Presentation Sisters

Orchard Hills NSW 2748

It was about 3.00pm on Good Friday when a group of Cana Community members assembled at the Orchard Hills farm to commemorate the sacred events of 2 millennia ago. After brief introductions, Sr Anne served us coffee, tea and what she called “warm cross buns”. The children preferred the fresh macadamia nuts they collected from the trees lining the driveway.

Half an hour later, in the breezy sunlit afternoon, led by 3 very eager dogs, we strolled downhill towards the dam for the stations of the cross. Well, it was more a meditation on those significant events of our faith. Fr X started our simple ceremony with a few words and a hymn and we all joined in. X carried the cross and we headed uphill towards the cottage stopping at a few stages for some prayerful thoughts. Sr Anne reminded us of the central presence of women at those events and so the women and girls carried the cross for one lap of the procession. At the shady top of the hill, we stopped to share a few more prayers and thoughts and to hold palm-leaf crosses, distributed by two of the girls. The ceremony ended with all of us – unrehearsed and quite naturally – fanning away from the cross as if to the four corners of the earth, strolling away with our own thoughts.

Later, Br Bernard told Sr Anne that the ceremony was “very real” and it made us all feel as one. Indeed. Its simplicity flowed so naturally in the outdoor setting that it vividly brought to mind the mystery of life and death itself. Out there, standing in the beautiful surrounds, in the evening sunshine with lovely friends, in the cool breeze, it was easy to be struck by the ephemeral nature of earthly life. Certainly, some of us there would be gone in less than 40 years! Clearly, without God’s love through the mystery of our faith, salvation through the cross of Christ, which we had just commemorated, all would be meaningless.

The afternoon gave meaning to our lives. Life is so short. Life is so beautiful. We can’t waste any time on negative behaviour. Every single precious moment must be spent making ourselves and others happy … it’s like learning the language of Heaven on Earth! That’s what Cana Communities is – isn’t it?

I think everyone is looking forward to a repetition of this event in 2013.

During March and April 2012 we gathered rural farming parents from Lockhart to facilitate and experience the reflective Parenting Program Bringing Up Great Kids. Relationship and reflective practice is the heart of the program.

Lockhart is a 50 minute drive west of Wagga Wagga NSW and was a community severely affected by recent flooding rains.

The Bringing up Great Kids Parenting Program uses ideas of mindfulness and reflection to support parents to review and enhance their patterns of communication as well as the ‘messages’ they received from their own experience of being parented. Parents are encouraged to reflect upon and understand the meaning behind their child’s behaviour.

Spending time with the Lockhart parents was a great experience. They were willing to explore new ideas as well as provide an interactive and dynamic group process … and it was fun!

Bernadette Pattison pbvm
Presentation Sisters Rural Outreach Wagga Wagga

National Women’s Day is a day devoted to the celebration of the achievements of all women across the world. It is a day where we can reflect on the great changes that women have made to society and the immense accomplishments and goals achieved throughout history.

On 28 March 2012 over twenty women from the surrounding district of Moulamein (a small, isolated country town) in the south-west of NSW gathered. They came to enjoy time with each other, celebrate, reflect on their lives and the challenges it brings and share their experiences and insights around the issues associated with loss, grief and change. Rich treasure indeed.

Together the group learned the importance of having a positive attitude and being passionate about their beliefs and strive to achieve their goals. This can be achieved through hard work, positive attitudes and never giving up!

Throughout the day there was the opportunity to be “guests” and “supporters” of each other. While the journey is not over yet there is the understanding that there is still a long road to travel and each and every one is a part of the journey.

Ann McRae pbvm, Wagga Wagga

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