From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 23rd May

Hi everyone!

For the last few weeks, my column has basically been about preparations for the upcoming ordination of our Deacons, Dan and Steve. And with good reason! It isn't everyday an event like this happens! So it will come as no surprise, then, that this week's column is devoted to the same... please bear with us, as there are still final preparations to be made, and information to be given.

With only a week away, we need to concentrate even more now on the celebrations next weekend next Saturday and Sunday, to accompany this huge milestone in the life of our two serving Deacons, Steve and Dan Drum.

Saturday 29th May: the Ordination Itself. As you know, Dan and Steve's Priestly Ordination is taking place in none other than St. Mary's Cathedral, at 10.30 am, with Archbishop Anthony Fisher presiding. Make sure you get there early, to avoid the last minute crush, and take your seat before the Archbishop, flanked by Dan and Steve, walks down that long aisle.

So far over 600 people have RSVP'd that they are coming! That's pretty cool, even considering that 'Drum family members' alone currently occupy 88 of those places all told. Nevertheless, there is still room for another 600 people at the Cathedral, so don't hold back either in coming or in inviting others to come.

There will quite naturally be some areas at the front reserved for Dan and Steves' rather large extended family, and the other guests they have identified, and these will be informed of this via email beforehand and on the day by our staff at the Cathedral itself.

Rest assured that each and every one of you, however, as far as we are concerned, is a Very Important Parishioner (VIP), even if not everyone gets a special spot either in those front areas or at the limited gathering afterwards at the Cathedral College Hall, adjacent to the Cathedral. COVID 19 is still restricting us in what we can do, at both the Cathedral College Hall, and in our local churches and other enclosed spaces.

Saturday evening will be time-out for our 'freshly minted priests' to celebrate with their family members at a home gathering organised by them.

Sunday 30th May First Masses and Festivities. On Sunday, our Ordinands will be unleashed on the Parish, with their first Masses at 10 am and 6 pm at St. Charles Borromeo Church Ryde. Bookings are now open for both those first Masses ... those who have made their 'Expressions of interest' have been allocated a place. Please do not book for both Masses; if you have you will be contacted to choose just the one.

Their 'Big Bash Ordination Luncheon' will be held in between in the grounds of Holy Cross College Ryde. Please note that the food will be served from 1-2 pm, but there will be barista coffee, hot chocolate and cold drinks and places to sit around and mingle from 12.30 pm until 2.30 pm, so if you have already received a blessing from the 'New Priests', you can make your way over to Holy Cross College, meet fellow parishioners, and await them there. A short presentation of our 'New Priests' will be provided at about 1.30 pm.

Parking: Saturday at the Cathedral: There is generally plenty of parking available both at the Cathedral public parking underneath the Aquatic Centre) and close by at the Domain parking station at flat rates of $12 / $15.

Sunday at Holy Cross College: Limited parking will be available on our Church and Primary School grounds but probably the best thing you could do on Sunday would be to park your car at Holy Cross College and walk across for the 10 am Mass. That would leave spots for others who are unfamiliar with the area.

Volunteers: We still need people to help set up chairs, tables, parking, ushering, welcoming and the like, both for the overflow at the First Masses and the luncheon at Holy Cross College in between. Then there is the small army of volunteers needed to prepare the food and drinks. Then we need people to act as 'hospitality ambassadors' to check if anyone needs something, and of course, volunteers at about 2.30 pm to 'clean up and wrap up' everything and get the College back into its' original shape. If you think you could help us out, please go to our website to the ‘Volunteers for the Big Bash Luncheon’ button or you can call the office during office hours on 9807 2966 or write an email to office@rgcp.org.au ASAP, noting as well the area of volunteering you would like to undertake.

Other beautiful things: are also happening around our Parish. The first of six Confirmation Masses is happening this Sunday, at 3pm, (after the Big Bash) so, yes, next weekend is going to be a big occasion. More about that in next week's bulletin!

Early Morning Masses are still on! Please be aware that every Tuesday and Thursday morning I will be celebrating Mass at OLQP Church, to start the day off on the right foot. As these Masses are approx. 25 minutes long, you will be out in good time to easily make it to work on time or breaky.

That's it for now. God bless, and have a beautiful week!

Fr. Greg