Daily Notes and News
The Month of February 2001
Thursday, 1st
Today has been a long day. It started with a trip to Hobart for a meeting with Peter Cusick at the Catholic Development Fund to look at some of the financial questions facing the Rural Unit. As we were talking however, it was obvious that there are some other issues that need to be addressed and the first concerns the appointments of the members of the Team and the canonical implications of the appointments. Whilst there I arranged with Maris to see +Adrian tomorrow afternoon and then spoke with Louise Cotton about meeting her immediately following that meeting to plan the Rural Meeting for next Tuesday evening. After working out that 4pm would be suitable it has now had to be rescheduled for Monday at the same time.
I came home for a meeting with Lorraine looking at some of the issues that we have to address regarding the running of this part of the Unit irrespective of what other decisions are made. It was a productive meeting and we need to sit down and do it a little more often to make the whole thing work.
By then it was time for Mass. We followed that immediately with lunch with Sandy joining us for a pleasant chat - because of phone calls it meant that Lorraine and Sandy chatted and joined in sometimes.
This afternoon I have been working on the BEACON trying to get that all finished but there have been times when I've also been printing the leaflet for the funeral of Grace Howard for tomorrow - it has been interesting because both are Publisher documents and you can only open one Publisher document at a time so it has meant juggling but it has worked out all right.
It is now time for bed - I've printed part of the BEACON and emailed the two editions to the appropriate people but need to get the address of one other person so that can be sent off tomorrow.
Friday, 2nd
I'm certainly glad that today is over - although not that busy it has been a very draining week and I'm ready for a day off tomorrow.
It was busy this morning with Mass at 9am, First Friday Mass at Corumbene, the funeral of baby Grace Howard at 11am followed by a reception at the R&SLA Rooms. By the time I got to the rooms I was exhausted so I headed home fairly quickly and just sat quietly for a short time to get my bearings again.
It doesn't matter how often I celebrate funerals there are always some that really make life difficult and a little baby's funeral is one of those times. It was especially hard because of the close family links between Karen's family and myself and the fact that I had celebrated the funeral of Shane's father just a few months back.
This afternoon I headed down to Sandy Bay to see +Adrian about the makeup of the Rural Unit and to check exactly how it is going to work. I have been asked to take overall responsibility for the Unit which is effectively one Parish with (Fr) John Hayres having pastoral responsibility for the provision of Masses for the Northern part of the Parish. All of this helps with the planning for the meetings on Tuesday afternoon and evening when a deal of the issues will be addressed for the whole Parish.
I've just returned home from having a meal with the Gang, friends from the Bellerive days. As we were chatting during the meal I remembered that sometime during this past week (possibly last Sunday) it is 20 years since I left Bellerive. A lot has happened in those years but it is good that the friendship still continues.
Now I am ready for bed.
Saturday, 3rd
Today was a slow start but it took some time for me to get my act together.
I needed to get the newsletter done so that it could be printed before I headed to town to have lunch with the guys at Moonah. It took some doing because I also had to get the extra (belated) birthday cards completed before I left, otherwise it meant extra expense or a trip back to New Norfolk after lunch as I had a BBQ with the family at Michele & John's this evening to celebrate Callum's birthday - he was 4 today. I've also managed to take Caitlyn's card with me - her birthday is not until tomorrow so I'm actually ahead of the pack for once.
I took Mum and Dad home after the BBQ which meant that I was able to have a chat to them but I still have to staple the BEACON together so I'm heading upstairs to watch the BILL and do that little job and I'll need to turn the fan on so that the bedroom is a bit cooler than it is now because it is really hot and trying to sleep in the room would be very uncomfortable.
Sunday, 4th
There was something about the readings and the Liturgy for today that makes it an appropriate liturgy for the changes that are taking place this weekend - the Call of Isaiah, the passage from 1 Corinthians where Paul gives the authority for his ministry and the call of Peter, James and John to leave their boats and to follow Jesus - fits quite easily into the changes that are taking place during this coming week.
The Country Mass was at Ouse this morning so that was a quick trip up the road followed by lunch at Enid Gossage's before heading home to get this page up and to do some work for the Rural Parish Unit Meeting on Tuesday evening. Mass this evening was only a small congregation (as I expected) as it has been another really hot day and it is coming towards the end of the school holidays so people are out and about.
I managed to get the emails off regarding the question of finance for at least one of the religious sisters working in the Rural Parish so that we can begin to formulate an accurate assessment of what it is going to cost us to run the Unit.
I've just been trying to set up a data base on the laptop to record some data but the number of fields is too large for the RAM so I will try and set it up here and then transfer it later but that will now have to wait until later.
Now it is time for bed.
Monday, 5th
I decided just before I hit the sack last night to clean out the freezer and put the things that were out of date out for the garbage collection this morning so I got up early (without the aid of the alarm) and managed to get it out for the recyclers as well as the stuff for the garbage collection.
It was an early morning dash to town to check my car in to get the CD player installed - it all went well although I couldn't get the AM stations to play when I got back into the car this afternoon. When I checked back at the Centre the boss asked if his staff had told me to turn the player off before trying the AM - they didn't, it does work and the staff probably were reminded to tell the customer everything.
It was a bit of a dash back to celebrate Mass and I was a few minute late but everything worked out well. This morning I did some work on preparing for my meeting with (Sr) Louise Cotton in preparation for the Rural Unit Meeting tomorrow afternoon. Everything went well and I've done some more work tonight bringing together our discussion, the work that with Peter Cusick last Thursday, the planning session with Lorraine (also on Thursday), my conversation with +Adrian on Friday and the work that we have been doing in preparation for this next stage in the Call to Change Process.
Also this morning Ruby and I made sandwiches as a snack for the family of the late Nancy Timbs, a former parishioner of New Norfolk who was buried from here this afternoon. Fr Peter O'Loughlin did the funeral as a part of a promise he had made to members of the family some time ago. It is different watching someone else doing a funeral and I learnt a few things as I watched and joined in the celebration.
On the way back from my meeting with Louise I dropped off the video of Wendy's funeral to Martin and then continued on to see my parents and dropped off some Thank you notes for them to use to return thanks to people who had extended their sympathy to them after Wendy's tragic death. I'll also contact other members of the family to ask if they would like copies of the leaflet.
Now it is time for bed because these next few days are going to be long and tiring.
Tuesday, 6th
Today was an important day in the life of our new Parish. We met this evening at Oatlands for the first time as an entity (although we have met once as part of the planning process and on another occasion Mass on the Feast of Christ the King). I'd spent time with (Sr) Louise Cotton yesterday planning the meeting and the team met at 5pm (John arrived late from Deloraine) but we managed to get all the information together. We will need to meet again at the beginning of next month to set some goals for ourselves and complete the arrangements for some of the practical details for our working relationship.
The main gathering commenced with a meal together and we started the meeting with a short prayer service. There was a good gathering from all parts of the community and the meeting went well with Sr Louise introducing the process and me informing the gathering of the stage we are have reached at this time. There was only one question that caused any difficulty and it seems that the person is only interested in one answer and it is not possible to give it because the question (about Diocesan Assets and Income) cannot be given a simple answer but it seems that whatever answer given is never going to satisfy this particular person.
Back to the start of the Day. I celebrated Mass at 9am and then did some running around to local businesses and some other preparation for the Business Morning Tea tomorrow. I've managed to get enough people to supply things that all I will need to do tomorrow will be to make some scones and I should be laughing.
As I thought we got home reasonably late from Oatlands tonight and I am still wide awake but I'm going to head for bed and hope that I get a good night's sleep because I am up at 5am tomorrow to get everything finalised for the Morning Teas.
Wednesday, 7th
Late night & early morning - a very bad combination. I woke a little after 3 am and dozed fitfully for some time without going back to sleep. I got out of bed and showered and then worked on the delivery list for the morning teas before making the scones. Milton arrived at 5.30am on his way to work with savouries and Ruby arrived at 6.30am with sandwiches so we were on the road early.
Even though we had made an really clear effort asking people to state what they were bringing and how much (in an attempt to limit the excess) we were inundated with food and were embarrassed by the support from the Parish for the Morning Teas. There was 55 orders for the local businesses but we managed to supply St Brigid's with platters for 50 as they are hosting the Cluster group of Primary Schools in the region. It is likely that with the effort we put in today that we might be able to do provide platters for some of the functions that he other two schools put on during the year but we will start with providing order forms for future morning teas to see what happens.
I celebrated Mass for the teachers at 10am and then came back for the midday Mass here at St Peter's. I've spent some time this afternoon simply relaxing as I had a marriage appointment early this evening and if I hadn't taken time out I would have been useless (more than normal) when they arrived.
They have now left and I'm heading for bed - the cricket is on but I'll worry about the score tomorrow.
Thursday, 8th
I was the MC for the Thanksgiving Mass at the Cathedral today at 11am for Bishop-Elect Geoffrey Jarrett who leaves for the Lismore Diocese next week prior to his Episcopal ordination on 22nd February. I'm always nervous about things like this and today was no exception. I arrived an hour before time just to wander around and still some things happen at the last minute.
After the Mass (when we stepped out of a reasonably cool Cathedral into the 36.7 degrees I nearly died but managed to get to the Hobart Vista to be there for the start of the luncheon which was followed by a presentation from the Clergy to Geoff with our best wishes.
I headed back to the Cathedral to collect my car and things and then went out to New Town to Graham's to see how Annie had got on with the funeral in Launceston this morning. She was looking after the funeral of a mother and daughter who had been killed in a tragic road accident in Northern NSW last weekend - she had said early in the week that never had a death so profoundly effected her. As we were talking Travis, who had done most of the embalming and mortuary work had said that it was the most difficult case he had dealt with. I did a quick job on the computer and then headed up to Lenah Valley to see some friends but only Linda was home so I'll try and get back some time soon.
From there I headed down to Sandy Bay and sat by the beach for a short time and read through the notes for the Jane Franklin Council Meeting - mainly financial papers as this is the night when the papers are presented prior to the AGM which is next month.
I've just got home and it is still stinking hot so I'm going to have a cool drink and then I'm hitting the sack with the fan going full belt.
Friday, 9th
I had a funny start to today - I just couldn't seem to get going but I have managed to do quite a number of things which makes me feel a bit better.
After the 9am Mass I headed out to see Eileen at the District Hospital and took her Holy Communion. I also had a chance to look around the work that is being done to bring the hospital up to standard for nursing beds so that was interesting. I also looked in on a couple of people in shops and fixed a couple of things with them before arranging to bring a base for a sun shade back from Graham's later in the day (which I've done).
I've also finished the newsletter although I will wait until tomorrow morning before printing the outside page as I want to be able to include the names of those who are sick or deceased and there are a couple of people getting back to me with names in the morning.
If every you want to create a mischief or cause some consternation go to a travel agent and try to arrange a deal that uses the system but has flights going in different directions to maximise the savings. I spent close to an hour with the people in town today before I came away with flights that work so now I can tell people the costs and get it all out of the way.
I had intended to stay in town after arranging the flights and doing a couple of other jobs but this morning I received the agenda for a Foundation 2010 meeting which was scheduled for 4pm this afternoon so I had to change things rather quickly. I had intended to have coffee with a friend after she had finished work but had to miss that - I was disappointed about that because I get very little chance to catch up because of work times and shifts.
This evening I have been down to Kingston to get some papers for a wedding that is coming up shortly signed off before attending the final Jubilee 2000 function - a Celebration of Carers. There was a good crowd there and people seemed happy with the service which was held at St Clement's Anglican Church.
Now it is time for bed.
Saturday, 10th
Today has been an interesting day. I've managed to clear out almost all of the unread emails on the computer (mostly newsletters with quotes or thoughts that can be used for reflection or story telling) and now the whole thing looks remarkably manageable. That took a fair proportion of the morning before I headed to town to visit mum and dad on the way to lunch at Moonah. I had meant to take a couple of copies of the Saturday lunch list for people who aren't on fax but forgot so will need to set that up and have it available for next weekend.
I've worked away at some other things this afternoon - tidying up some of the files and papers around the office waiting for Lorraine to arrive for our first journey to Bothwell for the vigil Mass. The distance is almost 60 kms travelling via Hollow Tree and just over 75 kms via the Midlands Highway with only 5 minutes or so in travelling time difference. Because we were uncertain how long it would take we arrived some 35 minutes early but it gave us time to chat about some of the issues we need to address over the next few weeks.
There was only 6 at Mass - two were working the volunteer ambulance and another family was away so it was a small group. Somehow or other the collection bowls had been taken to Bridgewater after the last Mass so we actually did pass the hat around for the collection - a moment for smiles in the midst of our celebration. I am back there on Tuesday and will have a chance to learn something of the stories and issues that are part of their history and work towards supporting them into the future.
When we arrived back here we had some toast and a drink and Lorraine has just headed off back to Ellendale and I'm heading off to my bed and, hopefully, a good night's sleep.
Sunday, 11th
The morning Country Mass today was at Maydena. There was a good gathering of people there but I, again, made the mistake of leaving late and so I managed to get those few cars that make the journey slower than usual - it is a matter of only a few minutes yet it makes all the difference.
When I got home I worked on some material for the funeral that Sr Lorraine is working on for Tuesday - I faxed through all the material she needed so I hope that that will work for her.
When I finished that I looked at some of the material for the Diocesan Finance Meeting on Wednesday but I doubt whether I will have enough information to give them but will try and get some more info either tomorrow or Tuesday.
This evening I've taken it slowly, I finished off the BAS which I will email off later and now I'm heading upstairs to have a quiet night and a (I hope) good sleep.
Monday, 12th
Today was a public holiday for Regatta Day - it has been moved from it's traditional Tuesday to Monday so that there is less of a broken week. I started the day more slowly than usual as the rest of this week is going to be busy - even before I knew all the things that were going to happen later in the day.
I headed out just before lunch to have some time out and wandered down to Salamanca to spend some time wandering around the wharf area - the Wooden Boat Festival was finishing today so I had a quick look but most things had been completed and they were out on the river for the sail past at the Regatta.
I took a trip up the mountain to see where the fires were headed but then headed down through the Waterworks area and had a brief walk through the reserve. Back home I have made some phone calls and arranged some baptisms and followed up about a marriage that I can't do as it is in October when I am away.
Now it is time for bed and an early night with a little bit of reading.
Tuesday, 13th
I helped Sr Lorraine get ready for the funeral of the late Clarrie Clark that was celebrated here this morning. It was ironic that we had been discussing the monthly weekday Mass at Bothwell we had talked about the possibility of a funeral and organised for her to lead a Liturgy of the Word with Communion if I was caught up - the first week we are scheduled to be there she has the funeral.
There was a good crowd at the Mass because of the death of Alby Goggins, who build the Church at Bothwell (and added the extension here at New Norfolk). Two of his daughters were there as well as some of their family. We chatted later about some of the things that might be done for his funeral and, since I arrived home, I've put together a booklet based on what the family had for his wife's funeral and faxed it to (Fr) Peter O'Loughlin, who will be the main celebrant. We've chatted tonight and I'll start the print run in the morning so that the majority of the work will be completed by early in the day.
Not long after I had started the booklet I received a phone call from Greg Hudson who was with a family arranging the funeral of the late Colin Burgess. As we chatted about an appropriate time for me to see the family I asked if they were able to come around as soon as they had completed the work with him so I was able to make the preparations for the funeral soon afterwards and have managed to do the leaflet for the funeral and I will print that off tomorrow morning as well.
I didn't manage to see the Slabon family today although I did manage to speak to them and have made arrangements to see them tomorrow - I've since checked my diary and I was due to see someone at midday tomorrow here at New Norfolk so I wil have to ring the Slabon's and tell them I will be a little bit later than I had hoped.
This afternoon I have been working on material for the PPC meeting which has just finished. In the rush and haste I didn't manage to contact Peter Cusick from the Church Office to tell him that I have not been able to get all the information regarding the complete cost structure for the whole of the Parish - information that he needed for the Diocesan Finace Committee meeting tomorrow. With all the various things happening I have not been able to get everything together at this stage.
Now, however, it is later than I had hoped but it is definitely time for bed.
Wednesday, 14th
I got an early start this morning but it didn't mean that things got done any better than I had hoped.
After the 9am Mass I headed for Glenorchy to see the dentist for my six monthly checkup. That went well although they were a little behind schedule so I was not able to do the things I wanted to do in Glenorchy before heading off to Apsley to see the family of the late Shirley Slabon to make the arrangements for her funeral liturgy tomorrow.
When I looked in my diary late yesterday I noticed that I had a midday appointment without a number to contact the person to make some new arrangements but luckily his wife rang yesterday morning to say that he couldn't make it so I will follow that up shortly.
When I got back from the funeral arrangements I set to and finished printing the leaflet for the funeral of the late Colin Burgess (funeral on Friday) as well as stapling together the booklet for the funeral of the late Alby Goggins. While all of this was happening I put together the leaflet for Shirley Slabon and printed that off.
On my first trip to Glenorchy this morning I dropped off some dry-cleaning which I needed to collect before I could go out for a meal with friends to celebrate Valentine's Day at a Fundraiser for the American-Australian Association and Salamanca Rotary. It has been a great night and now I am really ready for bed.
Thursday, 15th
Today was an interesting and tiring day.
After the morning Mass here at New Norfolk I headed off to Bothwell with Sr Lorraine for the funeral of the late Shirley Slabon at 11am. Shirley had been at the Ouse Hospital for some time and her funeral will be a gathering of many of the old families within the town as she and her late husband had been part of the community for some time.
After the burial we went out to her nephew's home a few kms down the road before we headed back to the Church for the second funeral, this time for the late Alby Goggins. Alby was even more a part of the community and the family had arranged for extra chairs from the Hall to be brought round - lucky because there were almost as many outside as there was in. Fr Peter O'Loughlin, a long time friend, did the funeral and I assisted him. After the funeral we went back to the Hall and then Sr Lorraine and I headed home - absolutely tired (or at least I was).
I sat down for awhile to try and relax before my marriage appointment arrived and promptly started dozing off. Luckily I got back into work mode when they arrived and whilst they were doing the FOCCUS program I managed to get the Big Book done for the Funeral tomorrow as well as contact the Navy Club to arrange to pick up a copy of last years Navy Memorial Service so that I could work on it before the service on Saturday afternoon.
I still have to complete the work for the marriage on Saturday afternoon and the newsletter still lurks in the background waiting to be started but that will need to be tomorrow - for now it is time for bed as I need some sleep.
Friday, 16th
Things went reasonably well this morning. I managed to get the Marriage material for tomorrow printed although I will have to go and get some Marriage Certificates and work out how to put them through the printer as well as hand writing the Certificate.
I also managed to get most of the newsletter done, although I will wait until the morning before printing off the final page - in case of any other late news. I managed to get down to school and say hello to the Staff - I will need to go down on Monday morning to say hello to the Children before the Mass on Wednesday.
The funeral of the late Colin Burgess went well this afternoon and I had sufficient time to rush around and do some things in town before the funeral so everything got done. I also called into see my friends at Graham's where Jenny kindly typed the Naval Memorial Service for me (a copy of last year's service collected from the Navy Club) and we emailed it home so that I could work on it tonight - done and everything is set up for tomorrow.
Annie asked if I was going to a farewell of one of the staff of the Catholic Development Fund who is leaving and going to Sydney in a few weeks time - it wasn't until I arrived that I saw that it really was only for Church Office Staff but I stayed and managed to have a chat to him about some work opportunities in Sydney which might be opening up.
The wedding rehearsal at Moonah went well so that that is good and I'm looking forward to the ceremony tomorrow but now it is time for bed as I have completed the extra typing and everything that needed to be done tonight.
Saturday, 17th
Today started out looking to be busy but things have all come together easily with a little bit of time between each things.
I managed to get most things finished here before heading off to the Anglican Church Hall for the Prayer Breakfast at 7.30am. There was a good gathering and I met Vern Harrison, the Uniting Church Locum, for the first time. I will be missing from the first of the Leaders Meetings on Thursday as I will be in Melbourne for the ITIM Meeting.
The final few things got done before I headed to town for the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession Celebration for Sr Barbara Amott PBVM celebrated at the Cathedral. The ceremony was followed by a light luncheon in St Peter's Hall and there was a good gathering of people from over the years who were there.
Then I headed off to the Navy Club for the Annual Memorial Service for deceased members and relatives of the Club. This is something I suggested two years ago and it is slowly gathering momentum although there is still a long way to go as we put all the details together to build a tradition that is supported by the members of the Club.
From there I headed for Moonah to witness the marriage of Peter Clements and Mary-Jane Sianski. I have known Mary-Jane for a number of years and met Peter's family not long after I came to New Norfolk and his father, Graham, was a great support to the daughter of a friend of his, the late Frank King. Graham has also been part of the TCC as a representative of the Baptist Union. It was a great celebration and was sad not to be able to get to the reception but by the end it was time to head for Kempton.
Tonight was the first of the Vigil Masses there and a couple of people from the Bridgewater/Brighton Community came to join in the celebration which was good for everyone. There were 10 people there so that was good as well. Now I'm back home and ready for bed and looking forward, hopefully, to a good night's sleep.
Sunday, 18th
Sunday morning and I woke reasonably late from a good night's sleep but sadly received a phone call early to say that Andrew, the son of Peter and Margaret Cusick, had been killed in a motor vehicle accident overnight. Peter is the Diocesan Financial Administrator and a good friend and Margaret works in the Catholic Centre Bookshop so it is a death that will have a huge impact on many people.
The morning Mass here at New Norfolk was almost a standing room only celebration which was good for those who come regularly to know that there are many others who are still around and come just a little less regularly. The country Mass was at Hamilton and the congregation there was a little down on usual because of a few events in the local district - oddly enough at Kempton and Bothwell.
This afternoon I worked on the material for Rachel and Lyndon's wedding next weekend and will drop that off tomorrow down to school to Sandy. I also managed to doze off for a short time which made me feel terrible when I woke but much better a short time later. The evening Mass tonight was as well attended as normal so it has been a good weekend - if numbers are important.
I'll watch a little bit of TV and then I'm heading for bed as I only have about two days to bring everything together before I head for Melbourne for meetings at the end of the week.
Monday, 19th
Today was busy in a sense but ordered in another.
I've managed to get things started for the weekend, including the first part of the newsletter as well as the majority of the work for the Wedding on Saturday afternoon.
Before heading off to Ellendale for the luncheon for Sr Lorraine I managed to get down to school and check a few things including checking about the first Board Meeting for 2001 which is due to be held on Wednesday evening - at the same time as I am in Launceston for the TCC Meeting so there is obviously a clash. I thought that if the funeral for the late Andrew Cusick was on Wednesday afternoon I would not go to the TCC Meeting but it is to be on Wednesday morning so it means that I'll not be able to attend that Mass either as I have a School Mass on at the same time.
This afternoon, after getting back from the luncheon which was a great success and which raised over $800 for Sr Lorraine I have been working on the newsletter and it is nearly finished.
This evening I had a meal with some friends and now I'm heading for bed and an early night.
Tuesday, 20th
Today was a good day - I managed to get most of the newsletter prepared for the weekend - I'll consider printing it tomorrow even though that is much earlier than I would normally consider but it will make life easier for the end of the week. I've also managed to get a few other things off the desk although there are still things that need doing but I'm almost ready for the weekend.
Lunch at Meadowbank with Sean, George and Terry was a very pleasant time - the meal was excellent and the event was interrupted by a friend suggesting that I should have a drink for her so I sent back an SMS message telling her that I did. It is always enjoyable to share a meal with good friends and have time to share good stories.
From there I headed to Hobart for an Executive Working Group meeting for the TCC. There were a couple of issues that needed to be resolved before the Exec. Meeting tomorrow afternoon including a proposal about Clergy Fees and a review of the TCC which needs to be done in order for the costing of future budgets. Rosemary Dobber (the Chair) rang tonight to say that the persons suggested at the meeting have indicated their availability for the Review so that the recommendation can be brought forward tomorrow with confidence.
I dropped off a set of keys to my friends in Glenorchy who will collect my car from the airport on Thursday afternoon and collect me from the airport on Saturday morning so that gives me less to concern myself about.
I've just completed the wedding rehearsal for the wedding of Rachel Cowling and Lyndon Sirgunas for Saturday afternoon and everything is ready to go for that event. I was going to wait until Saturday when I got home from Melbourne before printing off the booklet but I'll do that in the morning and take it with me to school for Sandy to have - it will take a bit of pressure off her so that will make life a little easier.
Now for bed and hopefully a good night's sleep because the next two days are going to be either early starts or late finishes.
Wednesday, 21st
It was a long day with not a great deal happening but tiring anyway.
I've just got home from Launceston and the TCC Exec meeting and it is not quite 10pm so that is a start but 4am tomorrow is looking awfully soon.
I've printed most of the newsletter for the weekend, however, there are still some sheets to be done because of the toner running out - I called into Office Equipment and collected some before I gathered my passengers for the ride to Launceston. I've also managed to print off the booklet fore the wedding and delivered the pages to Sandy so that has taken one burden from her and made life a little easier for me as well.
Now, it is time for bed so that I might wake tomorrow on time to catch my plane.
Thursday, 22nd
Waking at 4am two mornings in a row is very demanding but I've managed.
I got to the airport in plenty of time and managed to catch up with Barbara Morley who was leaving to travel back to the US to prepare for the funeral of her father who had died yesterday. I had got the message late last evening after arriving home from Launceston and it was good that I was able to see her before she headed off - when her mother died she was already home, visiting, and we managed to track her down to get a message to her. On the flight I had the pleasure of the company of the Manager of one of our shopping centres as my companion for the journey. She had almost missed the flight and was amazed she was actually on the plane. With meetings in Melbourne all day she was a happy person just for being there - I felt a little smug as she arranged her makeup and fixed her hair until many hours later walking through one of the shopping centres in Melbourne and noticed that my hair was still undone after forgetting to do it as I started my day.
I managed to spend some time during the day with Sr Joy Hanrahan, a friend from the time I spent working in the Parish of North Dandenong back in 1974-75. We have hardly seen each other in the intervening years but every time we get together we manage to pick up the pieces and continue the conversation as if it had never been interrupted. I also met a friend of Joy's from Ireland who completed the Marianella Course last December so I was able to learn a lot more about the program and what to expect which will be useful into the future as I complete preparations for my time away.
We travelled around various parts of Melbourne and managed to enjoy quite a wonderful day before I headed for my motel to prepare for the meeting tomorrow. I sat down at the desk to do some reading and felt tired so lay down for a few minutes.
That was three hours ago - it is now past the evening meal time and so I've just decided that I'm going to hit the sack and forget about eating - tomorrow will probably make up for that.
Friday, 23rd
I had a reasonable night's sleep but today has been a long day so I needed to have the nap yesterday afternoon just to get through all the work. As I put together this diary I feel a little anxious as there is still so much to be done at the ITIM Meeting and I won't be there but there is nothing I can do about that.
After Breakfast I headed off to La Verna with the other three who had stayed at the Beaufort last night for a long day of meetings. From the start we were basically not really managing to stay with the agenda timetable. Some of the material arising out of the correspondence continued right up to the first of the briefings that were part of the agenda. We listened to a representative of our Law Firm and then the head of our Accountancy Firm speak to us about implications of recent GST and possible changes to legislation as we go about our core business activity and what effect this is having and will have on our relationship with the Supporting Churches and the impact on staff, present and future.
Other strategic issues occupied the rest of the day which was broken by meal breaks but which has continued through until 9.30pm. I've just arrived at the Centra Motel at the airport with Bishop Ron Williams, the assistant Anglican Bishop in Brisbane, who, like me is heading off early tomorrow, so we are staying here to make it easier to catch our flights in the morning and my bed is definitely looking good at the moment.
Saturday, 24th
I woke early and got across to the airport for my flight home without any difficulty and the flight itself was no hassle. My ride was waiting so I have been well looked after and managed to get back to New Norfolk not long after 10am. I immediately rang Sandy Cowling to say that I was home and sitting at my desk to allay any fear she might have had about my non-arrival and non availability for the wedding of her daughter today.
I visited Mum and Dad and then headed down to St Canice where +Adrian was hosting the clergy lunch today. He regaled us with stories of the ordination to the Episcopacy of Geoff Jarrett and I managed to make some arrangements to spend time with Phil Green and John Williams on Tuesday to look at what they need as far as having computers for their Parish and what efforts they might need to ensure that present Parish Data is transferred to new machines.
I've just got home after the wedding reception which, along with the wedding, went well. I'm terribly tired but feel that today has gone well. After the wedding I have been to Bothwell to celebrate the Vigil Mass - I put the trip meter on for today's travelling and have managed to do close to 300 kms without really doing anything extra.
But bed is looking good and so I now declare the day over.
Sunday, 25th
The early Mass at New Norfolk was reasonably well attended this morning although there were a few less than last weekend - that was well attended. Immediately after the Mass I headed off to Ellendale where we celebrated the Mass in an outdoor setting at the local picnic area so that the Mass was followed by a BBQ lunch. There was a good number of people there so that also was a good day.
There is an issue that has arisen over the past few weeks and it would have been good to stay and talk through the issue but I was only able to stay for a short time as I had two baptisms back at New Norfolk. Lorraine sent a fax later this afternoon and she is going to call by tomorrow morning for Mass and a chat to see how we should address the issue.
During this afternoon I have been working on the Thanksgiving envelopes for the next four months - they should have been out last weekend but I had missed a few during the four months and so didn't notice that they were due to be reissued. I got the m done for tonight's Mass so at least the people there now have envelopes for the next period - the Sunday morning people can get theirs next week.
During the afternoon as I was following up a phone call from during the week I got two calls from funeral directors asking me to do funerals on Wednesday afternoon. As the circumstances turn out I can but the process might be a little unusual. One of the funerals is to be at 1.15pm followed by a wake at the funeral home before they move off to the Crematorium for the committal service. The other is to be a service at the Crematorium only - and will take place during the Wake for the first funeral. I've never started a funeral, celebrated another then completed the first so it will be just a little bit different.
The evening Mass was a good celebration and now that I've had a bite to eat I'm heading upstairs for an early night (after I watch Monarch of the Glen).
Monday, 26th
After Mass this morning I spent some time working with Lorraine on material that had come up over the weekend and we planned some details of the Calendar for next month which I then faxed out the team and hopefully there will be responses prior to the meeting on Thursday so that everything can be included for this weekend's BEACON.
The palms are available to be burnt but it hasn't happened yet so that will need to be done tomorrow. I also worked away at clearing up some of the material from the weekend including asking the CDF to check what needs to be done to have access to Bpay because of the move of Telstra to offer discounts for payments made over the internet - that is being checked for me.
I then had a quick bite to eat and heading off to town to visit families for the funerals on Wednesday. Heading for Chigwell first I spent time with the family of the late Betty Turner. The Turner family moved into Chigwell in 1958, just months after we had arrived there in 1957 and were our neighbours for the 3 years we lived there before moving to Geelong in 1961 (the reason I have been a Geelong supporter for all these years). Betty died yesterday and her funeral is to be celebrated on Wednesday afternoon. The arrangements went easily and I gathered a couple of photo's to take with me to Photolith for a bromide for the cover of the leaflet.
From there I headed to Glenorchy to visit Max Hills, the husband of the late Avis Hills whose funeral is also on Wednesday (check yesterday's notes for the unusual circumstances surrounding these two funerals). Max is 82 + and in great form but immensely sad after losing his soul mate so it will be a difficult time for him - they had a son but very little other contact with family for various reasons.
I also managed to book my tickets for the flight to Dublin for the Renewal Course in September and I'm due to arrive back home on Monday 17th December leaving me just a week to get my head back together for Christmas.
My marriage preparation appointment last night went well and the couple are a lovely couple with a very beautiful appreciation of each other - it is a real joy to work with them.
Now it is time for bed and I'm really looking forward to an early night.
Tuesday, 27th
The Council of Priests meeting scheduled for today was postponed to next Tuesday which gave me the opportunity to get to see John Williams and Phil Green re their computers and to try to work out if there is any value in upgrading or replacing existing systems. At the moment there are a few questions that need to be answered and I'll have to wait to hear from Mike Northall at Grapevine Support before we go any further.
From there I headed to town to collect the bromide for the booklet for the funeral of the late Betty Turner and then I'll come home after dropping off a copy the leaflet to her son Ian at the Glenorchy City Council.
I've started working on the BEACON but sadly have not progressed too far so that means that tomorrow I am going to have to put in quite a deal of time to get it up to scratch before I can take it to the meeting at Oatlands on Thursday.
The pancake supper has just finished and I'm not certain whether it is something that we will continue or simply let it die.
Now it is time for bed as the next two days are going to be hectic.
Wednesday, 28th
There was a good gathering of children and people at Mass this morning for the commencement of the Lenten season. It is always difficult to determine the best time for Masses for people because of the busyness of their day. After Mass I went down to school for a Liturgy for the Infant Classes for the distribution of the Ashes and checked some dates for the Sacramental Program Meetings for the year.
I spent some time on the BEACON for this weekend (as well as some time this afternoon) but there is still a long way to go before I can print it tomorrow afternoon. I still need more information about what is happening in the North of the Parish but will manage to get some details tomorrow afternoon at the Team Meeting at Oatlands so I'm not particularly worried at present.
I had two funerals today - and managed to create a little bit of history for myself. I started with the funeral for the late Betty Turner at 1.15pm at the Turnbull Family Chapel in North Hobart. The family wanted a private service at the Crematorium so they arranged to have refreshments served at the Chapel after the Funeral Service. While they were having their cuppa I headed off to the Crematorium to celebrate the funeral of the late Avis Hills at 2.30pm. It all worked out without too much trouble although I was really tired as I drove home after the two celebrations within the (just over) two hours.
I've just celebrated the evening Mass and done some more work on the BEACON but I can't finish it tonight so it will have to wait until tomorrow - time for bed.
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