CWLA - NSW The State Biennial Conference 2008 Hosted together with Parramatta Diocese
Report: Loretta Chester
Create a New Heart with Faith, Hope and Love
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"Well what can I say" - a truly wonderful conference the warm welcome we received made us all feel very relaxed and excited about the days ahead.
Firstly I must congratulate Parramatta on all their hard work, it was greatly appreciated by all who attended. The venue "The Sebel Hotel" was perfect, to have everything in the same location made it so easy and carefree. The delicious meals and the friendly staff helped to make it a great experience. To Catherine McGrath, State President and the state executive and conference committee a special note of thanks for the joyous weekend we spent together.
The opening was on Friday evening in St. Patrick's Cathedral, celebrated by Bishop Kevin Manning and Father Sean Cullen our State Chaplain was a wonderful beginning to what promised to be a fun filled and exciting weekend of conference.
After which we enjoyed supper and a few drinks, before our first guest speaker Melinda Tankard Reist from Women's Forum Australia. A very thought provoking discussion on the impact of popular culture on girls and young women today.
Saturday we awoke to a beautiful sunny day. The Daily Liturgy was most inspiring our Keynote speaker Dr Peter Spitzer known as Dr Fruit Loop from the Clown Doctors (Humour Foundation Charity) for which he is co - founder, gave us many laughs. His humour was infectious and his aim of dispensing mirth and infecting the hospital wards with laughter and leaving his patients in stitches. Certainly showed us a different side to medical care - what a great morning we enjoyed together.
Father Sean Cullen's State Chaplain address, most enlightening, we are very privileged to have such a great mentor.
On a deeper note Fr Chris Riley "Youth Office the Streets" as usual gave us an insight into his wonderful work, what a great contribution he has made to many young lives.
Mrs Olya Kolomyjec (Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Australia) gave us a enlightening speech on the many challenges facing women in the Ukrainian and Catholic churches today. Currently they are working on a project called "Bridge of Hope" sponsorship on orphans in the Ukraine.
The Conference Dinner on Saturday evening gave us a chance to enjoy the company of our other members in a relaxed atmosphere. After this delicious meal we were entertained by our next guest speaker Kristina Keneally MP, Member for Heffron in NSW Parliament and Minister for Planning and Redfern and Waterloo. A great speaker she told us her story and all about her role in World Youth Day 2008 it was most enjoyable to hear. Fun, laughter and dancing made this a great night.
Sunday brought another day filled with much enjoyment and work - the business sessions were informative and rewarding to hear. Our two guest speakers Mrs Kimberly Davis (Office for the Participation of Women) and Julie Kelly (Project Rachel) were very different, but most enlightening in various ways.
All in all a great selection of speakers helped to make this a most educational and rewarding conference. Meeting up with friends from all over the state was most enjoyable and a great highlight of our weekend.
Once again we must thank all who contributed to making this a really fulfilling conference. A special thank you to Evelyn Gardiner for her spiritual and beautiful liturgies. God's many blessings to all CWLA members until we meet again.
