From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 19th December

Hi everyone!

Well, we certainly all have a big week ahead of us, being now into the 'home stretch' of our Christmas preparations. I pray that the extra efforts needed this week to finish up work and get all the other 'loose ends' tied up before your Christmas break, not be too stressful for you all!

COVID 19 Update
We have received the following COVID 19 update from the Archbishop this week, which I am reprinting verbatim: 

As you would be aware, as of 15 December 2021 the government has once again updated the COVID-related regulations for places of worship. For the sake of clarity:

· Churches are open to all people regardless of vaccination status.

· There is now no density limit for churches.

· Masks are no longer compulsory while inside a church, though they are still strongly encouraged in settings where social distancing is not possible.

· All members of the congregation are permitted to sing.

· QR Codes and our established check-in procedures, however, are to continue, as is the case with pubs, hairdressers, gyms etc. (The government website can seem confusing on this point, but the attached Public Health Order (see page 3 of the Bulletin - Fr. Greg) makes it clear that check-in procedures are to continue for places of worship.)

· Weddings and Funerals: Anyone can now attend a wedding or funeral, regardless of vaccination status, and there is no longer a number or density limit.

Sacramental Life – Christmas
Archbishop Anthony has formally advised that from now on all Catholics within the Archdiocese should participate in Sunday Mass whenever this is reasonably possible. With the greater majority of people vaccinated and the numbers permitted in churches substantially increased, it is no longer difficult for people to attend Mass or receive other Sacraments.

Gathering for the Eucharist on a Sunday, the First Day of the Week, the Day of Resurrection, is the most ancient Christian celebration and the minimum expression of one’s Catholic faith. (Of course, those who are unwell or particularly anxious about their health should continue to remain at home, and try to follow a televised or streamed Mass online.)

Hope that helps!! We, your priests, certainly want to see you back every week, and I know how much the weekly Mass is helping you to make it through these tough times.

Congratulations Seamus Cronin and Stefano Cincotta!
This week at Holy Cross Ryde two of our Year 12 students, Seamus Cronin, Stefano Cincotta and Daniel ... who have been very active in our youth groups and parish life, received awards from the College for their outstanding contribution to the faith life of the College.

Seamus Cronin was awarded the “Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence" from the Archbishop himself, along with the highly coveted "Holy Cross Medal" and the "Patrician Award for School Spirit" from the College (as in the photo below).

Stefano Cincotta also received the “Patrician Award for School Spirit" from the College, in addition to the "Feast of Holy Cross Community Award for 2021".

They are all a credit to the Lord and their families, and we are very pleased to have them serving regularly at our Church functions. Congratulations to both of you on these outstanding achievements!

Thank you for having offered to volunteer this Christmas!
I would just like to express my deep gratitude to all of you who have offered to help out at our Christmas liturgies in all kinds of ways. This is the best Christmas present you could give to the Parish and to the Lord. There are too many of you to name individually, but we are indebted to you. Our Parish ministries could not continue without your help, and that is especially true of our Christmas liturgies. May the Good Lord bless you all especially at the beautiful time of Christmas!

The Copper Cross at Our Lady Queen of Peace
Some of you will have noted that the Cross perched up high on the facade of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church now blazes with the morning and evening sunlight! This is a lovely effect of the sunlight reflected off the copper paint we've used to restore it back to its former glory, and the brilliance it gives off is quite stunning! (I have included a photo below to show you what I mean).

Scaffolding at OLQP Church Coming Down before New Years' Eve.

You will also be glad to know that the 'tuck pointing' work on the OLQP Church facade has now been completed, the brickwork has been thoroughly cleaned and sealed, and so the scaffolding should come down shortly. Unfortunately it won't be down before Christmas Day, as promised, but it should be down before New Year's eve (fingers crossed!). So, once again we apologise for any inconvenience to our Christmas crowds at OLQP, but I guess we'll just have to be patient like our Lady was as she awaited the birth of her Son!

And that's about all for now! I look forward to seeing you next Friday night and Saturday morning for our Christmas liturgies at both Our Lady Queen of Peace and Saint Charles Borromeo Churches!

Your brother, looking forward to a 'rebirth' of faith, hope and love in each one of us,

Fr Greg