It’s Marnie here again, with an update of month four. Oh my goodness, time is flying so fast. They say time flies when you’re having fun, and I can say that is definitely true. As per my past updates, I have experienced so many amazing things, but here are just some of them.

Firstly, I celebrated my first birthday abroad. It was so cool having a birthday in another country and I had an amazing day filled with amazing people.

I only returned from a tour around Europe a week ago. It was with all the people in Germany from other countries who are doing a Rotary exchange like me and was fantastic.

We saw endless amounts of famous and just great things. Including the leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa Italy, the United Nations in Vienna Austria and the Colosseum in Rome Italy. That’s just to name threen of the numerous things we did and saw.

We travelled around Europe by bus and went to six different countries, including Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic.

Even though I had a great trip, I was very happy to see my host family and Bella (their cat) when I arrived home.

Since returning, I have been back at school for four days. It was so good to see all my friends again. I am now back into my normal German routine after having an amazing three weeks travelling around Europe. 

Bye for now Parkes! I will write to you all again in another months time.

Marnie

 

In the lead up to World Environment Day on June 5, BIG W has announced that its stores across Australia are phasing out soft reusable plastic shopping bags as part of the retailer’s commitment to make a positive change for the planet.

Over the coming weeks, BIG W will run down stock of 15-cent and larger 45-cent reusable plastic shopping bags in stores nationwide, in a move to remove over 480 tonnes of plastic from circulation annually.

With many BIG W shoppers already in the habit of bringing their own bags when they shop, the retailer is continuing to encourage customers to use their own bags to reduce the environmental impact, rather than buying them in store. BIG W paper bags and reusable bag options will be available to those who need them.

BIG W, as part of Woolworths Group, also follows in the footsteps of Woolworths Supermarkets, following the national phased removal of the supermarket’s 15-cent plastic bags earlier this year.

Do not worry there will be alternative options available for purchase in store, including a new 99-cent reusable bag which is made from at least 70% recycled content

Have you drifted away from the Catholic Church? Are you thinking about returning to the Church and need some guidance? The Church wants you back as part of our faith community, and Holy Family Parish Parkes invites you to come along to these 6 sessions. Come to as many or as few sessions as you want. If you wish to bring a support person, even just for the first session, they would be welcome.

There are a number of reasons why people have left the Church. They get busy with work or distracted by family responsibilities or they just drift way, and others are angry or hurt. Many non-practising Catholics would like to return to the Church but they just don’t know where to start. Some feel embarrassed, some mistakenly think they are not allowed to come back, others are confused and mixed up about Catholic beliefs.

But lapsed or inactive Catholics can come home and re-establish their relationship with the Church. For those who have been away for a while, these sessions offer an informal and friendly re-entry.

Holy Family Parish hopes you will accept this invitation to return and rediscover the Catholic faith.

Regardless of why you left or got out of the habit of going to Mass, you can always come home. The words of a popular and beautiful hymn are, “Come as you are, that’s how I want you. Come as you are, feel quite at home. Close to my heart, loved and forgiven; come as you are, why stand alone?”

Everyone is welcome, no matter where they are from. We are Catholic. Welcome home.

By Fr Barry Dwyer

 

Inkredible Experience Tattoo Gallery and Barber will be holding their 13th birthday flash bash on Sunday, 28th May. This year to celebrate 13 amazing years of business you’ll find them in the studio smashing out flash tattoos, barbering and piercing. 

Outside in the street you will find a great display of cars and bikes, browse the market stalls, grab something to eat from spuddy buddies or smoking brother’s while the kids enjoy the free face painting and jumping castle. 

The stage will have live music all day, including local legends Foxy Cleopatra and an opening performance by the Dygang Koori Dance Group. 

Be sure to visit the Inkredible merchandise table where you will find prints, clothing and jewelry for sale with 100% of proceeds going to Lifeline. Grab yourself a shirt, or just scan the QR code to donate directly. Let’s open up the conversation about mental health and raise awareness – It’s not weak to speak! 

The studio is open Tuesday to Saturday and staff will always lend a listening ear and help guide you in the right direction of what resources are available.

The day will be kicking off at 9am and they can’t wait to see you there.