Religion and Parish News

Prayer

Prayer: Pope Francis’ Mission Prayer

Heavenly Father,

when your only begotten Son Jesus Christ rose from the dead, he commissioned his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations”.

You remind us that through our Baptism we are made sharers in the mission of the Church.

Empower us by the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be courageous and zealous in bearing witness to the Gospel, so that the mission entrusted to the Church, which is still very far from completion, may find new and efficacious expressions that bring life and light to the world.

Help us make it possible for all peoples to experience the saving love and mercy of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

One God, forever and ever.

Amen

Pope Francis’ October Prayer Intention: ‘May all Christians be missionary disciples’ (link)

Catholic Mission & Socktober for World Mission Month

As you may know from previous years, we recognise World Mission Month every October. This year, we are assisting Catholic Mission’s Socktober Appeal to raise funds to support the Good Shepherd Sisters, who operate a Kindergarten for vulnerable children in Thailand.

Our school’s fundraising goal is $1500 - enough to provide uniforms for the 59 children who attend the Kindergarten Centre each year. Please consider donating to this wonderful cause. You can use this link to donate to the Good Shepherd Sisters this Mission Month, remaining anonymous if you wish to. The link can also be shared to your extended family and friends for greater exposure.

In Week 4, we will also be hosting a Crazy Sock Fundraising Day and soccer shoot-out with homemade Sock-balls. Please watch the video to see how your child can make their own Sock-ball ready for Week 4. More information about this has been provided to families via email.

Crazy Sock Day will be on Friday 29 October. Students can wear crazy socks for a gold coin donation.

We, and Catholic Mission, are extremely grateful for any donation you can afford to make.

Yr 5 have lead the way for Socktober, making their sockball and "renting" it out for use. The "rent" goes towards our fundraising goal.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation will be taking place at 6pm on Thursday 11th November in St Joseph’s Church. At this stage and due to current social distancing requirements, only the candidate and up to 2 adults (parents/carers) are welcome to attend this celebration. At this stage, only those adults who have had one or both COVID-19 vaccinations are allowed entry into the Church on the evening of First Reconciliation. More information regarding changes to restrictions will be provided to families as the information is released.

Booking-In for Mass

Please remember to book-in for whichever Mass you hope to attend by ringing the Presbytery Office Secretary on (02) 6742 0200 between 8:30am-12:30pm Monday-Friday. If your plans change, and you can no longer attend that particular Mass, you must contact the office and notify the secretary so your seats can be reallocated and to avoid people being turned away when there are empty seats inside.

News from the Parish

Here’s a link to the latest Parish Bulletin for Sunday 17th October.

Please note the changes to COVID-19 restrictions in our parish. You need to be aware of the following changes:

Entry to Church is open to those who are fully vaccinated and partially vaccinated. Those who have not yet had any COVID-19 vaccination are not permitted entry.
Mask-wearing is mandatory within the church.
No congregational singing
A maximum of 70 parishioners in attendance at each Mass.
QR codes are available to check-in.

If you wish to secure a place for a particular Mass, please ring the Presbytery Office on (02) 6742 0200 and put your name on the list. It is preferable to make these bookings between the hours of 8:30am to 12:30pm, Monday to Friday. You will still be required to check-in upon arrival at Mass