From Fr Greg's Desk: Sunday 20th September, 2026

Hi everyone!
Parish Picnic Putney Park This Sunday 20 Sep - 12 pm onwards
Well, our RGCP Parish Picnic at Putney Park is this Sunday from 12 pm onwards. The sausages, bacon and eggs (and tomato/bbq sauce) are ready ... slushy machines are raring to go ... Yes, folks, bring your own picnic rugs, folding chairs and esky's (with a few cold drinks in them) and get set for a relaxed afternoon together at Putney Park this weekend. (Even the weather seems to be cooperating with us... thanks Lord!)

The BBQ is being run by our School P & F's, with both SCB and OLQP involved. Our untiring Parish Youth Team (led by Natasha and Br. Antonio) will be there, looking after activities for the kids. So all you need to do is show up, chill out, and socialise for a few hours with others from the other five weekend Masses at RGCP (whom you probably haven't seen in a long time). We even have a raffle for a large hamper (just for a bit of fun) with tickets at $2 each, (or three for $5). Now, how good is that??

Okay, so where are we gathering? You will see the Parish banner (the one we take on the Walk With Christ processions through the CBD each year) and we are situated at the 'Punt end' of Putney Park, so you can't miss it.

No Morning Tea After 10 am Mass at SCB Ryde this Week
So, it will come as no surprise to you all that our usual 'get together' after the 10 am Mass at SCB Ryde will not be happening this Sunday, because we have a lot of work to do to get the Picnic organised that morning (what we are really hoping for is that you will come down to Putney Park instead). Apologies for those of you who love our signature 'Little Noah's' coffee and hot chocolate ... However, they will be available once again next week, 'same place, same time'. Oh, and, ahhh ... no, we won't be taking the coffee van down to Putney Park!!

Seniors at RGCP!! The 'Young at Heart' Seniors Club are inviting you...
For those of us 'seniors' who are either new to the Parish (or new to being over 60... like me!!), we have a lovely organisation called the Young at Heart who are looking forward to welcoming you at their monthly outings and get-togethers. This is a great way to get out of the house and in with a bunch of your peers who are interested in making friends and doing fun things together. There is a whole program organised up until December, so that you 'social butterflies' can organise your bust social schedules and 'save the date' each time.
Here is a list of the next four events they have organised (care of Cyril's Coach Tours) and to which I heartily invite you seniors of the Parish to be a part of:

Wednesday 30 September - Tour of Lucas Heights Nuclear Power Plant, with a visit to the Camelia Gardens in Caringbah for lunch. Cost: $80 (not including lunch). Departs Morrison Bay Car Park at 8.30 am sharp. Book your place on the bus by calling Marcella on 0491 015 151.

Wednesday October 21 - Lunch at Gladesville RSL - all welcome to join (bring your friends). Kicks off at 12 noon (lunch at own expense). Contact Julie McCarthy on 0466 557 107 for more details.

Wednesday 18 November - Trip to Norah's Head, with lunch at Toukley RSL [ More about that in coming bulletins] Contact Marie McNamara on 0410 221 553 for more details.

Wednesday December 16 - "Christmas Party - Bayview Hotel Gladesville Kicks off at 12 noon, (lunch and drinks at own expense. Contact Mike Texier on 0419 707 200 for more details.

RGCP Family Camp and Youth Camp Toukley 22 - 24 January 2027
And just a 'heads up' that our Family Camp will once again be held at Toukley on the weekend before Australia Day 2027 (last weekend of summer school holidays). This is the second time we are offering this Family Camp - our first was last year and it was a wonderful experience for our Parish's young families to spend a few days together, forming friendships between other families at the Parish which have blossomed during the year.

This is also a great way of being able to have a bit of 'spiritual input' and 'down time' in a relaxed setting, complete with talks for the parents, activities run by our Youth Team (led by Br. Antonio), time off for family time together in the afternoons, and all accommodation and meals included. For more information, have a chat with Philippa Manley or myself, or get in contact with the Parish Office for more info. (see info box on opposite page)

And that's about it for now.

God bless you all, and see you down at Putney Park on Sunday, from 12 pm onwards.

Fr. Greg