local_groups

LOCAL GROUPS
Many of our parishes participate in a variety of local groups with an ecumenical dimension. Some of these are:

Aboriginal Reconciliation
Many parishes participate in groups affiliated with the NSW Reconciliation Council working for harmony between Aboriginal and non-indigenous Australians, and for justice for all.
Contact: local parish.

Social Justice Group
There are parishes who have groups with a social justice focus, which are shared between several churches in the community.
Contact: local parish.

Alpha
This is an introductory course in Christianity, originating in England . It is used widely by many churches for outreach and renewal. It is characterised by an informal gathering around a meal, and discussion following video input.
Contact: local parish.

Cana Fraternities
A movement for marriage enrichment, both couples and families. People gather initially for a week-long ‘Session’ for marriage renewal, and then couples meet as fraternities on a monthly basis for life-sharing, spiritual formation and prayer. Cana began in France in 1985 and was introduced to the Diocese in 1993.
Contact: Greg & Kathleen Jones ~ travellers7@yahoo.com

Lenten Study Groups
Many parishes combine with other churches for study groups during Lent and at other times of the year. For example, Life After Drowning or Eat This Bread Drink This Cup.
Contact: local parish

Kairos Prison Ministry
Kairos (pronounced Ky-Ross) introduces residents (prisoners) of Correctional Centres to Christian lifestyle, values and community. Kairos ‘Short Courses in Christianity’ were introduced into Australian prisons in 1995. The ministry is conducted in cooperation with prison chaplains and is led by a Team of about 37 men and women, including clergy. Some of the Team members work ‘inside’ the prison and others work on the ‘outside’.
Contact: john.tancred@bigpond.com

Mercy & Justice Education & Action Centre, Bathurst
The Centre is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and the Mid Western Area Health Service and is assisted by the Department of Probation & Parole and the Work for the Dole Project. The Centre is utilized in a number of ways. The Centre promotes and supports ecumenical activities such as World Days of Prayer, as well as monthly Taize gatherings.
Contact: somjust@netwit.net.au

Refugee Support Groups
There are Refugee Support Groups throughout the diocese. Their purpose is essentially the same: to uphold the right of asylum in Australia and to inform and mobilise people to challenge government policy and legislation which adds to the suffering of refugees and asylum seekers.
Contact ( Bathurst ): somjust@netwit.net.au

'Grow’ Mental Health Programme, and other 12 Step Groups
Small group meetings focused on a spiritually based programme within a community context. Groups are accessible to anyone from the community with issues in mental health or addiction.
Contact: cathc@westserv.net.au