Centenary Celebrations ...

Recognising the significance of 2009 as the year in which we will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mary MacKillop’s death, a committee was formed in 2008 to look at ways in which we might mark this special year. At the first meeting the group reflected on the purpose of the 2009 celebrations and decided on the following aims:

   PURPOSE OF CELEBRATIONS

Raise awareness of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St. Joseph

Celebrate who Mary has been and continues to be for

our church and world

Celebrate Mary’s continuing influence (Congregation, Associates, ministries)

Deepen the commitment of Sisters and co-workers

Celebrate our part of Mary’s story

Use the opportunity to gain support for our ministries

   Use the occasion to deepen MacKillop spirituality.

Dates have been set for the following celebrations (Other events are still being planned)

Blessing of the Statue: (March 22nd) A life-sized statue of Mary MacKillop crafted by sculptor, Mrs Judith Rolevink, has been placed in the Mary MacKillop Plaza which adjoins St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in the heart of Adelaide. This statue was officially unveiled and blessed on Sunday 22nd March. Sisters Teresita Cormack, Mary Preston, Pat Flynn and Teresa Cooper unveiled the statue whilst Archbishop Wilson, together with Bishop Greg O’Kelly, performed the blessing.

Sharing the Charism Workshops: (March 28th & 29th) Sr Christina Neunzerling RSJ will be coming from Sydney to lead two workshops on the Charism of Mary MacKillop. These workshops are open to members of our Boards and other key co-workers, as well as the Sisters.

Centenary Breakfast: (April 16th) As part of our publicity for Mary MacKillop and her continuing work, we have planned a celebratory Breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Thursday, 16th April. The well-known author, Monica McInerney, said she would be honoured to be our guest speaker. Monica was a student with the Sisters at Clare, in SA, and now lives in Dublin. The breakfast will raise funds for the Mary MacKillop Foundation through which the Sisters are able to support those in need in Australia, Peru and East Timor.

Schools’ Mass: (May 1st) The Josephite Education group has planned a school Mass in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral for the Feast of St Joseph the Worker. Representatives from all the schools will come together and mark this centenary year in a special way. Schools in the Port Pirie Diocese are also planning a gathering.

Centenary Student Art Competition & Exhibition:(May 29th)

The staff and students of Mary MacKillop College are planning a competition and exhibition of the art of students of local and regional schools-some 27 schools, Reception to Year 11.

The students are asked to depict images that aim to celebrate the spirit of Mary MacKillop and her life from a young persons perspective.

Exhibition in Cathedral Hall: (June) We have been invited to set up an exhibition of Mary MacKillop’s works in the city of Adelaide in the Cathedral Hall during the month of June. We are hoping to be able to extend this to include the porch of the Cathedral.

Mary MacKillop College Musical: (1st June) Staff and students of Mary MacKillop College at Kensington are busily preparing to stage a special musical at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to celebrate the centenary of Mary’s death. Mary MacKillop – the Musical was composed by Xavier Brouwer and will be directed by Timothy Davey and narrated by Daniela Scala.

Mary MacKillop Vigil And Mass: (8th August) Our main celebration will be on the actual day of Mary MacKillop’s death on the 8th August and will be held at the cathedral in Adelaide. The Mass which is to be held at 4pm will suffice for our Sunday obligation. Invitations will go out to various dignitaries, to parishes, schools and family and friends of the Sisters inviting them to be part of this celebration. A combined choir of Sisters, students and the Cathedral choir will lead the singing.

Centenary Conference: (19th – 20th August) The Congregational Leadership Team is co-ordinating a series of lectures by Sr Maria Pascuzzi csj from the States. Maria is a specialist in Scripture, particularly in the Pauline letters. The Conference is for all Sisters of St Joseph in the Centenary year of Mary MacKillop’s death and will be held in 4 venues. The dates for SA are in August and so far already about 100 Sisters have expressed interest in attending.