The Maitland-Newcastle Diocese has offered prayers, sympathies and support to those affected by the Hunter Valley bus crash and will host memorial liturgies in the local church at Singleton and in Sacred Heart Cathedral, along with other pastoral support.
Ten people have been confirmed dead in the Sunday night crash, with others in hospital. The accident happened at Greta as the bus filled with wedding guests was returning from the Hunter Valley vineyards to nearby Singleton.
“The recent news of the Hunter Valley bus accident has been shocking and deeply saddening. We offer our prayers, sympathies and support to the family, friends and many people impacted,” the Diocese said in a statement yesterday.
“The devastation in our community will be felt far and wide.”
The statement said the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has been working with its schools and services in Singleton and across the region to ensure it provides support needed to those in the communities.
“We will continue to provide this support as we come to terms with what has happened and our parishes are providing support to anyone looking for comfort at this time with special prayers and services provided.”
The statement said the Vicar General has travelled to Singleton to provide additional pastoral support to the Singleton community, to assist the local parish priest. A memorial service is being planned and prayer station has been established in St Patrick’s Catholic Church and all members of the community affected by the bus tragedy are welcome to gather and join in prayer.
A memorial liturgy will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton, early next week. A prayer station is being set up at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton and all people are welcome to light a memorial candle and gather in reflection.
Clergy and chaplains are available to offer pastoral care to all in the community.
“A prayer service will be provided for all parishes, schools and services who wish to use this in Sunday masses and as appropriate in the coming weeks,” the Diocese said.
“Students, staff and their families at St Catherine’s Catholic College Singleton are able to access counselling through our school-based ‘Beyond the Gates’ program as well as our additional external provider, The Rosewood Centre.
“Staff and families impacted who attend St Nicholas Early Education Singleton are also able to access counselling and supports.“
FULL STORY
Prayers and support for those impacted by Hunter Valley bus accident (Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle)
RELATED COVERAGE
Tributes piling up as community comes together after bus tragedy (9 News)
Prayers, candles and a guernsey tribute for the 10 victims of the Hunter Valley wedding bus crash (ABC News)
