Bishop Bill Wright invites the community to the annual Ecumenical Way of the Cross
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, Bill Wright, is inviting individuals and families from across the Hunter to join him this Sunday from 3pm as he leads the annual Ecumenical Way of the Cross in the grounds of the Conference Centre at Kilaben Bay.
The Way of the Cross or “Stations of the Cross” follows the Lenten Prayer Gatherings of Hope and Healing held throughout the diocese during Lent, and looks forward to the celebration of Easter.
School leaders and representatives from fourteen Catholic schools in the diocese will walk and celebrate the Stations of the Cross alongside Bishop Bill. They will also be joined by those involved in ministering to young people in the diocese. Gathering with young people at Kilaben Bay will call to mind World Youth Day 2008 and remind people to pray for those young people who are preparing to go to WYD13 in Rio de Janeiro.
Diocesan Vice Chancellor for Pastoral Ministries, Teresa Brierley, is looking forward to the whole community coming together, whatever their faith, to “meet Jesus as he journeys towards Calvary”.
“The Way of the Cross will be very special this year as it coincides with the Year of Grace. The Australian bishops have called us to ‘start afresh from Christ’ and what better way to do that than to contemplate Christ’s death and resurrection in this moving tradition,” Mrs Brierley said.
“Walking with Jesus through his suffering is a powerful reminder of his humanity and grace. The young people from our Catholic schools taking part also gives The Way of the Cross an extra resonance,” she said.
“The Way of the Cross dates back to early Christian times and the hundreds of people anticipated to come along on Sunday, will enjoy the beautiful bush setting at Kilaben Bay as we ponder our call to live in relationship with all people, and the whole of creation,” she said.
The Way of the Cross will proceed regardless of weather conditions as an alternative undercover area is available on the same site.
What: The Ecumenical Way of the Cross
When: Sunday 24 March 2013, 3.00pm
Where: The grounds of St Joseph’s Conference Centre, 140 Wangi Road, Kilaben Bay (near St Joseph’s Church and School).
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