The Diocese of Wangaratta was founded in
1901, created out of the Diocese of Melbourne. Our first Bishop, The Right
Reverend T H Armstrong was installed in Holy Trinity church on March 13th
1902. So this year we have been celebrating our centenary.
Our Diocese occupies the north-east of the
state of Victoria and the Albury district of NSW and has an area of 40,867
square kilometres.
It is a rural diocese with several large
rural cities, where tourism and agriculture are very important aspects of our
community. We are close to the snow fields, large water storages which provide
opportunities for fishing and water sports, it is very picturesque as much of
the country is undulating or mountainous. There is a large variety
of farming carried out, and a large area devoted to wine production with
beautiful vineyards, it is an area of scenic beauty and fertile plains.
We enjoy 4 definite seasons.
MU was started in the diocese in 1935, and we
now have 15 branches, 4 Caritas groups, and 2 Anna groups. We also have 16
lone members who live in parishes where there is no active branch. Some of our
branches are small, but are very valued just the same. Many branches struggle to
attract new members due to the fact that a lot of women are in the workforce.
However the branches that we do have are
active and are involved in a large variety of interesting activities.
Members are
encouraged to have an active prayer life.
We have a prayer circle
which can be activated by any member for family or friend.
Branches support their
Parish priest by doing Baptism follow ups, providing Baptism
kits for the parish, attending pre-baptism seminars, and attending the
actual baptism.
Visit the sick in hospital
offering prayer support and encouragement.
Many branches are involved
in activities for children in their parishes such as - Toddler service, pram
service (teddy bears picnic ) children’s church, support youth activities.
Many branches support the
elderly in their community by opportunities for them to come together
over a meal for fellowship.
Many branches knit and
distribute Trauma teddy’s to Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade and
Funeral Director’s.
