Nearly 100 parish leaders, clergy and enthusiastic participants from across the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst gathered recently in the Orange Parish, for Made for Mission, a day focused on evangelisation and helping others encounter God and especially the Holy Spirit anew.

The day featured workshops led by representatives from Divine Renovation and Alpha, who shared practical strategies for fostering a culture of evangelisation within our parishes. Their presentations left attendees feeling empowered to bring these ideas to life in their own communities.

A panel of local leaders shared testimonies and insights from their experiences in parish ministry, offering valuable lessons and encouragement for others navigating similar journeys.

One of the most moving parts of the day was the time of prayer in St Joseph’s Church. Participants experienced the beauty of Reconciliation and individual prayer, alongside an inspiring homily by Fr Greg Bellamy that called us to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus.

As per the desire of those gathered, a further workshop going into more detail about Alpha will be held in 2025, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into this powerful tool for evangelisation.

Bishop Michael McKenna closed the day with a heartfelt reminder of our shared mission: to help others encounter Jesus. His words served as a fitting conclusion to a day filled with hope, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Made for Mission event was a testament to the strength and vitality of our Diocesan community and its desire to help God do more. It reminded us that together, guided by the Spirit, we can answer the call to bring Christ’s light to the world.

Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success. May we continue to grow in our mission to make Jesus known and loved.