FROM FR GREG'S: DESK SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER, 2025

 

Hi everyone

Advent is Soon on our Doorstep

This weekend is the Solemnity of Christ the King, which marks the last week of our 'liturgical year' in the Catholic Church. The following Sunday will be our first week of Advent and we will begin to light the candles in the Advent Wreath at both Churches. Christmas is just around the corner...
There are a number of Advent Prayer groups set up to deepen in the 'Spirit of Advent' (one in particular is offered to you on Tuesdays of Advent in the SCB Parish Hall, see info box on page 3) and get ready for the coming Christmas celebrations. This year the Daily Reflections will be taken from the booklet produced by the Wollongong Diocese called 'The Promise'. It has reflections for each and every day of Advent and is a worthy companion to your own prayers and personal journey through the next four weeks. Booklets are available from the Parish Office, or you can order them directly from the website of the Diocese of Wollongong: dow.org.au/shop.

Annual Archdiocesan Catechist Mass last Sunday 16 November

Congratulations to Gai Nicholls, who last Sunday received her Apostolic Blessing Award for persevering for 20 years as a Catechist, and for which we are very very grateful. I couldn't be with them at the Annual Archdiocesan Catechist Mass, as I had the last of the First Holy Communion Masses last Sunday, but Fr. Daniele could accompany them and told me it was a lovely Mass.

Merryl Foster also received a large bunch of Hydrangeas for her nearly 60 years of support for the Catechetical programs we run from our Parish. Good on you, Merryl!

We currently serve five state schools with what is known as "Special Religious Education" classes, and we are always in need of new volunteer catechists, even if you just come along to begin with as a helper. How about giving it a go?

For more information, please give the Parish Office a ring on 9807 2966, or email us at office@rgcp.org,au.


'Volunteers Thankyou Mass' Sat 6 Dec 8 am and Brunch afterwards

In just two week's time, we will be hosting our annual "Volunteers' Thank You Mass and Brunch". All those who volunteer in whatever way here at our Parish (in our ministries, outreach, administrative work and so forth) are warmly invited to come along to SCB Church Sat 6 December from 8 am onwards.

SAVE THE DATE!

I want to serve those of you who serve the Parish throughout the year as a way of saying a heartfelt 'thanks' to all of you who keep this Parish going ... you help to make this place 'buzz'. We plan to have freshly cooked bacon and egg rolls, ham and cheese croissants, fruit platters, cakes, fruit juices, and our Little Noah's Cafe offerings. And it is all for free, all because you guys are amazing. I want as many of you as possible to be there to 'meet and greet' others whom you might normally not 'bump into'. So save the date and come along. And if for some reason you can't join us for the Mass, drop in for the brunch afterwards in any case.


Office Closed Friday 28th December

Just a note to say that the Parish Office will be closed this Friday 28th December. We apologise for any inconveniences caused. If there are any urgent matters requiring attention that day please call our 'Emergency Number' 0413 226 508, and we will endeavour to meet any urgent needs as best as we can.

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



Fr. Greg