2LT Local News

The Catholic Bishop of Bathurst has called on parishioners throughout the Bathurst Diocese to unite in a day of prayer this coming Sunday (29 July 2018), in a bid to end the current, crippling drought affecting the region.

The diocese, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in June 2015, comprises Bathurst, Blayney, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo, Dunedoo/Coolah, Gilgandra, Gulgong, Kandos, Lithgow, Molong, Mudgee, Oberon, Orange, Portland, and Wellington.

Bishop Michael McKenna, who has had charge of the Bathurst diocese for nine years, has asked parishioners to unite in praying for rain.

“We are all aware of the current drought conditions across our Diocese and their effect on our lives: for some of us more directly than others,” Bishop McKenna told parishioners in a recently circulated newsletter.

“As people of faith, we are already praying for rain and for everyone whose lives and livelihood depend on this blessing. On Sunday 29th July, let us be united across the Diocese of Bathurst in a Day of Prayer for those intentions.”

“Our prayers acknowledge our dependence on God our Creator for all things,” said the Roman Catholic bishop. “In praying for one another, we are motivated and guided to works of practical support.”

Bishop McKenna was ordained and installed as the 8th bishop of Bathurst on 26th June 2009. He was the first Bishop of Bathurst in 89 years to be ordained within the diocese.