CHALICE PROJECT
Vessles above from Darwin and Bentleigh

Kyabram Chalice

Some weeks ago (InFebruary 2007) I was asked by our loacal Karen members of the congregation if we could assist them in finding chalices for their people in the refugee camp. As a result a request went out to various Anglican clergy in the hope of finding large unused chalices.

I am pleased to be able to report that we now have, (and soon to be on their way to the Refugee Camp), three chalices and one ciborium. This has been thanks to the Anglican parishes of

Saint Andrew's Kyabram in the Diocese of Bendigo

Saint Christopher's East Bentleigh in theDiocese of Melbourne

and Christ Church Cathedral, Darwin, Diocese of the Northern Territory.

The chalices will be taken to the camp by the Rev’d Ron Browning, president of the Australian Karen Foundation (seen holding the chalices in question) who is to visit the area in June. The Committee comprises of three Australians and four Karen representatives.

This will be a wonderful gift, as presently with their small chalices, they consecrate a number of times within the service to meet the need of the 300-400 in attendance at worship. A dream many of us can only hope for in our own parishes.

In the course of my requests to various Australian parishes, most said they could not assist with any surplus chalices. However it was most encouraging to hear from a number of parishes suggesting they would like to financially assist with the chalice project.

As the chalices have been found, it is hoped these parishes and others might like to assist with an ongoing project started by the Australian Karen Foundation.

This project is the Computers for learning program for secondry students.