shipwrights Arms when the mobile went off to say that Sarah had left her bag inside the Cathedral and could I go back to let her get it.
Finally joining the others we enjoyed a meal and found that at the end of the night most two of us were down to our last little bit of money to pay for the meal - it was quite funny as we raided the depths of pockets and purses to find enough to pay the bill.
Finally arrived home - not too late - but after the early start late enough to know that getting into bed shortly will be most welcome.
Saturday, 6th
Started a little more slowly than usual this morning although I quickly got into gear as I had to head off to town to see my parents before arriving at Lenah Valley to help with the clergy lunch.
There were a good number in attendance, with Brian Rayner, a chaplain off the HMAS Perth; Peter Carroll, the new Salesian Rector at Dominic (here for a return visit); and a couple of others who don't always show because of committments.
After lunch and a shower I headed off to the Cathedral for the wedding ceremony before going to the reception. It was a long night although I was on orange juice because I was already quite tired before I started.
I hadn't been home long and just got into bed when the phone rang and it was Archbishop D'Arcy asking whether I could send him some information I had found on the Vatican Web site this morning. By the time I got the page, did some editing so that it was suitable for faxing and sending it off I am now wide awake again so I hope to get back to bed and sleep shortly.
Sunday. 7th
I didn't wake until late this morning so things have been a little bit slow all day. Rain persisted until very late this afternoon and then sadly the wind started so quite a lot of the goodness from the rain could be dried out by the wind.
Both morning Masses went well and lunch with Enid, Ellen and Sr Lorriane ws another pleasant part of the country trip.
We celebrated the baptism of twins early this afternoon and then went well although the rain made life a bit difficult for the celebration which was to follow - unfortunately I had a an appointment so was not able to join them.
After my appintment had left I sat down and immediately dozed off, waking almost an hour later feeling quite dopey (even dopier than usual). I was still tired when I celebrated Mass this evening and will be heading for bed shortly in the hope of having a good night's sleep.
Monday, 8th
Today has been busy with a lot of running around to get everything done in the time available.
After Mass this morning I headed around the town to collect the last information for the Morning Teas on Wednesday. From there it was a trip to town to celebrate Mass for the Staff of Sacred Heart College as they commence their school year.
After joining them for a BBQ lunch I checked my mobile and learnt that Bev Rumley, a parishioner who had been teaching at St Brigid's School for many years had suffered a stroke last night. Bev had retired at the end of last year because of failing health but this was completely unexpected.
I travelled to the Hospital and saw her daughter and future son-in-law and spent some time with them before promising to return tomorrow.
The material for Project Compassion needed to be collected from the Church Office and I needed a book for Daily Mass this coming year so a quick trip further into town was on the cards.
I arrived home and started printing a marriage booklet and managed to completely get things mucked up. Trying to work too fast I made two mistakes and had to throw out a lot of work. As I was finishing one booklet Anthea arrived to get one of her pages reprinted because of the change of her chief bridesmaid. Then Kylie rang and asked if I could get her material to her so I had to transfer the program back to Publisher 95 so that they could print it using '97.
By the time that was all finished it was almost too late to get to the supermarket to get supplies for the bsiness morning tea as tomorow is a public holiday.
I got home and made some vanilla slices and a banana cake and then finished some sandwiches for supper as people began arriving for the post-Fair meeting. It was a good meeting with some positive suggestions and areas of concerns discussed which could help make the next fair a success.
After sharing some supper and making a birthday card for one of the team to send her twin sister I am now head for bed and a good night's sleep!!
Tuesday, 9th
Today is Regatta Day and a public Holiday so things are quiet around the town today. I decided to go for a drive with some friends so that meant a lunch in the country and some simple friendship. I think I need more days like today to keep me sane for the future.
I've just been making some sponges and some sandwiches for the business morning tea tomorrow and as it is now almost 11pm and it is an early rise in the morning to make fresh scones I'm heading for bed.
Wednesday, 10th
The morning tea process is getting better and better - this morning we had finished packing the trays by a little after 9am - just an hour so it was a great team effort to get everything done and ready to go so quickly. There are still 16 to go to the Royal Derwent tomorrow so that will mean that we've delivered 113 all together.
I visited school and said hello to the staff and to some of the children in Gr 1. Over the next week I will call into all the classes to meet the children and say hello. I've also arranged to have a key to the school and my own code number for access whenever I/we need to get something from the school.
Just after Mass, as I was having a bite to eat, John Williams, the acting Vicar General rang, to say that Fr Vin Shelverton had died. He has had a long career in the diocese - born in 1917 and ordained a priest in 1943.
After praying for his eternal rest I headed off to collect Bob, Jenny & Cyril and travelled to Launceston for the Executive meeting of the TCC. It was a good meeting and provided some reflection on how best to ensure that the Annual Meeting and future Executive meetings might be as productive as possible.
The trip home was easy because of the company so, although it is now quite late, I didn't feel too tired as I drove. But I'm ready for bed so - 'it is finished' - for today anyway.
Thursday, 11th
Forgot to turn my alarm off after yesterday's early rise and tomorrow's early start so I've now be having three in a row instead of a sleep in today. Made savoury instead of date scones this morning for variety and managed to get everything ready without too much fuss for the morning teas for the Royal Derwent.
Worked with our book-keeper on some areas of our parish finances before reworking a books for the start of the new financial year in April. Actually it would be more accurate to suggest that the I've tidied some areas of accounting up rather than reworked.
After lunch I finished off the Newsletter but haven't run it off yet - I'll wait until I return from Sydney to complete that in case there is any late breaking news that needs to be included.
I went to the bank to sign the re-investment forms for the Sick & Retired Priests Fund and visited Bev in the Royal Hobart Hospital - she is making a major recovery after surgery for a brain tumour on Monday evening.
Back home to finish some work on marriage papers for the wedding rehearsal, completed the rehearsal and then headed off to town to attend the College Council meeting for Jane Franklin Hall. This was an important meeting as it is the budget meeting and the presentation of the the financial report for 1998.
I had to travel down the Eastern side of the river because there had been an accident just north of Granton and the road had been closed for some time. As I got closer to Hobart I caught up with the tow truck with one of the damaged vehicles and woried about the occupants because the vehicle was almost destroyed.
I've just arrived home and it is late so I'm off to bed and hopefully a decent sleep before th alarm goes of at 5am.
Friday, 12th
What a day (I'm actually writing this on Saturday morning because by the time I got home it was Saturday anyway).
I left early for the airport and managed to get to Sydney and into a taxi to get to my meeting and managed to walk into the office with a minute to spare. On the way in though I rang home and found out that Ruby's grand-daughter Allyson and her partner Michael were involved in the accident last night and their baby, Claire, is in a critical condition with only a small chance of surviving - what a time to be away. Both Allyson and Michael have broken bones but are not serious. I called into the hospital on my way home from the airport but everyone was asleep so simply left a message and will call in on my way to the Baptism at Bellerive.
The meeting was good with lot's of work being done and plenty of things to think about - sadly I will not be there for day 2 which would have been very helpful. Phillip Pryor, the facilitator, allowed things to move along gently, almost teasing out of the group the issues although we really got into the swing of things when we attempted to suggest some BHAGs - Big Hairy Audacious Goals. These are the things that you would dream of doing in the best possible world - they are modified down to a Vision which is then implemented through a Mission Statement which is supported by a Strategic plan.
The trip home was slow because once again the flight out of Sydney was delayed, subsequently the flight out of Melbourne was late and it was nearly 11pm when we hit Hobart. The rest you know.
Saturday, 13th
Today has been a difficult day. I was extremely tired when I woke because of the late night return from Sydney and the visit to the hospital. I did some work for the Christian World Service meeting to add my thoughts to their further process in Sydney today - I had returned early because of the various committments I have today.
I had hoped to get to see Mick & Allyson in hospital before going to Bellerive to celebrate the Baptism of Sophie O'Neill. Unfortunately by the time I had completed everything here I was too late. The Baptism, however, was a great celebration bringing together people I have known and worked with for almost 22 years in three separate parishes.
I headed for the hospital - Mick was fast asleep so I only stayed with him for a few minutes before calling around to see Allyson. There were a good group of friends there so I only stayed a few minutes.
From there it was off to Moonah for lunch and then the Baptism of Eleanor Bearman, still at Moonah. I had witnessed the marriages of MArk & Donna O'Neill and Robert & Karen Bearman several years ago so it was also wonderful to be invited to baptise their children.
From Moonah it was a quick trip home to witness the marriage of Jamie Hills and Anthea Bowerman - another great event but we suffered with the high humidity and closeness of the Church as it was quite muggy outside.
I sat down for a few minutes before heading to Glenorchy to see some friends and celebrate Christine's 40th birthday. I wasn't there long before my phone rang to say that it was only a matter of minutes before Claire would slip away. So I went straight to the hospital and spent a hour or so with the family and prayed with them the prayers of the Church for the Deceased.
It was really difficult walking away from them but I'll be going back tomorrow afternoon - I thought that they needed some time just to say their own farewells.
I stayed at the party longer than I should have before heading to my hide-away in town for a sleep and a quick trip back to New Norfolk for Mass in the morning.
Sunday, 14th
Whenever I oversleep it really throws me and I have trouble getting back into the swing of things for the rest of the day.
I wasn't really focussed and ready for Mass this morning and there were several things that I didn't have ready before Mass started. By the time I got to Maydena I was almost in tune but it wasn't until after the Baptism that I thought I was alright.
I called to see Mick & Allyson and they were surrounded by family and friends so it was rather general - I'll try and get to see them sometime tomorrow to see what they would like to happen and when for Claire's funeral. Much of what we do will be determined by Mick's condition and when they next operate on him.
After Mass tonight I came over to the Parish house and got into the lightest clothes I could find because it was so hot that it was unbearable. The fan is on so I hope that I can get a good night's sleep.
See you tomorrow.
Monday, 15th
This morning after doing the Daily Notes & News I headed back to bed - I had done the work at 4.30am because it had been so hot that I couldn't sleep. I dozed for awhile but finally slipped off to sleep and was woken by the front door bell at 8am - I must have really been tired.
I jumped out of bed and into some casual clothes and spent the next hour and a half listening to a person speak about the trials and tribulations they are experiencing. I'm not certain there is anything I can do as a result of what I was told but I'll wait and see if they get back to me in the future.
Next was a meeting with the exec of the PPC looking at a planning day to be held mid-March. As soon as the meeting was over I jumped into my car and headed for Launceston and Fr Vin Shelverton's funeral.
There were forty priests there saying farewell to one of our oldest priests - with his extended family the tiny chapel at Nazareth House was packed. After returning for a cuppa I headeed off to see the Morrisons in Newstead and enjoyed a short visit with them.
The trip home was uneventful but warm and so by the time I got to the hospital (even with air-conditioning) I was more than a little bit tired. I spent a short time with Mick who had had a bad day before calling to see Bev who is recovering from her brain surgery for the removal of a tumour.
Home again and now for an early night and hopefully a decent sleep as it is much cooler at the moment.
Tuesday, 16th
After Mass this morning I immediately headed for town and the Awakening Advisory Board Meeting. There were not as many members there as at previous meetings but we managed to get through a great deal of work.
I called to see my friends at Graham's and spent a few minutes with them before taking the preliminary photo for Claire's funeral booklet into the hospital to show Michael and Allyson. Allyson was asleep so I left the copies with MIchael and his mum so that they might be used to what will be available for people on the day of the funeral.
When I got to my car there was a message on my phone asking me to contact Supt Bob Fielding of Tasmania Police. He told me that Barry Bennett's son Ty had been killed in a car accident attending an alarm callout at Richmond. Barry is a senior Police Officer and a friend so I immediately went out to their home at Bridgewater and spent time with Barry and his wife Dinah and members of his family. The funeral is to be celebrated on Friday and will be a full Police Service. It is late and I've just remembered that I was going to contact Mike Sharpe, the Police Chaplain, to let him know that I was involved.
When I got home my couple for Baptismal Preparation were waiting so I saw them before starting some work on the draft for Ty's funeral liturgy.
The pancake meal was a simple affair - there were 10 of us who enjoyed the night without too it being too over the top. I managed to buy some cans of Guinness to have as a Last Sup (sorry for the pun) before I start my lenten discipline.
Now for bed and, without the mugginess, a good night's sleep - I hope.
Wednesday, 17th
Ash Wednesday
The new school bus came into play this morning as children were brought up from school to the Ash Wednesday Mass in the rain - it all worked well. After Mass I had a few minutes to try to get a draft of a service for Ty Bennett which I had just finsihed when someone came to see me.
By the time they were ready to leave it was almost 11am and I was due at school for an Ash Wednesday liturgy for the infant section of the St Brigid's. The little one's are amazing and so responsive.
From there I heaeded for St Canice and the launch of Project Compassion with Fr Brian Gore, the director of the Columban Society in Australia. His is a very interesting story and he is a passionate advocate for justice and the rights of people in the third world.
A visit to Barry & Dinah Bennett was next on the cards to show them the draft of the service and to collect a photo of Ty for the front cover of the booklet. Unfortunately the photo doesn't copy too well so I will need to go back to see them early tomorrow morning to get another photo. I'll also e-mail Ross Paine to see if I can get a Police Photo as a reserve choice.
I wasn't home long when I had a visit from some friends asking if I could reprint a couple of pages for them which only took a few minutes so I stopped and had a coffee with them before they headed off.
I then attacked the EasterFest program for the meeting tomorrow before heading off for the evening Mass. My couple who were looking for their marriage booklet to be printed were next on the doorstep and when they had left I headed for bed. Something tells me though that I am too tired and will probably be awake early tomorrow.
Thursday, 18th
My prayer time this morning was distracted as I kept thinking about how much had to be done. I was using the gospel of the day as my starting point - 'he who wants to save his life will lose it ...' and thinking how easy it is to worry about everything without waiting for the Lord.
Before starting work (oficially) I had to head off to the Bennett's to collect another photo as the colouring in the photo I had been given was too dark and it was impossible to photocopy well. That done I tried to get it ready and it wasn't working either - I had already asked Ross Paine to email a Police photo and that came through later in the morning and solved everything.
The Christian Leaders meeting went well but lasted from about 9.30 until just before Mass so that meant the morning was a write-off for anything else.
Immediately after Mass I finished some work on the program for the Bennett's and took it to them but they weren't home so I went to town to see Michael and Allyson - MIchael was fast asleep so I saw Allyson for a few minutes before heading off to see Sr Lorraine at St John's Hospital. She is well and looks as if there will not be any real problems in her recovery.
From there it was back to the Bennett's and finalising the last details before printing - the poor old photocopier has done a great job in getting it all completed.
I also finished off the marriage papers and booklets for the two wedding this weekend and managed to fold some of the leaflets before heading off to do the rehearsal. Tea tonight was chips which I shouldn't have had but I was in work mode and not thinking clearly but I managed to get everything done I possibly could.
Bed is looking good.
Friday, 19th
After Mass this morning I headed off to celebrate the funeral of Ty Bennett. It would be, if not the biggest, close to the biggest funeral I have been involved with. There were people from all walks of life joining Barry, Dinah and their family to say farewell to a likeable young lad.
After the funeral I went back to the wake for a short time before heading down to the hospital hoping to see Michael & Allyson to make some arrangements regarding Claire's funeral which is to be celebrated next Tuesday. Unfortunately Mick was asleep and Allyson wasn't there so I will have to catch up with them later.
I finished the marriage papers for the rehearsal this evening and then started working on the Thanksgiving envelopes which need to go out this weekend for the next four months. That done, the rehearsal over and Stations of the Cross celebrated, I am now ready for bed although I have a big day tomorrow and I haven't finished the newsletter yet.
Saturday, 20th
What a day!!!!
I managed to get to the prayer breakfast a little bit late but still in plenty of time. It is good to spend time in prayer with members of the different denominations recalling the needs of the community and praying for them.
From there it was off to the meeting of the World Justice & Development Commission of the TCC for a while before travelling to the Cathedral for the celebration of Matthew Trenham's Baptism. When I arrived I saw the Graham Family Hearse in the driveway and knew immediately that we were in strife for the baptism - who said it took me time to understand things?
Thankfully for all involved the funeral was almost completed so the Baptism went ahead after only a short delay. From there it was off to Moonah for lunch with the priests - another good gathering and a lot of sharing and celebration.
Back home to prepare for the first of the weddings. Foolishly I tried to get the newsletter finished before checking to see that everything was ready in the Church. The toner in the photocopier was empty and I didn't realise, when adding the new toner, that a piece of the protective paper remained stuck to the bottle and the machine kept reading that it was out of toner. This meant that it wouldn't work and because I was now under some pressure I wasn't looking for faults - just getting frustrated.
Then, when I went over with 20 minutes to go the flowers had not been done - they were there but still in the buckets in the sacristy. Also, in my tiredness last night I had taken the papers for Janelle & Nathan's wedding over to the house and I couldn't see them so I had to reprint the booklet and the papers in case I had really lost them and, to top it all off, Janelle arrived early.
I managed to start the wedding 5 minutes late and most people would never have known that anything was wrong thanks to the wonderful help of a whole lot of people who jumped in and did the little jobs that needed to be done.
The second wedding went easily and without fuss because I made sure that everything was well and truly checked.
After the wedding I went down to see Allyson who was staying with her aunt to discuss arrangements for Claire's funeral. Allyson had spent time with Mick during the day and they were happy for me to work with Allyson to make the necessary arrangements. I will complete the book tomorrow and get it off to them to check before going to print a final copy.
From there I headed down to the Hilltop restaurant for the reception - where I stayed for awhile before coming home and now I'm heading for bed. Hopefully tomorrow will be better - whatever that means!!!
Sunday, 21st
I spent some extra quiet time in the Church this morning gathering my thoughts after yesterday's busyness - it helped because so many things were going through my mind that I was having difficulty focussing on my homily.
I was on the road to Hamilton early because the family who normally open up were away and with Sr Lorraine incapacitated after her operation it was me - and hopefully some others. Thankfully there were halp a dozen people there, mainly from other parts of the Parish so it was ok.
I had a bit of time between baptisms to quietly work on the booklet for Claire's funeral - I am preparing a 'Big Book' for Allyson & Michael so that they will have everything that is going to be said during the ceremony for when they have to time to remember what went on. I will finish that tomorrow.
After Mass tonight I sat down for a bite to eat and fell asleep in the chair so went to bed without watching any TV - taped Ballykissangel and will watch it tomorrow.
Monday, 22nd
The final work has been done for Claire's funeral and everything for tomorrow has been worked through. I've just returned from seeing Michael in the hospital and showing him the final copy of the leaflet for the ceremony.
I didn't tell him that I have had a special book bound for both he and Allyson with all the prayers from the ceremony to help them know what happened when they are able to take time and look back through their sorrow to what we will celebrate tomorrow.
The luncheon for Sr Lorraine wasn't as ell attended as last year and so it is likely that the income will be down - unfortunately I don't know any final figures yet.
I spoke to Michael Wheeler, a priest of Melbourne, last evening regarding a possible trip to Tassie sometime later in the year and it looks like it will go ahead.
I've seen two couple this afternoon for marriage preparation, Kaine & Kimbra at the start of their journey and Tim & Katie who get married this Sunday. Both are lovely couples and so working with them was not difficult at all.
Now for bed and hopefully a good night's sleep as I will need to be on the ball for tomorrow.
Tuesday, 23rd
Today has been another long day as we celebrated Claire's funeral. It has been 12 days since the accident and 10 days since she was pronounced dead so it has been a difficul time of waiting while Michael recovered sufficiently to be able to be with us for the celebration of her funeral. He arrived in a private ambulance and Dave Watson, the owner, did a marvellous job looking after him and ensuring that everything worked. There was a big crowd in attendance and eveything seemed to work well although I was so anxious I could hardly tell.
After the internment I went back to the home for a short time before heading off to the Pastor's Conference at Mt St Canice - oddly enough it was looking at the Rites of the Funeral Liturgy so I felt quite at home.
Rather tired I have arrived home and settled down for a quick meal and an early night in the hope that I can get some rest before embarking on the next few days.
Wednesday, 24th
My visit to Graham's this morning didn't solve too much about the missing files but there is one bad sector on their hard drive so that will/might need to be checked out in case it is a problem into the future.
The Pastor's Conference this morning was really worthwhile with lot's of information regarding diocesan iniatives. More work but good to know that things are happening.
The meeting finished early enough for the Council of Priests meeting to be held this afternoon instead of us coming back tomorrow for another meeting - what a blessing.
I wasn't home long before I had to head off to the School Board meeting which was followed by the first of our Lenten Home Mass at Molly & Jack McCauley's. A good number of people there so that is good - a couple of people were at other meetings so that means that there is a good chance that next week will be even better.
Thursday, 25th
Today was a busy day - Mass was at 9am this morning - because I had thought that the Council of Priests meeting would be today; thankfully it had fitted into yesterday's timetable.
The photocopier hadn't been repaired yesterday so I was onto them first thing this morning and thankfully they were able to come as I had quite a deal of work to be completed before I get to bed tonight.
I saw my parents before they went to lunch and then continued into town to see Michael at the hospital. He is looking much better and it is expected that he will be transferred to the District Hospital sometime next week so that ws good news.
I returned the internal modem which had caused so much trouble with the receiving of faxes and now have to look seriously at a Zip drive for the computer for back-ups - the tape is still not working properly.
I finally had my haircut and feel much better now. From there it was home to work on the newsletter and the calendar for March before my couple arrived for their first appointment.
I finished Kate & Tim's wedding booklet, stapled the newsletter and calendar together and now I'm ready for bed - a 4am rise tomorrow isn't likely to be too easy to cope with but we'll see how it goes.
There will be no update of Daily Notes & News tomorrow as I will be in Melbourne and won't be back until late Saturday afternoon.
See you then.
Saturday, 27th
What a couple of days!
After leaving home at 5am yesterday I arrived in Melbourne a little bit late because of late takeoff from Hobart. I was in time to catch a ride with (Bishop) Richard Randerson from Canberra but it took us an hour to get from the airport to the meeting place and we arrived 20 minutes late for the start of the first meeting.
The main board meeting followed on immediately and continued (with breaks for lunch and afternoon tea) until 6.45pm when we broke for the evening and were taken back to the motel brefore gathering nearby for a Thai meal. Back home to bed by 10pm (a quick look at Port Adelaide thrashing Richmond) and a reasonable night sleep - at least I didn't have to get up at 4am again.
Today has been more of the same - the meeting strated at 9am and worked throughout the day and finished just before 4pm when we started to disperse into taxis to head for the airport and travelling home. Peter Marshall (the CEO) had given me a Qantas Club guest card and because I travelled with John Ryan from Perth (a member) I went inside for an hour and a half and relaxed in comfort without having to sit and do nothing for all of that time.
The meeting was important because there are a whole range of issues facing the provision of Chaplaincy to industry into the future - issues created by proposed changes to the taxation system; how a church/religious values based group works without a, sometimes, hostile business environment as well as maintaining a real link to the Churches which provide the original mandate for the MIssion.
The answers are not simple and the work will need to be constantly reassessed and the steps have been progressively put in place to ensure that there this happens.
The new ITIM and WoodStyles web sites will be on-line soon and should provide an excellent starting point for people to learn about the work of the Mission. I'll add the site address here even though it may be a few weeks before they are up and running.
The ITIM site
or the WoodStyles site.
Sunday, 28th
February draws rapidly to a close but today has been busy.
After the morning Mass here at New Norfolk, which had a good crowd, I headed off to Ellendale which also was well attended. We followed the Mass with another BBQ which was good.
A quick trip home to get ready for the wedding which also went off well - a lot better organised than my efforts last weekend (see the report for the 20th if you have any doubts).
The evening Mass started with almost more visitors than locals but the balance was son in our favour.
After Mass I came over to the house for a meal, a little bit of TV and now for bed - what a welcome it will be to not have to worry about getting up early tomorrow.
To know more about what is happening today you can go to the Daily Notes and News Page by clickinghere or the Left Arrow Below.
By clicking here, or here (all the pages are gradually being transferred to this new web site) or the Right Arrow below you can go to the Archived Daily Notes and News since September 1998.
Other wise the Centre Arrow will take you to the Parish Home Page.
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