ASSOCIATES NEWS – MARCH 2009

Dear Associates, These last few weeks have been very stressful for many and much of our country, and of course, this affects us all. The fires in Victoria and their horrific impact on the lives of so many have been uppermost in our minds during February, and we know that our Associates in Victoria have been very aware of the devastation so close to their homes.

We have been with you all, as the Memorial Service emphasised ‘we are one’, and that is a consolation to many so affected. At the northern aspect of our country, flooding rains have also caused havoc, and many have been cut off from nearby neighbours and towns for weeks. Our Associates n Cairns have been involved in these tragedies, and we are reminded again that  ‘we are one’ and we are with you, whatever the events. The sudden and violent loss of life, is a reminder to us of our prayer for the dying, and again alerts us to the suddenness, and so lack of time for preparation for death.

It was Mary Potter’s desire, and vision, that no one would die alone, and hat is our role now, to pray for those who are dying, that we may be with them in spirit through our prayer. Now we have come to Lent, our forty day preparation for the greatest feast of the hristian calendar, when we relive those days in the life of Christ preceding his death and then wonderful Resurrection.

This year, on Holy Thursday, (9 April), we will also celebrate the 96th anniversary f Mary Potter’s death in Rome in 1913. Perhaps that is a good time to reflect on how our own lives impact of the life of others, and on the world we live in.

This month we also have two Associates’ reflections, giving us much food for thought n our everyday lives. Thanks to Pat Armstrong and Judy Ellis for these reflections. he spirit of Mary, Lovingly in Mary

Mary Clare. LCM

News from Around the Groups

Wagga Wagga

On 7th March, the LCM Community, Associates and friends, gathered for the Commitment of Marie Wood, and the reception into the ‘Journey’ of Ann Bodkin and Lourdes Farrugia. Following Mass, a beautiful liturgy was celebrated by all, Sr Jennifer received the commitment, and a very joyful morning tea followed. Congratulations to Marie on her commitment and to Ann and Lourdes as they begin their journey.

Cairns

The next meeting of Associates will be held on Saturday, 28 March at the Siloam Centre. (I hope Hamish will be well out of the way by then.) As is the custom, Affiliates will join with the Associates for the morning reflection; afterwards the Associates meet in the afternoon for sharing, and planning for the following year.

Melbourne

The Associates will meet with the LCM Community on Wednesday, 15 April for the recommitment of Associates. This is a great night for celebrating, and we remember that our first group of Associates were in Melbourne, in 1997, they keep the flag flying high!

Annual Associates meeting

As from this year, the handover of the NATeam meeting will become the annual meeting of the Australian Associates. It is hoped that as many of the Associates as possible will attend, to foster greater community of the Australian Associates, and to get to know those whom we my not know, and also to share our spirituality, lives and groups. We look forward to seeing as many of you as can attend.

Newsletter from USA A newsletter arrived from USA Associates late last year. It is quite large, so we have put it up on the webpage. It is in PDF format. Click Here to read the document. Click here to download Adobe reader

We wish you all the graces and blessings of the Easter Season, and hope that the blessings of the Risen Lord fill you and your families with joy, peace and hope.

Srs. Mary Clare and Liz

The next ‘Associate News’ will be circulated in June. Your reflections and comments for inclusion are welcomed. Website for LCM Associates in Australia has some very good articles, prayers, videos. When you have some time, browse through it, follow the prompts. http://associates.50webs.com

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