Pray With Us
Prayer of St Francis. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy... more info >
a message from the Vicar General
Greetings!
As you may be aware, I am here as Vicar-General for the period ahead. The first weeks have been quite intense but encouraging. We are praying our way into new beginnings.
July is within our 40 Days of Prayer. As Jesus says, as a matter of fact, "apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) A Prayer you may find helpful comes from medieval England, it evidences the commonalities of the human condition, whether the century or hemisphere:
We ask you, Lord to set us free from all evil, and graciously grant that, as we seek forgiveness for ourselves, so we may be forgiving to others, in Jesus Holy Name we Pray. AMEN.
As we all know true forgiveness often requires a long process of coming to terms with grief, anger, sense of loss, and much else. We go forward, giving and forgiving, by God's grace and our own best efforts. Be assured of my prayers. As I move around this splendid Diocese for worship and meeting, please make yourself known to me.
Grace and Peace in Jesus,
+ Philip Huggins
Quiet Days
Quiet Days... It is important that we take time out to pray and reflect together, especially as we seek to understand where God is leading us in this diocese as we seek to minister and work together for the sake of the Gospel. In response to requests, the Vicar General will lead some Quiet Days around the diocese. more info >
Pakistan Flood Appeal
During the past weeks we have seen graphic images of the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan. On Sunday 22nd August our diocese invites you to share in a day of prayer for the people of Pakistan. We also suggest that your congregations may like to have a retiring offering which could be distributed through Act For Peace. more info >
Bishop Announces Resignation
Bishop Michael Hough has tendered his resignation as the Bishop of Ballarat with his last day in office to be Monday, 20 December 2010, following a service of the Laying up of the Pastoral Staff on Sunday, 19 December 2010. Bishop Michael says that he has come to this decision with a heavy heart, and after much prayer and reflection on the unity of the Diocese and its mission. more info >
Martyrs' Day 2010
Please join us as we remember our Diocesan Patrons, those who gave their lives for the faith in Papua New Guinea. Saturday 4th September 2010 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ararat at 11am Mass. more info >
Bible Studies 2010
You are invited to spend time reflecting on the role the Scriptures play in your life. August & September are available NOW. more info >
The Chronicle
The Chronicle is the official newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Ballarat. .If you would like to make a contribution to The Chronicle email your article and and images to: Janine Stewart, The Editor: editor@ballaratanglican.org.au. August 2010 issue is available now. more info >
Diocesan Events
A new set of Diocesan Dates for your Diary are available. more info >
Intercessions
Diocesan Prayer Calendar for 2010. more info >
Mission Resources
A range of resources are available to be borrowed from the Ministry Development Officer, Fr Peter Yeats. more info >