pathways, October 2009
" ... I thought the religious congregation that was so generous in donating the funds might like to know how much their generosity was appreciated by those who I was able to assist. Murrurundi has a number of very needy families…one family has a very sick child and the local pharmacist told me the parents were struggling to provide medications for the child. This donation helped enormously. Through the local store in Murrurundi some families were assisted with groceries." Maria Wheeler RSC, Scone, NSW
As religious women and men are in the business of bringing hope to people, the Religious of New South Wales want to bring hope - particularly to the rural families of NSW, southern Queensland and northern Victoria.
For the second time CLRI(NSW) - the religious leaders of NSW - have launched a Christmas appeal to help families served by the Sisters of the rural ministry. Donations will go towards food, clothing, medicines and perhaps a Christmas gift or a short holiday.
In launching the 2009 appeal, CLRI(NSW) president, Barbara Bolster RSM (Grafton, pictured) said that climate change was one everyone's lips these days - the lips of believers and unbelievers alike.
"But the everyday experience of Australia's farmers with climate change gives the bickering of the politicians a hollow ring," she said. "Farmers are forced to do more with less - less water, less income, less hope.
"But the effects of drought do not stop there.
"The pressures of financial hardship on people living in rural communities can and do bring stress. It results in depression,relationship breakdown, increased use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes and increased risk of farm accidents. People with a mental illness are at increased risk of attempting suicide, and this risk is increased dramatically for young men living in rural and remote areas."
Sr Barbara said that two recent inquiries pointed to the problem of poverty and disadvantage in many rural and regional areas across Australia
They highlighted the generally lower incomes of those living in these regions; reduced access to services such as health, education and transport, and declining employment opportunities. These factors were compounded by the problems of distance isolation and the drought.
"As religious women and men we are in the business of bringing hope to people (and as) president of CLRI(NSW) I am delighted to launch the second Rural Ministry Christmas Appeal.
"Cash donations will be spent in country towns and this will help grocery stores, petrol stations and pharmacies stay open in those towns.
"I encourage all religious congregations to get behind this appeal to help our brothers and sisters 'doing it tough' in rural communities."
Sister of Charity Laureen Dixon, speaking on behalf of the Charities ministering in rural areas, said:
"The donations given by CLRI(NSW) following the inaugural appeal were able to provide real and practical support in the purchase of medicines, back to school basics and gifts to children at Christmas.
"The Sisters were very grateful for these funds which allowed them to provide a little extra."
She said that while the service of the Sisters' ministry was in the giving of themselves, their time and talents, they often spoke of what they received from the people: resilience, faith, hope, humour, generosity and deep appreciation.
"This is just one example of a very touching story," she said. "Recently, one of our Sisters was visiting a very small rural school. One small pupil said 'Thanks very much for coming to visit our school, and thank you for your gift. We are going to use that money to save up to buy a water tank in case it ever rains again.'
"I really do hope that we are all able to support this appeal in real and practical ways."
Cheques made out to CLRI(NSW) and goods can be sent to PO Box 259, Rosebery, NSW, 1445
or telephone 02 9663 2199 to make alternative arrangements
"Many thanks for your cheque for drought relief. The Country Women's Association was quite impressed that a congregation of Sisters had decided to assist those struggling with drought. I used this money for the children of families most in need due to the drought in the Dubbo area." Mary Murphy RSM, Dubbo
