Diocesan President Mrs Rhonda Gault

MU and CARITAS

The Diocese of Bendigo extends from Daylesford in the south to Mildura in the north, St Arnaud in the west and Mooroopna in the east.  This diocese is badly affected by the drought especially in the north. There is a large grain growing area and dried fruits and wine production in the Mildura region. There are 25 MU and Caritas parish branches and 11 parishes with members who have no branch to attend. there are 23 Diocesan members, 226 branch members and 80 Caritas members in the Bendigo Diocese.

The Diocesan president is Mrs Ronda Gault. She is an active and very  enthusiastic president, and has a warm and loving manner, reaching out to all.  Ronda is a much loved and loving mother and grandmother and has been involved  with teaching primary school children for 40 years. Ronda is also a member of  of the Storytellers Guild and has entertained on many occasions. This was especially  enjoyed at the Sudanese weekend the Bendigo diocese MU hosted in September 2007.

The bookstall and publications are well patronised  at diocesan and other functions and a healthy profit enabled the Sudanese weekend to be funded.  The Rev. Barry Rainsford a retired priest of the Diocese does a wonderful

Presentation of merchandise and also promotes new and topical literature.

The Executive of the Bendigo MU is made up of very active members from branches some quite a distance from Bendigo. they are supportive of and inspired by the Diocesan President and work well together.

All members of the Bendigo MU have Mia Mia included in their membership and this is well received by the members.

Two years ago the Bendigo MU hosted a forum on Depression. There was a panel  with a doctor, radio Broadcaster and Clergy.  the meeting attracted an overflowing  attendance and surprised the organisers with the breadth of the problem throughout the community.  there has been subsequent follow up.  this year Bendigo MU hosted  and funded a weekend at Derby Hill camp Maldon for 30 Sudanese mothers and their children, from Footscray Anglican Parish, Melbourne.  Fourteen members of Bendigo MU enjoyed their company and learnt about their lives before coming to Australia.

Gifts donated by MU members were given to all and other gifts sent back with them  for those not able to attend. There were activities on the Saturday for the children, and the mothers were able to enjoy fellowship with MU members and one another. They cooked traditional Sudanese food for us and we were thrilled to see the children eat so much fruit and vegetables.  On Sunday  we all walked to Maldon Anglican church and the congregation welcomed them and a  delicious lunch followed before we waved goodbye to them.  It was a wonderful experience for us all.

The last two years our theme has been "Living Gods Love"  In 2008 it will be "FAITH! MISSION! ACTION!"

The branches will be challenged to provide programmes on this  theme.  The Bendigo MU is united, active and working to make Mary Sumner’s prayer to win the nation for Christ a reality for Bendigo .

Linked Together - Diocesan Newsletter, August 2008, (note page numbers, A5 format, to be printed on A4 paper)

Lady Day - April 2008

Weekend with Sudanese families - September 2007

last update 23/8/2008