From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 12th October, 2025

Hi everyone!
Temporary Reduced Presence of Priests at the Parish
This week we farewelled both Fr. Daniele for his course on Spiritual Direction in Italy over the next three weeks, and Fr. Steve who left with 10 of our intrepid youth for the Philippines for a little under two weeks of their 'Mission Trip". Because of that, please be aware that only Fr. Dan and myself are available over the next ten days or so for all the activities at the Parish, so there may be times when we can't respond as per normal. Thanks for your understanding in advance...

Sydney Synod Meeting St. Mary’s Cathedral Hall Tuesday 14 October, 6 - 9pm
A warm 'thank you' to all those who have registered for next Tuesday's Regional Consultation of our upcoming Sydney Synod. All the available places at St. Mary's Cathedral College Hall have now been allotted, and we have secured about 10 for our own Parishioners, which is a nice sized representation. Those of you who are registered to attend should come prepared to share your own ideas about "... positive, practical, and faithful ideas to address the three longings of Sydney Catholics: that our liturgies be more prayerful, our communities more Christ-centred, and our Church in Sydney more mission-oriented." See you all there at Tuesday evening's meeting, which starts at 6 pm sharp.

100 Year Centenary Mass for OLQP Primary School Thursday16 October 9.30am
The day has almost arrived to mark the joyful anniversary of 100 years of Catholic primary school education at our own Gladesville campus. Please be aware you are all cordially invited to be a part of this historic event. The Mass begins at 9.30am, on Thursday 16th October in OLQP Catholic Church, presided by Bishop Danny Meagher DD. The front half of the Church will naturally be used for reserved seating, and we apologise in advance if your 'usual pew' is taken on the day! A celebratory morning tea, and the unveiling of commemorative plaques to mark both the School's and the Church's Centenary celebrations, will follow after that. Please come along, especially if you are an 'old boy' or 'old girl' of the school. See you there. I’ve also included a letter from Br Nicholas on the same subject below.

Turf Renewal at SCB Church Grounds (continued...)
I just want to congratulate you all on such great cooperation over the past week in helping us rejuvenate the lawns and fill in the (numerous) divots. I didn't see many footprints in the dirt at all! The grass is already growing through the areas that have been treated and, with a bit of luck, we hope to have it all 'turfed' before the end of this month.

So, please keep helping us by a) refraining from walking on the treated lawn sections and b) requesting anyone who wishes to walk over those sections of lawn where the soil has been spread, to kindly use the designated paths and roads to get to wherever they wish to go, so that the lawns can quickly recover their vitality. Please note once again that we will be using sprinklers to wet the area down, unless Mother Nature decides to give us a few more free showers. Apologies for any inconveniences in the meantime...

And that's about it for now. God bless you all, and have a lovely week ahead.

Fr. Greg

  

Dear Mr Cohen, Mrs Scoullar, Fr Greg, Staff and Students

 It is with immense pride, joy and deep gratitude that I extend my warmest congratulations to Our Lady Queen of

Peace Catholic Primary School, Gladesville, on the occasion of your Centenary – 100 years of faith, learning and

community (1925–2025).

 As a proud former student of OLQP School, this milestone holds personal and family significance. I am blessed to be

one of three generations in my family who have been shaped by the Mercy values, care, community spirit and

Catholic ethos that have always defined this school. The memories I carry from my time as a student remain a strong

and treasured part of my life journey and the faith and values instilled at OLQP School laid the foundation for my

own vocation as a Patrician Brother.

Throughout this remarkable century, the Patrician Brothers have been privileged to share in OLQP School’s mission

and journey. Our enduring association with the school and parish — from its earliest days through to today — has

been a blessing we treasure. Together with the Sisters of Mercy, dedicated lay principals and staff, parish clergy,

pastoral associates and teams, students, families and parishioners we have witnessed a legacy of love, learning and

leadership passed on from generation to generation. The Patrician Brothers offer congratulations and an assurance

of our prayers on this special occasion.

 Over the past century, OLQP School has not only formed countless young minds and hearts, but has also played a

vital role as a feeder school to Holy Cross College, Ryde - founded by the Patrician Brothers in 1891. This strong and

enduring connection between the schools continues to enrich the parish and wider Catholic educational community.

As you celebrate this centenary, may you take pride in the rich heritage that has been built through the dedication of

the founding Sisters of Mercy, principals, teachers and staff, priests, students, parishioners and families over the

school’s one hundred years history.

Be inspired by the faith and vision of those who came before, and look to the future with confidence, hope, and joy.

May the school’s patron, Our Lady Queen of Peace, continue to guide and bless the school community in the years

ahead.

With every blessing

Brother Nicholas Harsas, fsp

PROVINCE LEADER