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World Meeting of Families brings people together

Hundreds of families across our Diocese came together last month to celebrate the World Meeting of Families.

Elizabeth Symington July 12, 2022

Hundreds of families across the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle came together last month in celebration of the World Meeting of Families (WMOF).

Rather than host one Diocesan-centric event, several WMOF activities were held across the Hunter-Manning regions, with parish communities encouraged to hold their own events to support people to come together and reconnect to family ministry.

One highlight of the week was a Community Market Day at Our Lady of Victories Primary School, Shortland.

After hearing Pope Francis’ invitation to celebrate, the Wallsend-Shortland Young Adult group made a plan.

They set up the school to host the market and created a prayer space for Peace at Our Lady of Victories Church.

Teacher and mother, Tina Tohi shared an inspiring talk about keeping the faith through difficult times when her  healthy 15-year-old son was diagnosed with an incurable brain disease.

The event also gave the group an opportunity to raise funds for local charities  and a Parish Youth hub.

Another event at St Joseph’s Merewether provided a welcome surprise – after three years away, a set of grandparents from Katoomba were able to visit their family and meet their three-month old grandchild for the first time.

Across the Diocese, a highlight for many parishioners was seeing the church full of families and children.

After two difficult years full of COVID lockdowns and restrictions, last month’s events are a great sign that people are ready to connect with others and return to Diocesan and community events. 

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