The Catholic and Anglican parishes of the Australian rural town ofBungendore are taking ecumenical cooperation to new extremes by jointlyorganizing a fundraising rodeo.
The event that was held on Sunday drew some 200 riders, including somewho have taken part in rodeos in the United States and Canada, President of the St Mary's and St Philip's Combined Churches RodeoAssociation Greg Darmody told the Canberra Times.
The annual event began in 1960 when the town's population set aside their sectarian differences, the newspaper reports.
Last year's event, with a spring ball, had raised about $US25,000 to be shared between the two churches.
It was too soon to knowhow much money had been raised this year, but, "I would have thought wehad a pretty satisfactory day," Mr Darmody said.
The Catholic St Mary's parish priest, Fr Varghese Vavolil, said the rodeo,his parish's major fundraising activity, "is good fun" and that it wasimportant to bring the community together.
He had declined suggestions that he participate as a rider, the newsreport said, saying he did not want people to witness the last momentsof their priest.
FULL STORY
Praise the Lord and hold your horses (The Canberra Times)
LINK
Bungendore Rodeo
St Mary's, Bungendore
Anglican Parish of Bungendore