MESSAGE ON THE 32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YR A)
Friday 10th November 2023
My dear people,
As I have been mentioning, discussions have been held with FPPV, the architects employed for the Masterplan of our property, as well as members of the Property and Building Services Department of the archdiocese. We are tremendously blessed to be a parish in the growth corridor of the state and our Mass attendance continues to grow. As a result, our worship space has become too small. On Thursday 26th October, I met with the Ministry Coordinators to present the very first plans, ideas, and concepts for our church. Our ministry coordinators have made wonderful contributions to the discussions, and these suggestions will be taken on board by the architects, and they will come back to us in due course. The plans, ideas and concepts are on the front page of the website and in the gathering space. I must stress very strongly that no decision has been made yet and that we are now starting the discussions about the future of our church building.
While we were having these discussions, I also initiated a conversation about changing the Mass times on Sundays in our parish. Over the past year, it has become obvious there is a great challenge for us to have the flow of cars in and out of the car park between Masses. Again, this is due to the growing number of people coming to Mass here which, in itself, is a great blessing from God. The proposal is that we change Mass times on Sundays to 8am, 10am, and 12pm. This will provide one hour between the end of Mass and the start of the next Mass which will make the flow of cars much easier. We shall continue to discuss these and get your input as time goes on. Again, this is just for discussion and no decision has been made.
Our parish is hosting a “life in the Spirit course” based on “the Gift” video series format. It is an inspiring and practical series for all age groups to help you encounter the Holy Spirit and empower you to share your faith. The course started yesterday 9th November and will run every Thursday from 7pm until 9pm for 6 weeks until 14th December. This course is well aligned to Divine Renovation since one of the three keys of Divine Renovation is “The Power of the Hoy Spirit: through the power of the Holy Spirit, transformative renewal happens, and parishes come to life.” Please register via https://www.trybooking.com/CMMJW. Light dinner & refreshments will be served.
I am delighted to announce that $3,798.50 was raised as part of the Fund-Raising Concert – A Tribute to Elvis Presley on 28th October. Again, I renew my gratitude to everyone involved in this wonderful outcome for our parish. I also sincerely thank God for having made it possible.
Our parish’s Carols by Candlelight will be held this year on 10th December in the evening. You are invited to arrive at 5pm for the sausage sizzle as well as some activities for the children. We will start the carols from 6pm. I hope to see many of you there. The Carols by Candlelight will be held at the CRC Hall. The Christmas Raffle will also be drawn on the day and tickets for the raffle go on sale this weekend.
I am sad to announce that Llewy Berchy has decided to step down from the Parish Leadership Team (PLT). Llewy will be taking time to focus on his young growing family and his new professional responsibilities at the archdiocese. I would like to sincerely thank Llewy for his insightful contributions to the work of the PLT since it was formed two years ago. Fortunately, Llewy is not leaving the parish and will still be involved in many different ways.
We continue turning to our patron saint and we ask for her intercession.
St Catherine of Siena, Pray for us.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Fr Richard Rosse PP