On 10th July, the priests of our Diocese gathered with parishioners in the Cathedral to for their Jubilee Mass. This Mass is a chance for parishioners to pray with and for our priests and each year is another one of service, celebration and joy in the gift that is the Priesthood.

While the yearly celebration of the Jubilee Mass, and the Jubilee Dinner that follows, is an important time for all our priests to mark their ordination anniversaries and, at times, significant birthdays, there are usually particular Jubilarians to celebrate. This year is was Bishop Michael McKenna, who will celebrate 40 years since his ordination on 19th August and Fr Laurie Beath, Parish Priest of Cowra, who will celebrate 35 years of priesthood on 12th August.

The priests enjoyed a lovely dinner together in the Cathedral Presbytery after Mass, giving them a chance to catch up, reminisce and nurture their collegiality.

The Diocese and also the wider Church and community have been abundantly blessed and helped through the life and ministry of these men, and we thank them for their love and generous service to God’s people.