From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 31st August, 2025

Hi everyone!
Well, we have had fantastic weather this past week - though a bit windy - and we're right on the verge of Spring. So here are a few updates firstly on some of the things mentioned last week.

Mons. Kerry Bayada'a Funeral 10.30 am Wednesday 16th September at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Caringbah
We were saddened to learn that Mons. Kerry Bayada had passed away from long term health issues early on Tuesday morning. He will be sadly missed by all of us who have come to know him over the years. His funeral will be held at the Our Lady of Fatima Church, Caringbah, with the principal celebrant being Bishop Danny Meagher. God bless you and reward you for your 65 years of faithful Priestly service.

Update on Info Evening about Results of the NCLS Survey - Thursday 18th September
As I mentioned, we will be holding an "Information Night" to 'unpack' the results of the NCLS Survey which was held at all the Masses at SCB and OLQP Churches last 31 May/1 June. We have invited Dr. Sam Sterland along, who heads the team of research for the Survey, to help us understand what the figures tell us. We have also invited Daniel Ang, Director of the Evangelisation Office of the Archdiocese, to offer some comparative analysis with the rest of the Archdiocese. The presentation starts at 7.30 pm, with coffee and nibbles, from 7 pm onwards. RSVP is necessary, as places are limited and it helps greatly for catering purposes. Depending on numbers will be the specific Parish venue chosen for the night. Please visit https://www.trybooking.com/DFEHG or ring the Parish Office on 9807 2906 to register your presence on the night.

Parish 'Family Summer Camp' at Toukley January 23 - 25, 2026
As in prior years, we will be holding our SPARC Youth 'Summer Camp' for teenagers from Year 7 - 12. This year we will once again be holding it at the CCC Campsite at Toukley, on the Central Coast. However, we have added on a 'Family Camp' on an adjacent part of the site, for young families to benefit from a Parish Retreat led by Philippa Manley and myself. Expect a mix of fun and faith activities, space to reflect, play and grow together, and some inspiring and prayerful liturgies to boot! Save the dates ... More details next week.

Finton Cottrell from Holy Cross College Receives 2025 Archbishop's Award
Last Tuesday one of our youth, Finton Cottrell, Year 12 Student at Holy Cross College, received the Archbishop's Award for Excellence from Archbishop Anthony. We are very proud of him. Well done, Finton! I thought I'd just pop in part of the citation he was given to give you a bit of an idea of why he got it:

Finton Cottrell models the living out of his Baptismal calling through servant leadership and discipleship. As a recent participant in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Youth (RCIY) program, he actively expresses his faith within both his parish of St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Ryde and his school community, Holy Cross College, Ryde. Finton serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and lector at weekly Mass. He is also actively engaged in the parish youth group. He attends Adoration, assists with parish retreats, and contributes to various prayer services. At school, Finton is part of the Army Cadet Unit, serves at morning and whole-school Masses and co-founded the youth group Brothers in Christ, while leading initiatives like the lunchtime Rosary in May. As a mentor in the RCIY program and a Student Councillor, he supports younger students in their faith and promotes social justice initiatives in collaboration with other leaders and Year Coordinators. His dedication to faith, leadership, and service makes him an inspiring role model who lives out our Catholic values.

Don't forget: Father's Day is next Sunday 7th September
As usual, we will also be choosing our "Father of the Year" award at all of the weekend Masses ... so be sure to bring your Dads and Grandads along next week. Please note: the RGCP Father's Day Memorial Mass will be held next Saturday 6th September at 10.30 am at OLQP Church. We had to move it this year due to a wedding being booked inadvertently for the same time at SCB Church. Morning tea afterwards in the hall at OLQP.

And that's about it for now. God bless,

Fr. Greg