Family and Faith
Lucille Gravina - Family and Faith
Pope Francis
With the passing of our beloved Pope Francis the ‘people’s Pope’, I came across Rev. Richard Leonard’s YouTube clip Remembering Pope Francis. Richard Leonard is the Parish Priest at Our Lady of the Way incorporating St Mary’s North Sydney, St Francis Xavier Lavender Bay and Star of the Sea Kiribilli. As a Jesuit himself, Richard reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis. He speaks of the stewardship Pope Francis demonstrated for the environment in his book ‘Laudato Si’, the fact that mercy and joy became the centrepiece of his Papacy, his focus on outreach and the marginalised, support for civil unions and how we should adopt a pastoral approach in our Church with emphasis on welcome and meeting people where they are at.
At the Cathedral last Thursday night there was a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis. Archbishop Fisher also echoed the legacy Pope Francis leaves with us of mercy, joy and hope. Let us pray that as the Conclave convenes this Wednesday, the Holy Spirit will guide their decision in appointing another progressive Pope to advance the Catholic Church.
Sydney Vinnies Brekky Van
We had our first Vinnies Brekky Van service for 2025 yesterday morning. The weather was perfect and we served around 110 people a cold and hot breakfast. As always thanks to the unwavering support of our volunteers who contribute to this very fulfilling work. This outreach project is very humbling and we look forward to welcoming new members this year.
Mum’s Night Botany Randwick - Tuesday 13th May 2025
A reminder to book your ticket for the Mum’s Event of the year, the Botany Randwick Mum’s Night which this year will be held at St Joseph’s Rosebery. Tickets are $20. There will be a Guest Speaker, hospitality and the opportunity to create a clay masterpiece. Scan the QR code in the flyer below to book.
National Families Week - An Invitation
National Families Week commences on Monday 12th May 2025 (Week 3). On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning of this week, parents are invited to join their child/children in the Parish Centre from 8am - 8:45am to create a Family Shield. It should only take 5 - 10 minutes so why not consider coming to create your very own Family Shield to take home. More details in the flyer below.
T2 Family Mass - Saturday 17th May 2025
Our Term 2 Family Mass will be held on Saturday 17th May 2025 at 5:30pm. At this mass our Year 6 students will also make their Confirmation Commitment as they commence preparations to receive the Sacrament. We look forward to seeing many families at this mass to support our Confirmation candidates, maybe even the Kindergarten students to support their Year 6 buddy.
St Mary’s Cathedral Crypt Tour - Friday 20th June 2025
Any parent or carer free on Friday 20th June, 2025 …Save the date in your diary! Dr Robert Haddad - Manager Network Catholic Identity at Sydney Catholic schools will lead a 1 hour tour of the St Mary’s Cathedral and Crypt. Robert is most knowledgeable especially about the Crypt in St Mary’s Cathedral. Lunch will follow after the tour. Refer to the flyer to register your interest. There are limited places available so be sure to register so that you don’t miss out.
For all the Mothers, Grandmothers and important female figures in our children’s lives, may you enjoy a restful Mother’s Day where you are spoilt! May our blessed Mother Mary continue to watch over and guide you in your most important role and fill you abundantly with grace.
"Let all that you do be done in love"
Family Educator