From Fr Greg's Pew: Sunday 6th September

From Fr Greg’s Pew

Hi everyone!

Happy Father's Day to all our Dad's and Grandad's!

Yes, I know - not everyone can be a father; but that's okay, there will be other days to celebrate others' lives as well. What we're celebrating this weekend is that challenging Christian vocation: to not only be a Dad but one who raises his children to become children of God! 

Today we salute, celebrate  and pray for all you Dads and Grandads! You who live your lives as a calling from God, as men of integrity, goodness and love, word and example, 'role models' for kids and grandkids alike - and other Dads and Grandads -  so that they catch a glimpse of the kind of Father and Grandfather they, too, are called to become. 

Tough gig, that one, but ah! How important it all is! 'Paternity for all Eternity' is what I call it...

Let's see whom the Holy Spirit 'selects' as our Father of the Year in each of the six masses this weekend! As I said last week, the selection process is also open for those who would normally be here but can't because of COVID 19 concerns; still, only one ticket can be taken for any one father/grandfather. Them's the rules, folks! Come, Holy Spirit!!

Br. Dan Drum professes his Perpetual Vows this Sunday, 6th September 2020!

In other BIG news - and not just because the guy is over six feet tall! - Br. Dan Drum, fmvd, will make his final vows this Sunday 6th September in Spain. Like with Br. Steve's vows last October, this is not an ordination, but the celebration of his giving his life definitively and irrevocably to God. We Verbum Dei Missionaries are, first and foremost, missionaries. Most will become priests, but some may see their calling as not being to the priesthood. Both forms are very welcome and needed in our Verbum Dei family!

The Mass will commence at 8.30 pm Sydney time (12.30 pm Spanish time) during which Br. Dan will profess his permanent vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, lived in accordance with the charism and mission of our Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity. Congratulations, Br. Dan, on reaching this major milestone in your own missionary life! We thank God for your vocation! Later on, God willing, Dan will be ordained to the Diaconate (like his brother Steve who is with us) and then both of them to the Priesthood.

If anyone wishes to send Br. Dan a congratulatory message, he can still be reached at brdan@rgcp.org.au. 

As for the 'million dollar question' (because, well, it could end up being quite expensive!!) as to when Br. Dan will get back home to Ryde-Gladesville, that all depends on our friends at Emirates Airlines. Br. Dan has a valid economy class return ticket, booked to pass through Dubai on Saturday 12th September. However, as we all know, economy class travellers are being bumped off flights relentlessly. Even then, once he gets here, he will have a two week quarantine.  Let's hope and pray he gets home soon!

In the meanwhile, you can see the vows Sunday night, both in SCB Church and SCB Hall from 8.30 pm Sunday night. The whole Mass is in Spanish, and some parts will be translated. We plan to watch it like we would a live-streamed Mass. If you would like to come along, you can either book a place, or just turn up on the night and take your chances!

Have a lovely weekend and, again, Happy Father's Day!

Fr Greg