From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 4th May, 2025

Hi everyone!
Mother's Day Memorial Mass Next Saturday 10 May 10.30 am SCB
Just a reminder that our annual "Mother's Day Memorial Mass" will be held next Saturday 10th May at 10.30 am at SCB Church Ryde, so that you can then visit the graves and niches of your loved ones afterwards. We will have the usual 'roll call' book for you to enter your Mother/Grandmother's names, but please limit the number of individual names to a maximum of four (4) per participant at the Mass, as it can get a bit tedious reading out hundreds of names on the day. Afterwards we will be offering a morning tea with free coffees etc from our "Little Noah's" Van, so please stay around after the Mass for a little while for a 'cuppa' and a chat.

Annual 'Mother of the Year' Award at all Sunday Masses/Vigils Next Week
As usual, we have our coveted 'Mother of the Year' award, chosen by the Holy Spirit each year, but dependent upon Mums and Grandma's being present at the Mass (I apologise for those who are 'missing-in-action' that weekend). As per usual, we have a $50 gift card for the 'chosen ones' this year, (but you have to be there in order to be 'eligible'. See you there.

Urgent Rally Wed 7 May 5.30 pm Against the Proposed Abortion Bill
Archbishop Anthony has written to us all to urge that we join him this Wednesday outside NSW Parliament House for a Rally to voice our collective opposition and dismay about this latest Abortion bill. To recap, it seeks to force Catholic Hospitals (as in Mater Dei, St. Vincent's, etc) to provide abortion services, and force doctors who object to refer pregnant women seeking an abortion to an abortion provider. It also seeks to extend the classification of abortion providers even to midwives, nurse practitioners and other 'eligible health practitioners'. (How ironic that such a bill is being tabled for discussion around Mother’s Day). See flyer on page 3 for more information.

Our Lady of Fatima Procession at St Mary's Cathedral, 6 pm Saturday 10 May
Bishop Richard has sent an invitation to be a part of a special event at the Cathedral Following the 6 pm Vigil Mass on Saturday, 10 May, there will be a candle-lit procession around the Forecourt of St. Mary's Cathedral. The purpose is to give 'public witness to the power of the Rosary, and the richness and beauty of our devotion to Our Lady of Fatima."

Annual 'Walk with Christ' Procession through Sydney CBD Sun June 22
Please save the date for our next annual "Walk With Christ" Procession on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Sunday 22 June, 2025, starting at 2.30 pm from Martin Place (there is a festival organised here from 1 pm onwards). Join the priests of your Parish for this important event, in which we carry Christ through the heart of our City of Sydney, praying for our city and its inhabitants. The Blessed Sacrament will be carried by the Archbishop and his Auxiliar Bishops.

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

Fr. Greg