Commissioning Mass for Vinnies

The
Catholic Weekly
Online

Sydney
16 November 2003

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Commissioning Mass for Vinnies

John Finneran has formally stepped into his role as the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Sydney archdiocesan council president during a commissioning Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Caringbah.

The Mass brought together more than 250 members from archdiocesan, national and state councils, including national president John Meahan and State president John O'Neil.

Mr O'Neil drew comparisions between the Society’s founder,

Bl Frederic Ozanam and John Finneran.

He said: “Both were young, both were academics, both were lecturers/teachers at university, both fell in love with kindred spirits, both show a passion for the Catholic faith and service to the poor.”

After the Mass, John Finneran outlined five tenets for the future of the council.

“The council will go forward on the basis of Gospel values, Bl Frederic's vision, volunteers,partnership and business,” he said.

“The Society is a spiritual organisation first and foremost, and a way of living out the Eucharist.

“Our founder Bl Frederic Ozanam is the guidance for our work in the long-term-improvement of the poor.

“The volunteers are vital in our work, they need to be recognised and provided with training, along with the need to constantly focus on recruitment, renewal and spirituality.

“Another focus will be on our relationship with the Catholic Church, other Churches, Vincentians, government authorities and non-government organisations.

“Finally, in relation to the business of running centres andspecial works, there will be particular emphasis on accountability, transparency and professionalism.”

Bishop David Cremin, was principal celebrant for the Mass, with Mons Kerry Bayada, (Caringbah) and council spiritual advisers

Fr Robert Stephens (Oyster Bay), Fr Russell (Mortdale) Fr Peter Rankin (Engadine), Fr Abraham Tharappel (Caringbah) and Fr Michael McLean (Cronulla) as concelebrants.