Noticeboard

On the noticeboard this week, you'll find a few articles on Fair Trade to coincide with our talk on Fair Trade on the 8th of September.

Also, How Poverty is Measured and the forgotten genocide in Sudan.

Festival of Nations 2006 is over!

A very big thank you to one and all for making this annual event yet another success for Cosdu. We are very grateful to veteran Cosduans for their valuable advice and expertise as well as to the brave novice ones for fearlessly volunteering their services. Over and above all that, we have benefited in small and large ways from which all Cosduans have helped out, including the provision of crockery and utensils and all your prayers and support.

If you were unable to join us even at the 2nd day, you can still relive the memorable experience through these photos! Enjoy!

Festival of Nations 2006

Today was the first day of Festival of Nations 2006. We had a great time selling fried wantons, pulot hitam and mua chee; all sumptuous traditional food. North court was buzzing with performances, curious onlookers and hungry students. The Cosdu Stall enjoyed a bustling and consistent patronage throughout the mid day break.

If you missed out on the activities today, please do drop by anytime tomorrow between 12 noon to 2pm to join in the rousing crowd in soaking in the festive atmosphere. And while you're at it, please recommend the Cosdu Stall to all your friends.

The money we're raising will be used to subsidise the cost of Easter Camp 2007, so please do support our worthy cause!

Noticeboard

The noticeboard this week will be dedicated to migrants and asylum seekers in Australia simply because the 25th of August is World Migrant day.

Also, don't forget that the 25th is also Daffodil Day so if you're out and about in the city on Friday, make sure you buy a daffodil (it's a flower, in case you're wondering...) and/or a daffodil pin. All proceeds go to the Cancer Council.

We're in Week 5!

Welcome to the start of Week 5, Semester 2, 2006. It is truly incredibly how time flies. We hope that you've settled into the weekly routine of lectures, tutorials and have braced yourself for the onslaught of assignments. And before you know it, we'll be enjoying the Summer Break!

To keep us spiritually and socially balanced, we hope that you'll continue to benefit from the programme we've planned for the rest of Semester 2. Click here for a sneak preview of the exciting happenings for the following sessions.

Perhaps you've noticed the theme of Social Justice that launched us into Semester 2. Father Bernie Lane, ministering youths in Peru, reminded us that Social Justice and outreach are hallmarks of disciples of Jesus.

Referring to Mark 1: 14, John 8:31 and Luke 1:35, Father Bernie Lane reminded us that Christian discipleship is a deliberate choice that we have to consciously act on everyday so that we will know what is required of us, "to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

The biblically grounded session by Father Bernie lane was aptly followed by the viewing of I Know I'm Not Alone which captures Michael Franti's efforts in foregrounding the basic human desire for peace and security amidst political and military chaos. The theme song is available for download at the website.

In preparation of the baptism of Janan on 1st September, this Friday Sister Theresa will lead us in a session of deeper understanding of the Apostle's Creed as well as a deeper appreciation of our own confirmation as we reflect on what it means to us.

So please set aside your Friday evenings and join us for an enriching time of fellowship and food (at the ensuing dinners).

Noticeboard Updated

On the noticeboard this week:

• Taxi drivers, a cricket player and racism... What's the link?

• 25th August is World Migration Day. What's the current attitude towards refugees?

• Embryonic stem cell research: What's the big issue?

• The UN'S take on Aboriginal housing

• School girls, the latests pawns in the Sri Lanka conflict
  

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

This Tuesday (15th August) is a day of obligation as the Church will be celebrating the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary also known as The Feast of the Assumption.

What does Holy day of Obligation mean?

Canon 1247 of the Code of Canon Law :Holy day of obligations are the days on which the faithful are required to participate in the Mass and abstain from such work or business that would inhibit the worship to be given to God, the Joy proper to the Lord's Day, or the due relaxation of mind and body.

What is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
Newadvent.org, a catholic website says that this feast day has two objectives (1) the happy departure of Mary from this life; (2) the assumption of her body into heaven.

For your convenience, I have consolidated the Mass Times of Churches for this event.

1) St.Francis Church, Lonsdale Street

7.30am, 8.00am, 10am, 11.00am, 12.00noon, 1.00pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm & 6.30pm

2) St. Patrick's Cathedral

7.00am, 8.00am, 1.00pm, 6.00pm, 7.30pm(Farewell Mass for and by Bishop Mark)

3) St.Augustine's Church, Bourke Street

12.05pm, 1.05pm, 6.00pm

4) St.Ambrose Church, Brunswick

10.00am, 7.30pm

5) Newman College Chapel, Swanston Street(beside St.Mary's College)

8.00am, 12 noon

6) St. Carthages Church, Royal Parade

NO MASS.


Have a blessed week ahead

Your Liturgy Coordinator,

Ramesh Richards

A Sign for Times

Greetings from your Social Justice minister.

In order to help our members be more aware of what's happening in the outside world, we now have a brand new noticeboard conveniently situated in the Chaplaincy's kitchen (yes, we can help ourselves with the coffee and tea but please don't go crazy) in Melbourne University's Health Services building.

This board, as mentioned previously, will be highlighting not just happenings in the world but also justice and peace issues that often get lost in all the media hype. Also, we will be featuring some volunteer jobs available for those who have always wanted to get into some volunteer work.

Every Friday afternoon, this board will be updated with news articles and images of the week's happenings, hot issues in the community and advertisements from local and international sources.

So you are all more than welcome to get a cuppa and gaze lovingly at the board. Myself included.

Among this week's many postings, we will be covering the war in Lebanon and Israel, free expression for people with disabilities, Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic remarks, volunteer jobs available around Melbourne and an uber-cool gift shop on Victoria Street.

So make sure you regularly check our noticeboard starting this Friday(11th August) to keep up with the times!

COSDU's GamIntroduSions this FRIDAY, 4th of August :)

For most of us, uni is in its second week! Tutorials have officially started and we hope you're adjusting to the new semester well. :)

Most of you were present at last week's Welcome Mass, Games and Dinner which was a blast. Thank you all for your presence that evening! Things went by so quickly that some of you probably didn't get a chance to fully understand what we do here at COSDU. Well, you shan't be of ignorance any longer for we present to you:

"GamIntroduSions" ...A night of Games, Introduction to COSDU and the line up of COSDU Sessions throughout the semester :)

Venue: West Hall, St. Mary's College
Day and Date: Friday, 4th August 2006
Time: 6.30 PM

Yup, we will playing more games, introducing COSDU more formally as well as informing you of what COSDU has lined up for you for the rest of this semester! Its going to be a blast, so do come along and bring your friends too. As the saying goes, "THE MORE THE MERRIER" and we are all very merry people :)

Oh yes, an IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT for all you CATHOLICS!! Please TAKE NOTE!

Day of Obligation: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Day and Date: Tuesday, 15th of August 2006

Ramesh, the liturgy minister has guaranteed that Catholic churches in Melbourne are having masses on the day itself. So, please find time to attend mass at churches of your convenience. For more info on churches around Melbourne, do visit http://cosdu.blogspot.com and click on the "Mass Times Around Melbourne" link :)

LASTLY, BIBLE STUDY is still being held EVERY MONDAY, from 1.15 PM to 2 PM. Feel free to bring along your lunches :)