From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 21st January, 2024

Hi everyone!
We welcome back everyone who had time off at Christmas, to visit relatives and friends and take a well earned break from the hectic pace of life. I, too, have had a nice gentle couple of weeks since Christmas, with family 'get-togethers', a week of silent retreat and a few days off to boot. The slower pace of life in the aftermath of Christmas is certainly appreciated, but it is time now to embrace the New Year.

Youth Camp This Weekend at Toukley
Our Youth Team, however, has certainly not been on holidays. Fr. Steve and his 'band of merry youth leaders' have been preparing for and will be leading our annual SPARC Summer Camp up at Toukley this weekend (Saturday - Monday). So please keep them in your prayers! We have about 75 participants all told for the camp which promises to be a really great start to the year. Thanks to all the mums and dads who have supported us all with our youth activities. Good on you, Fr. Steve and RGCP Youth Leaders!

Lenten Prayer Groups
Ash Wednesday is very early this year, on the 14th February ('Valentine’s Day' - of all days!!). So it is time to start organising our Lenten Prayer groups. We have free copies of the Archdiocesan "Lenten Companion 2024" at the Parish Office, for all who would like a copy, and we will be able to get in copies of the Wollongong Diocese: "Pieta Lenten Companion 2024" in bulk, if you prefer that one instead. Depending on the number of copies ordered, each will cost between $9 - $5 each. Get in touch with the Parish Office to pick up your free copy of the Archdiocesan booklet, even if you just wish to follow it at home on your own, or to order your copy/ies of the Wollongong one. Let's make this Lent a very blessed time of change for the better.

New Garden Around the African Olive Tree at SCB
As you can see, work is underway to place some pavers around the wooden 'fence-seat' we've built, housing our lovely new garden out the front at SCB. The tree has already shown remarkable signs of improvement, with shoots teeming out of dead looking branches, and the leaves showing a nice deeper 'green sheen'. For those who miss the benches near the Church, don't be alarmed: three new benches like the ones we have facing the school will soon be installed near where the 10 am 'morning tea' is held.

 Australia Day Mass Friday 26th January
Our regular 9.20 am Mass on Friday 26th January will be our annual "Australia Day" Mass, so don't be surprised if we end it with "Advance Australia Fair" instead of the usual "Salve Regina". Please note that as it is a Public Holiday, the Bulletin will need to be printed the day before.

'Marriage Course' for Married Couples Enrichment During Lent
This year we are pleased to offer, in conjunction with the Marriage, Life and Family office of the Archdiocese, a wonderful programme for renewing our Married Couples in their marriage vows. Philippa Manley will be coordinating this venture, which will run from the first Friday of Lent (16th February) for six consecutive weeks, skipping Good Friday (for obvious reasons!!) and then finishing on Friday 5th April. Up to 20 couples can be accommodated, so get in early to book. More information on page 6 or just talk to Philippa about it!

Volunteers Needed to Help Lions Club Ryde Help Us
Lions Club Ryde are actively helping us and right now, they need our help. Our own intrepid Ivan Petch, long time organist at the Parish, is a founding member of the Club. They collect groceries and other goodies for the needy outside Woolies West Ryde, and do sausage sizzles to fundraise at Bunnings Gladesville, 4 or 5 times a year, half of which goes towards the charitable work of Our Lady’s Kitchen. Can you please help them to help us? They also need some 'new blood' within their ranks as many of their members have advanced in age, and it is a very noble way to volunteer [See info box on page 6]. Contact Ivan Petch on 0418 867 867.


And that's about it for now.

God bless, and take care. School begins on the 31st January, so you only have one more week to go. May the Good Lord continue to bless you all.

Fr. Greg