The Catholic Weekly 13 November 2022

¾ Debbie Cramsie SUNDAY 13 November, 2022 CatholicWeekly The www.catholicweekly.com.au THE CHURCH. ALL OF IT RENEWING PARISH LIFE: AChurchheaded for themargins P12 J UST ARRIVING in Australia after fleeing Ukraine following the Russian invasion was more than many refugees could have dreamt of. Little did they know when they landed with few belong- ings and the clothes on their backs that they would find what they were so desperate- ly searching for in the central west near Orange, NSW. Refugees normally remain in major city centres to be close to established friends and relatives, but a handful took a chance in the State’s central west and have had their prayers answered. Heading over the Blue Mountains they discovered a Catholic parish in regional NSW that has opened not only its doors but its hearts and smothered themwith love. They have been welcomed with open arms by the Catho- lic community of Molong, part of the parish of St Mary and St Joseph in Orange, and the town’s locals. As a result they are now living in a refurbished Jose- phite convent at Molong and were welcomed last week- end in a ceremony attended by hundreds and presided over by parish priest Fr Greg Bellamy. CONTINUED P2 $2 Clare Communications Co PTY LTD See our website for more information on our services Ukrainian families find hope in a new land thanks to a NSW regional parish BLUE, YELLOW... and ORANGE Ukrainian refugeesAlexVolodin and his wifeVika with their sons Dennis, left, and Dima enjoy the experience of living in their new residence a refurbished Josephite Convent in Molong, part of the Catholic Parish of Orange in the central west of NSW. PHOTO: CHRISTINE SWEENEY, DIOCESE OF BATHURST