From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 27th June

Hi everyone!

COVID Restrictions Back to the 4 Square Metre Rule. As most of you are by now aware, the earlier COVID 19 restrictions are now back in force, with the 4 m2 rule now applicable, meaning a maximum of 100 people inside SCB Church and 80 inside OLQP. Masks are also compulsory ... please bring your own with you, and maybe a spare packet to help out if someone forgets theirs...

However, now that masks are back in style ... why not make them stylish?? Okay, everyone! I am inviting you to see who can come up with the most original 'Catholic Themes' face mask!! You will have noted that my own features a series of crosses emblazoned all over my face (thanks to epic mask designer, Clare Whitelock. Thanks Clare!). Looking forward to seeing what your creativity comes up with... Send me your 'masked photo' and I might include it in next week's bulletin.


Revision of our Parish Pastoral Plan. With the 'Confirmation Season' over, we are moving forward with our revision of the RGCP's Pastoral Plan in light of the gems of wisdom the Archdiocese has shared with us through their Mission Plan: 'Go Make Disciples', inaugurated last December 12th. In order to include you all in some way in the reflection process, I have published a section of the Archdiocesan Mission Plan titled 'The Pastoral Reality' on the adjacent page for you all to 'chew over' as you pray. Expect more snippets like this in weeks to come...


Fr. Greg and Fr. Steve now manning the fort alone! Just a polite reminder that over the next four weekends Fr. Steve and I will be covering a lot of extra ground in the absence of Frs. Dan, Daniele and Alfredo, who are on retreat. This may mean that we won't be as available to offer as many extra services as we have done in past months, but we will do our best to cover your needs as best as possible. Hence the following:

We Need More Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers to Recommence Home Visits. As a result, will need to recommence home visits by Acolytes and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, beginning next week. All Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers are expected to make themselves available for home visits as well as assisting at Masses when needed, unless health or other extenuating circumstances prevent them doing so. We welcome correspondence regarding your availability and preferences for this noble and enduring pastoral work. It is also anticipated that house-bound persons receiving a visit will welcome them as much or even more than they have welcomed a visit from one of our priests over the past few months.

Occasional Priest visits to homes. Priests will still be available to provide occasional visits to house-bound parishioners, and happily so, but it would be remiss of us to take on this ministry when we have so many capable and willing ministers within our ranks, who could also free up our priests for other works which they and only they could do. 

Auxiliary Eucharistic Ministers Not Needed For Now at Masses. Please note, however, that for the time being, until the lifting of restrictions on the number of people allowed into our Churches (which were 200 at SCB and 160 at OLQP Churches until only a few days ago, and now are 100 and 80 respectively) that is simply no need for auxiliary Eucharistic Ministers at either the weekday or weekend Masses. We still need more Readers, Wardens, AV and Camera Operators, COVID Marshals and Welcomers, so if you can manage the swap over to these or other ministries, you will be most welcome there!

And that's about it for now! Happy School Holidays to all our kids and teenagers. Here's hoping the restrictions will be repealed next week, so that you and your families can enjoy at least some quality holiday time together...



Your brother in Christ's service: pre, during and (hopefully soon) post - COVID!!

Fr Greg