From Fr Greg's Desk: 1st November

Hi everyone!


First Holy Communions. It has been a 'whirlwind' of a week at the Parish in the lead up to our First Holy Communion Masses! A huge 'thank you' to Dominic and his team for the amazing work they have done to get all the preparation in for the kids and parents, and still maintain a sense of calm throughout! Well, done!


This year we introduced some helpful changes to the format of the formations using Zoom sessions and the like, and I think from the overall response of both parents and kids it has been very worthwhile. Judging from the faces of the kids at the retreat days this week, I am positive their experience of Jesus' love and goodness will remain in their hearts for some time to come!

RCIA. Our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) programme kicked off this week with a whopping 8 adults seeking to come into our Church, which is a healthy sign of a budding missionary outlook at our Parish and that Jesus' message of love and eternal life is as relevant today as it ever was.


In case you are wondering, we held the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist) for Mel, Viv, Joe and Virginia from last years' cohort. We congratulate them for their patient perseverance, as COVID 19 intervened and the usual Easter celebrations were curtailed. Big welcome to the Parish flock to all four of you! Huge 'thank you' as well to the sponsors and helpers who brought them through to this happy new beginning in their lives!


St. Charles Borromeo Feast Day Morning Tea. On a sadder note, we apologise that, due to COVID 19 restrictions still in force we will not be holding our normal celebrations and International Food Festival this year. However, we do invite you to a special morning tea to be held in the Hall after the 9.20 am mass next Wednesday 4th November as a kind of consolation prize...


Rosary Pilgrimage. Last Monday's Rosary Pilgrimage was a truly beautiful Parish affair, and I must admit, I was moved by the whole thing. We had people visit the Church until the wee hours of the morning, and again early the next day. Thanks to everyone who helped out to make it such a memorable event!


Christmas Mass Planning is only in its initial stages as yet as there is still so much uncertainty due to current and projected restrictions. However, we will be meeting soon to arrange contingency plans as best as possible, depending upon what we will be permitted as it is made known. We will most likely need many more volunteers at multiple Masses this year, many of which may have to be outside and perhaps on the lawns of Holy Cross College. Volunteers will be especially needed for Christmas Day Morning Masses. Could you please mark that in your calendars and generously offer your assistance for these Masses?


Thanks everyone, and have a lovely week.


Fr. Greg