A BUZZ of excitement is building around Brisbane archdiocese’s Pray 2010 event with registrations coming from around Australia and overseas and nearly $50,000 raised in business support.
Organiser Mike Humphrys said 17 teams had been formed to facilitate the multi-faceted event, which will offer more than 300 workshops on all aspects of prayer.
Pray 2010, being held at Clairvaux MacKillop College, Upper Mt Gravatt from July 7 to 12, is expected to attract as many as 5000 participants.
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane, in his invitation last year to those wishing to participate in the event, said it was his “hope that all who come will be renewed in their relationship with Christ by opening themselves more deeply to the Holy Spirit’s presence and action in our lives”.
He said “there is a place for everyone – come and play your part”.
Mr Humphrys said Archbishop Bathersby’s invitation was being taken up with more than 320 registrations already received from “every Australian state and territory as well as New Zealand and Ireland”.
“No doubt they’re being drawn by the range of presenters and topics covered,” he said.
“Pray 2010 is being seen as a wonderful opportunity to gather with like-minded people to explore the importance of prayer.
“It’s not just about going along to talks about prayer but experiencing the various communities that will form around the workshops.
“The event will be a powerful expression of the body of Christ at prayer.”
More than 130 international, national and local presenters are involved in Pray 2010.
Author Dr Donna Orsuto will deliver the keynote presentation “Jesus and Prayer”.
Presenters include Jesuit priest Fr Frank Brennan, Franciscan Father Stan Fortuna “the rapping priest” from New York’s Bronx area, Josephite Sister Monica Cavanagh an authority on the spirituality of Blessed Mary MacKillop and Franciscan Brother Ghislain from Taize in France.
A wide range of lay people will also run workshops.
Topics are vast ranging from prayer in contemplation, liturgy, home, the parish, art, music, for teenagers and in times of desolation, grief and loss.
Mr Humphrys said teams had been formed to cover a range of tasks such as the organisation of a large marquee tent to function as a central meeting point through to arrangements for liturgy and music and marketing and promotion of the event.
The response of businesses to Pray 2010 had already been “fantastic”, he said.
“Nearly $50,000 has already come in,” Mr Humphrys said.
“This has ranged from straight out sponsorship to the hiring of space for resource displays.
“There seems to be a growing awareness of the importance of prayer in people’s lives.
“This is probably one reason why businesses are so keen to be involved in partnerships with the event.”
Up to 500 volunteers will be required to run the event.
Tasks will range from assisting in the preparation of meeting rooms to supervising parking arrangements.
To volunteer apply at www.pray2010.org.au/volunteer
To register go to www.pray2010.org.au/register
For enquiries phone (07) 3336 9339.
