PRESENT:

Fr. Bill Stevens (Chairman), Denise Carmody, Larry Czarnik, Bev. Howie, Don and Marlene Malone, David and Maria Szeto, Noreen McGarry, Chalice Moldrich, Frs. Michael Gormly and Trevor Trotter.

The meeting opened at 7.30 with a prayer.

Fr. Stevens provided a brief background to Jubilee which will be celebrated from Easter 2000-2001. He explained the biblical tradition of Jubilee, held every seven years according to the law of Moses. The Law provided for a "sabbatical year", during which it was expected that land would be allowed to he tallow, debts would be cancelled and slaves freed. What was true for a sabbatical year was also true for the jubilee year celebrated every fiftieth year when the customs were broadened and celebrated with greater solemnity. The Pope has proclaimed the year 2000 as a Holy Year or Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. In marking the beginning of the third millennium of the Christian era it also calls for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Those present were then invited to watch a Video on Jubilee produced by the Columban Fathers It provided a vision of Jubilee from the standpoint of Columban Mission, and in the context of commitment to justice for people in developing countries, and cancellation of world debt.

Fr. Stevens reported that Bishop Walker has adopted the following themes for Lenten

Programmes in Broken Bay Diocese over a three year period.

He then opened up the meeting for comment on possibilities for activities at a diocesan level.

The following suggestions were put forward.

It was agreed that a committee be formed of those present, and that it be responsible for the gathering and distribution of pertinent resources.

It was agreed that the focus for the diocese should be on strategies that help to develop an awareness of Jubilee themes of justice, peace, reconciliation and ecumenism.

It was agreed that Fr. Stevens arrange for a permanent column in the Diocesan Newsletter to educate and to keep parishes up-to-date on what is happening in the diocese concerning Jubilee 2000.

It was agreed to hold monthly meetings on a date close to the deadline for the following issue of the newsletter.

It was agreed that the possibility of a web site on the Internet be explored.

It was agreed that personal contact be made to all parishes to solicit wider response and support for the next meeting.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.45 p.m.