Logo for Australia’s Life Ascending
It is always good to learn what is happening in our movement across the world. This is the logo for Australia’s Life Ascending International and it looks as if the movement is really spreading down under
Foundation of Life Ascending in Australia (LAA)
After her return from England Sr. Paticia Nichols with Noel Smith approached Bishop Ingham and he gave permission to set up Life Ascending in Sydney. Sr. Pat shared her experience with some Beverly Hills parishioners who were enthusiastic about forming a group in the parish. They invited five couples to reflect together on the Word of God, especially on the Gospels, for it is here that one discovers all that Jesus is saying to us at this particular time of our lives. They decided to meet on a regular basis with Sister Pat as their guide; these people became the initial LAA members and became close friends with a strong committment to Friendship, Spirituality and Loving Service.
“From small things, big things grow” – there are currently 185 members in seventeen groups throughout Australia. Groups exist in six Diocese in Australia. Sr. Pat’s understanding of, and enthusiasm for, this world wide movement has grown from her attendance at three Life Ascending International Conferences held in Bangkok in 2002, Lourdes in 2006 and Canada in 2010. Two Beverly Hills members, Noel and Pat Smith, accompanied Pat to the Conference in Bangkok and Pat has valued their strong support in promoting the Movement in Australia. Shirley Carroll’s sudden death in February 2010 was a cause of deep grief to Sr. Pat as she had been a dear friend and an experienced LAA member who was ready to take the role of leadership when Pat retired at the end of that year. Roy Cooke generously agreed to replace Shirley, following an election by all members of LAA. Roy went with Sr. Pat to the 2010 Conference, gaining much from the experience.We members of LAA are grateful to Sister Pat for initiating the movement in Sydney and for her leadership during twelve years. Pat is a woman of integrity with deep faith and a strong sense of purpose, giving one hundred per cent to any project she undertakes.This has been exemplified in the growth of that seed she first planted here on her return to Australia in 1999. We commend her for her foresight in inaugurating annual events such as a three day Retreat, a Reflection Day and the Seniors’ Week Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral. These spiritual gatherings have forged bonds between the different parish groups as well as strengthening our conviction that we, as elders, have a unique and valuable contribution to make to the mission of the Church. Roy Cooke also attended a Continental coordiantors conference in February 2012.
“I thank my God each time I think of you, and when I pray for you, I pray with joy