Diocesan Development Fund offices officially blessed

By Mary Brazell, 22 February 2021
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, poses with members of the Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) during the blessing of the DDF offices at the Bethany Centre, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

 

The development of the collaborative and collegiate approach of the Diocese of Parramatta has taken a further step with the arrival of the Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) to the Bethany Centre. 

The financial arm of the Diocese was welcomed to the Chancery building during a ceremony last week, where Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, blessed their new offices.  

The DDF provides professional management of the Church’s own financial resources and an income stream to fund many charitable, educational and religious expenditures of the Diocese, such as schools and churches.

During the ceremony, Bishop Vincent explained that Jesus showed us the dignity of labour, and how the work that we do helps us to build the Kingdom of God. 

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, speaks as Royce Brennan, General Manager, Diocesan Development Fund (DDF), looks on during the blessing of the DDF offices at the Bethany Centre, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

“If we do our work well, whatever it may be, and offer it to God, we purify ourselves, and through the labour of our hands and minds and hearts, we build up God’s creation,” Bishop Vincent said. 

“Our work enables us to practise charity and to help the less fortunate to build up God’s kingdom, so that joined to Christ, we grow in His love. 

“Let us bless the Lord and pray that he will shower his blessings upon these DDF offices and all who work in it,” he said. 

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, blesses the Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) offices at the Bethany Centre, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

Bishop Vincent also thanked the DDF team for their behind-the-scenes work in the establishment of the new Chancery offices and their continued support and advancement of the mission of the Catholic Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. 

Members of the Diocesan Executive, Finance Committee and advisory boards were in attendance to formally welcome the DDF team to the building. 

The DDF was initially established in 1989 by then-Bishop of Parramatta Bishop Bede Heather.  

 

Read Daily
* indicates required

RELATED STORIES