Stewardship of Time and Talent

First, it is necessary to report that Bishop Boyle, the first Bishop of the Mandeville Diocese, passed away on 1-10-08. Both his former Diocese, and ours, lost a dear friend. Both Dioceses now have a powerful intercessor for the effectiveness of our work together.

The Convocation for Priests for 2008 took place at Lake Barkley State Resort Park on January 7-10, 2008. The topic for the Convocation was about two interrelated topics: (1) intercultural dynamics of international presbyteral ministry; and (2) the status and future of our sister diocese relationship with Mandeville, Jamaica, especially as this touches the ministry of our Priests. Msgr. Michael Palud, the Administrator for the Diocese of Mandeville, attended as an invited guest who reviewed the history and present status of the collaboration. Some joint thinking about the future collaboration took place. Among the Priorities the Priests expressed for the ongoing future relationship were:

1. Pulpit exchange/ bishop visit Mandeville

2. Improve water collection system, concrete block industry, solar ovens

3. Move from talking to – to talking with the poor

4. Catholic school involvement with Mandeville in diocese of Owensboro

5. Continue Ash Wednesday collection

6. DVD explaining the collaboration between the Dioceses

In 2008, the Diocese of Owensboro has two Mission Immersion Trips planned. They are: May 21-27, 2008 and October 1-7, 2008. Information about these trips appeared in the Western Kentucky Catholic in both January and February 2008 to invite people to take part. Many have signed up for the trip, however there were a few opening especially for a Priest Pastor to go in May.

The VOSH (Volunteer Optometrists in Service to Humanity) Mission is scheduled for late May to early June 2008. Glasses are still being received for those that wish to send them till 4-15-08.

Stewardship of Treasure

The Sixth Diocesan wide collection took place on Ash Wednesday February 6, 2008. No report has been received as yet on how much the collection was. No further updates have been received.

A Diocesan wide collection of goods is scheduled to take place this fall. The actual shipment date will be sometime in October 2008. More will be shared in future issues of the Western Kentucky Catholic.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Murphy

Sister Diocese Committee Coordinator

Diocese of Owensboro