From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 15th October, 2023

Hi everyone!
Pilgrimage 'No Go' to Israel.
Well, I told you I would be writing this column from somewhere in the Middle East ... but since war broke out 5 days before my intended departure for Jordan/Israel, I am still very much here with you. So, it is with sadness and with relief that I write to you this week. Sadness at the terrible events that have unfolded - and are unfolding - over there in our beloved 'Holy Land'; and relief that it broke out when most of our pilgrimage group had not yet left Australia. My commiserations go out to those who had started their journeys overseas from our Parish, and I hope that you are all okay despite this setback. Harvest have already phoned each participant, and written an email to them today, to offer travel credits or refunds. They have also noted that I will be leading another Pilgrimage "In the Footsteps of St. Paul" to Greece and Turkey in mid April 2024, and have tentatively scheduled for me to lead another Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in early October 2024. I would love to have some of you reading this, accompany me if you can. You can find out more about that at www.harvestjourneys.com/tours/.

'All Souls Day' Remembrance Mass - Field of Mars Cemetery - Sat 28th October 2023 at 10:30 am
I will once again be offering a Remembrance Mass in Field of Mars Cemetery in two weeks’ time for all our deceased relatives, as we usually do each year. This year a large tent, chairs and morning tea will be provided free of charge by Northern Cemeteries (Thank you!!). The Memorial Mass begins at 10:30 am. No need to RSVP, just turn up at the Cemetery Office where the Mass will be held on the day. I look forward to seeing you then!

Remembrance Mass - SCB Church Ryde - Tuesday 14th November 2023 at 7:30 pm
We will also be having our usual RGCP Remembrance Mass at SCB Church on the usual second Tuesday of the month of November. at 7:30 pm. There will be an Honour List of deceased relatives and friends, of all those who have passed away in the last two calendar years (2022 - 2023). Thanks to our friends at Candle Supply, a specially-prepared candle with the name(s) of deceased loved ones will be offered - to be taken home afterwards - as a reminder of the event.

Please contact the Parish beforehand to advise us of loved ones for whom you would like the Mass to be offered, and a candle reserved for them. Make sure you give our Office Staff sufficient time to prepare the candles by contacting us by Thursday 9th November at very latest at office@rgcp.org.au, with the names of your recently deceased loved ones (limit of two people per candle, and one candle per family).

Ageing Well Masterclasses Have Begun in a Parish Hall Near You (SCB Ryde!)
Our 'Ageing Well Masterclasses' began last Tuesday with a wonderful class on "Social Connection and Emotional Wellbeing". Next Tuesday 17th October our seniors are cordially invited to the next 'instalment', this time on "Physical Wellbeing". I have heard from other Parishes that these are very well run. Starts with Morning tea at 10 am, then 10:30 to 12:30 pm (with Coffee provided by our own Noah's Arc Cafe).

Didasko Adult Formation on "Truth" - Thursday 19 Oct 7:30 - 9 pm SCB:
Our Adult Formation series: "Intro to Themes and Thinkers in Philosophy" will conclude the three part series with an evening about "Truth". The last two weeks (on 'happiness' and 'beauty') have been really interesting, and next Thursday's input looks set to be even better! Held in the Gell Room (underneath the Parish Office at SCB Ryde). Thursday 19th October, 7:30 - 9 pm and Offered by Notre Dame University's own Prof. Catherine Wesselinoff.

Parish Feast Day & International Lunch November 5th 2023 - 'Early Bird' Tickets Now on Sale!
Tickets are now on sale ($10 Adults, $5 Children) for the Parish Feast Day and International Lunch, with entertainment by our own SCB and OLQP students. Holy Cross college may also be fielding some entertainment as well. Early Bird Discount of 20% off if bought before midnight on 31st October. See page 3 of the bulletin for more details.

And that's about it for now.

God bless,

Fr. Greg