From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 26th May, 2024

Hi everyone!
Hope the cold weather isn't causing too much distress to our elderly parishioners. The heating has been turned on at both of our Churches, so you can expect a 'warm welcome' at every Mass we celebrate at the Parish.

Little Noah's Cafe is [almost] Ready to Serve You!
You will have noticed that the empty space where "Noah's Ark Cafe" was stationed has now been filled by "Little Noah" and as of this weekend, we will be ready to start on this new 'hospitality venture'. Our aim is to have the Cafe open every Sunday, from about 8.30 am to 11.30 am, to serve either 'barista' coffee (if we happen to have a qualified barista volunteering) or 'quasi barista coffee' with the automated coffee machine installed last Friday.

I will be meeting with all those who have offered their services as volunteers to get the service going ASAP. This Sunday we will be inaugurating the service with free coffee, tea or hot chocolate for everyone (a small donation will be asked in future). We intend to open the service during the week in the near future, at least during School terms. If you happen to be a barista, and can offer a morning once a month or whenever, let me know. In the meantime, we are offering training to become one, as long as you are willing to commit yourself to regular service at “Little Noah's Cafe”.

By the way, the reason for the change of name is because "Noah's Ark Cafe" is a registered trade name of Dom and Jessica Herring's family business. They have very graciously permitted us to keep the 'wrapping' on the van as is, so long as we put new stickers over the name 'Noah's Ark' to show the change of name.

Home Visitation to Bring Holy Communion
Please let the Parish Office know if for any reason someone you know can't come to Church due to illness or frailty, and we will send one of our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion out to bring you communion. Contact the office on 9807 2966 or email them at office@rgcp.org.au. You can also text your details to our 'emergency number' 0413 226 508.

Sandstone Pavement Work at SCB Church
Big thank you to Michel and his 'band of merry men' for fixing up the sandstone pavement outside of SCB Church over the last couple of months. They have done a brilliant job of digging up the broken sandstone pieces, widening the grouting between them, and reinforcing the bed underneath. These guys are experts in their trade and they did it all gratuitously 'for the love of God and the Church".

They will be working over the next few weeks to lay a sandstone path on the Charles St side of the Church, leading to the side door there, and imitating the pathway on the school side. We apologise for any inconvenience while that work is underway. The end result should look magnificent. Thank you, Michel and Co!

Painting Work Has Begun at OLQP Church.
As part of our preparations for the 100th Jubilee of the 'laying of the Foundation Stone' at OLQP, the Church is being repainted, and already one little section has been completed. The colours we have finally agreed to (after much trial and error) are those of our Lady (blue and white) and the light blue ceiling with white walls and darker blue skirting boards look really lovely. You can take a peek at it to see for yourselves.

The next section to be done are the two entrances, the little chapel on the school side, and the priests vesting room. Then we will paint the choir loft, before beginning on the main body of the Church. There will be inconveniences over the next few months because of the work, so please bear with us gracefully as we undertake this major renewal work on this beautiful centennial 'House of God'.

‘Walk With Christ’ Procession Update (next Sunday 2nd June)
The free bus tickets are almost exhausted, with only 10 remaining, so get in quickly to reserve your place on the bus. We will be walking behind our RGCP parish banner on the day, so if you are making your way in 'under your own steam’ you will still be able to walk with us. Please note that we need for everyone to be at the Parish Office by 1 pm, so that we mark your name off the list before boarding the bus. See you then and there!

And that's about it for now. Confirmations are coming up soon, so expect to see a lot of activity around the Parish with retreat days for the Confirmation candidates and their Confirmation Mass. Bishop Danny Meagher, DD (our local auxiliar bishop) will be presiding at some of the Masses. Please give him a very warm welcome if you see him around.

God bless, in the meantime,

Fr. Greg