From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 24th September, 2023

Hi everyone!
As usual, there are lots of things coming up this week - both in the Parish and in the wider Archdiocese and Universal Church. Here are a few snippets:

Synod on Sinodality in Rome, 4 - 29 October, 2023
You may have heard that next month, a major Synod on Synodality will be taking place in Rome. Ten Australian representatives, including our own Archbishop Anthony Fisher, will be taking part in the Synod. The purpose of this Synod is that we become a more 'listening Church', that we engage better with the flocks we are leading to plan our pathway forward, and to do that the Pope is seeking some helpful 'feedback' from Catholics 'on the fringes' all around the world (including us!).
The Synod will meet to discern how the Holy Spirit is currently working both in the Church and the world around us, so as to better fulfil our mission of bringing Christ to the world. And we are being asked to pray for this Synod whilst they meet with Pope Francis. And yes, that includes us.

For that purpose, we have reprinted a very helpful prayer that has been passed onto us called "Without Prayer there will be no Synod" ... a Letter from the Cardinal Mario Grech to the Bishops of the World. Please read through it and pray along with me for the success of this Synod, and for the insights gained from it for our own Parish mission into the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Pledge to Pray the Rosary in October for Pope Francis' Intentions
With this in mind, my good friend and former Principal of Marist Sisters Woolwich, Sr. Fidelis has written to us this week with an initiative for this October, the month of October, which I think is a lovely idea. St. Pats at Church Hill is aiming at getting 1000 individuals to join them in praying the rosary each day during the Month of October for the intentions of Pope Francis, and particularly for the Synod in Rome. All you have to do is pledge to pray the rosary each day during the month of October. More info see the info box on page 7 of the bulletin.

Wonderful Formation Opportunity: 'Didaskō Adult Faith Formation'
The Parish Renewal Team of the Archdiocese. has partnered with the University of Notre Dame to deliver a series of five online short courses, each consisting of three evening sessions. The topics are really interesting and will prove to help form us all in our ministries, whatever they be, and include insights on Philosophy, Scripture, Theology, Christology, and Moral Theology. I am told that these are 'Ideal for beginners and those interested in continuing their own Christian formation'. See info box on page 7.

The Parish would be very happy to sponsor this course, and we could join it online either in the hall or downstairs in the Gell or Mackillop rooms, with our newly installed audio-visual equipment there. Let us know if you are interested.

And, finally, a Message from our own John McCaffrey in the Philippines

As you know, John left on a missionary adventure last week, and you can catch an interview with him in the Catholic Weekly this week on page 7. (There is also an interview with Fr. Rodrigo Carrizo, fmvd, who was here with us for the last two weeks, and is now safely back in Rome) You might like to check them out. John has kindly 'penned' this message from him to all of you:

Hello RGCP family! I hope you are all well. As for me, the first few days in Manila have been hectic but very enjoyable. It’s very humid here, like a jungle, but we are in the middle of the city so it’s strange.

I’ve got to meet the Verbum Dei family here in Manila, as well as my new brothers who are starting the

pre-formation course with me, and we have got on really well. The first day involved prayer, a School of the Word, a birthday celebration which involved karaoke to the detriment of all who had to hear me sing, as well as moments of just getting to know the community.

I’m living with 6 others, and it already feels like home, which is great because sometimes it can be difficult with language and cultural barriers. Being in such a new environment can really be quite scary at times, but I thank You all for praying so much for me.

Driving around the city can be confronting and sad, as there is deep poverty. And although the Catholic culture is quite evident here, there is still a lot of mission and work to do. I’m filled with joy to be here, and excited for all that lays ahead. I’m praying for you all and excited to hear about the amazing things that are happening at St Charles and Our Lady Queen of Peace.

God bless! John.
And that's about it for now. God bless you all!
Fr. Greg