Our Lady Flight Into Egypt ~ Mary is honoured as the Chief Patron of our Diocese of Port Elizabeth. In accordance with the official liturgical Pastoral Guide it is therefore elevated to a solemnity (big feast) for the local church and celebrated on the Sunday that occurs on 4th February or between the 4th and 10th February each year.

bISHOP'S ADVENT APPEAL / BISHOPS' LENTEN APPEAl

ADVENT APPEAL

Dear People of God,

Our Faith Year begins on the First Sunday of Advent. It is the sacred time when we as a community of God are asked to think and pray about two things; first of all to prepare our hearts and minds for the final coming of Jesus in glory, and then, more immediately, to celebrate His Birth at Christmas. (Last year I was privileged to offer midnight Mass for you all in Bethlehem itself.)

The Advent Appeal Collections are also taken up for special community needs; last year your generous response was a record amount of R 199 192-37. Thank you! We are now, due to this welcome response, able to renovate some of our churches and meet some of the expenses for training our future priests.

This year your contributions will be used to enable us to begin with the RENEW Africa process for the diocese and also support our tuition fees at the Seminary.

1. As you may know, we are embarking on the RENEW Africa process ‘Gathered as God’s Family’. It has already started with the training and formation of diocesan and parish core communities. The process aims to develop
a. A closer relationship to Christ;
b. Growth within the community;
c. Reaching out in service to others as we strengthen our small Christian communities.

During our successful Renew process 1992 – 1995 we largely received our material from the International team. However, in this second round of RENEW, we will produce our own materials. As we continue to strive towards becoming a self-sustaining Church, we need to take responsibility for the costs of printed matter, travel expenses (both for the local and international team), and training costs.

2. The second part of the Advent appeal continues to help towards study fees of our seminarians. As part of becoming self-sufficient it includes the ability to provide our own priests. Fees for a student amount to R 35 000 each – and we have seven students.

My prayer is that, as we celebrate the Advent Season, it will be a time when our love of God and understanding of Christ’s Birth and Coming will reach a joyful climax. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also a wonderful way to prepare for a meaningful Christmas.


Your shepherd in the Lord,

RT. REV. MICHAEL COLEMAN
BISHOP OF PORT ELIZABETH.

Bishops' Lenten Appeal

Bishops Lenten Appeal is the annual appeal from the Southern African Bishops' Conference for specific needy projects in Southern Africa.

Bishop's Lenten Appeal / Bishop's Advent Appeal:
Mr Frank Wightman, Diocesan Office,
PO Box 12194, Centrahil 6006.
Tel: (041) 373 2803.

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