From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 13th September, 2026

Hi everyone!
Hope you have had a lovely week with these changing weather patterns... I have just two things to mention this week:

Parish Picnic next Sunday 20 September from 12 - 4 pm at Putney Park
Our Parish Picnic is next Sunday 20 September. As you can see from the advert on the opposite page, you and your family and friends are invited to enjoy an afternoon together, with us, at Putney Park, with free BBQ, Slushies and kids' games and activities. Our amazing RGCP people and school P & F committees have organised the BBQ and slushies, and our Youth Team will be looking after the Kid's activities, while the rest of us will just sit back (BYO folding chairs and picnic rugs) and enjoy a lovely 'chilled out' afternoon together. All your Priests will be there, so if you want a chance to chat with them, they will be 'all ears'. Great way to 'Be Parish' together! I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Putney Park next Sunday.

Archbishop's Awards for Student Excellence 2026
Every year Archbishop Anthony awards outstanding students from Year 12 in our Archdiocesan Catholic Secondary Schools, to "highlight the very positive contribution they make to their local communities." Eligible recipients of the Award are "young people who are practising Catholics" and "who show responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community". This year, the winners of this prestigious award from our three local Systemic Catholic Secondary Colleges - Marists Sisters' College Woolwich (MSCW) , Holy Cross College Ryde (HCCR), and Marist College Eastwood (MCE) just happen to all be 'regular weekend Mass-goers' and active members of our Parish and SPARC Youth Group. Sofia Vella, Noah Roumanos and Patrick Gittani were each chosen from all the other Year 12 students at these colleges as this year's awardees. As fellow parishioners at RGCP, we should be very proud of them (see the photo below taken after the Awards Ceremony). The citations given for each of them included the following details of their Christian service:

Noah Roumanos (HCCR) is an exemplary young man with a deep faith and an unwavering commitment to gospel values. As a Student Mission and Identity Leader, Noah embodies the true model of Christian discipleship, consistently putting his faith into tangible action across both his college and parish communities.... In an extraordinary testament to his evangelising spirit, his authentic witness inspired several of his own friends to encounter Christ, leading them to enter the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Youth program in 2024. Through his weekly participation at St Charles Borromeo Parish, Noah lives out his baptismal calling with humility, leadership, and joyful witness, reflecting Christ's love to all.

Sofia Vella (MSCW) is an active member of her parish, St Charles Borromeo, Ryde. This year Sofia attended the SPARC camp as a Youth Leader, assisted in the organisation of the camp and led sessions for the youth. She also regularly reads at Mass in the parish, has participated each year in the Stations of the Cross reenactment and attends weekly Adoration. As a Youth Leader she volunteered to visit and sing for the elderly at the Calvary Retirement home in Ryde. Sofia attends numerous events to strengthen her faith ... She is a faith-filled, inspiring young leader at our school, and is well regarded by both her peers and staff.

Patrick Gittani (MCE) is a faith-filled young man, whose renewed commitment to his Catholic Identity has shaped his service to both his parish and school... He attends Sunday Mass faithfully at his Parish, St. Charles Borromeo, Ryde, participates actively in the "SPARC" youth group, and volunteers at various parish events. ... At school, Patrick lives out the Marist Charism with sincerity and humility. He co-leads the "Road to Sainthood" prayer groups, supports St. Vincent de Paul initiatives ... and visits local nursing homes where he plays piano for the aged care residents.... Patrick embodies the Gospel values through his care for others, and bears authentic witness to his faith through quiet genuine service."

That is also a massive testament to the dedication and creativity of our Youth Team at the Parish (headed by Fr. Steve, Edith, Natasha and Br. Antonio). Please congratulate them all on their outstanding achievement. Well done, Patrick, Sofia and Noah!

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

Fr. Greg

Patrick Gittani, Noah Roumanos, Sofia Vella