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FATHER DOUGLAS BEDE RHEINBERGER GOLDEN JUBILEE

Page: 12523
Ms NOREEN HAY (Wollongong) [5.18 p.m.]: Today I bring to the attention of the Ho
use an outstanding milestone and achievement that will occur in Wollongong on 20
December 2008. Father Douglas Rheinberger, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of
Wollongong, will celebrate his golden jubilee: 50 years of ordination to the pri
esthood. A mass to be celebrated by Bishop Peter Ingham will take place to mark
the occasion, which is on the very day of Father Doug's ordination 50 years earl
ier. Father Doug has been my parish priest at St John the Evangelist Church in D
apto for more than 13 years. During this time he married my youngest son, Daniel
, to his wife, Heather, and was due conduct the marriage ceremony of my daughter
Leah but was sick on the day. He has baptised all five of my grandchildren, Ell
e Hay, Ronan Dumbrell, Cameron Lavett, Nora Hay and Seamus Hay, and has long bee
n a source of strength and support to my family. This was particularly so in rec
ent times when my resolve was being tested. Father Doug was there with a smile a
nd a word of encouragement. That is the kind of person Father Doug Rheinberger i
s.
Father Doug was born in Sydney in 1934 and undertook his primary and secondary s
chooling at Lewisham. After preliminary studies for the priesthood at St Columba
's College in Springwood he continued his studies in Rome, where on 20 December
1958 he was ordained at the Propaganda Fide College. Father Rheinberger returned
to Wollongong in 1959, serving as assistant priest in the parishes of Wollongon
g, Nowra, Corrimal and Thirroul. Appointments as parish priest followed at Moruy
a, Picton and Thirroul. In 1988 he left the diocese to serve in Kiribati, in the
central Pacific, and after returning to the diocese was appointed parish priest
of Dapto in 1995.
I congratulate Father Doug on this outstanding milestone. Fifty years in any pro
fession is truly an achievement and to have served a higher purpose for so many
years should be acknowledged, recognised and congratulated. On behalf of the com
munity of Dapto I want to say that Father Doug Rheinberger always goes that extr
a mile. He is absolutely determined to help the young people in our community to
achieve their best. It is not common today to stand in Parliament, or anywhere
else for that matter, and sing the praises of a Catholic priest. However, on the
fiftieth jubilee of Father Doug Rheinberger's ordination it is a privilege and
an honour for me to acknowledge the work this man has done. He works for everybo
dy. When things are tough in the communities with lower socioeconomic status in
and around Daptoâ and some of the things he sees are heartbreakingâ he still greets peopl
with a smile, a warm handshake and an encouraging word. We need more of that to
dayâ encouragement and support to help people get through the hard times and keep goi
ng forward.
I know Peter Bishop Ingham very well, and I know that the Catholic Church in the
Illawarra region is well aware of Father Doug Rheinberger and holds him in high
esteem. I certainly hold him in high esteem. The fiftieth jubilee invitation, w
hich I have brought into the Chamber, has photos of his ordination and of the or
iginal invitation, which stated, "By the grace of God, I shall be ordained pries
t on December 20th 1958." Well done, Father Rheinberger, for 50 years of work. O
n behalf of our community and my family, I extend to you my warmest gratitude.
Mr PHILLIP COSTA (Wollondillyâ Minister for Water, Minister for Rural Affairs, and Mi
nister for Regional Development) [5.23 p.m.]: I also extend congratulations to F
ather Doug on the fiftieth jubilee of his ordination. He was based at Picton som
e time ago. It is a wonderful tribute to the man that he has been able to sustai
n his commitment to the people of New South Wales through his moral and religiou
s guidance. I am sure that all members will join in congratulating such a great
person on his jubilee. We owe so much to those who lead us in this capacity, and
for the way in which they keep us on the straight and narrow. Father Doug has d
one that. He is always very focused, kind and fair. We wish him all the very bes
t. May he have a great day on 20 December. On behalf of the Government, I extend
congratulations to him.

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