MESSAGE ON THE 19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YR B)
Friday 9th August 2024
My dear people,
As mentioned during announcements last week, the archdiocese is launching the “The Archbishop’s Campaign” next weekend. We have included in the bulletin a brochure with this information. Those of you who have the bulletin will see that the brochure shows the consolidation of many of the appeals which used to be held throughout the year into one campaign. The funds raised for these appeals are used for the different ministries of the archdiocese as mentioned in the brochure. You will be given time next week during Mass to give to the campaign.
Last Wednesday evening, the School Advisory Council of Christ the Priest and St George Preca, our two parish primary schools, met here at the presbytery. The School Advisory Council meets once a term to discuss aspects of running the schools. It is also an opportunity for all of us to hear about what happens in the schools and for the schools to be informed of what happens at the parish. I was able to tell them about the parish pilgrimage, the First Communion Afternoon Tea, The Youth Group Fundraiser, the Leadership Summit, and the menALIVE events we are hosting.
We are delighted to be hosting a fundraising concert on 19th October this year. During the first half of the show, Sean Luke Spiteri will transform into the Welsh legend, Tom Jones, with signature moves, a big strong Welsh accent and voice, performing classic hits. Sean will end the show with a tribute to Elvis Presley, the KING OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL singing some of the King’s greatest hits. Tickets are available on:
https://www.123tix.com.au/events/40941/elvis-presley-tom-jones-live-at-crc-performing-arts-centre
A reminder that we are hosting a “menALIVE” weekend in the parish on 5th and 6th October. “menALIVE” is a National Men’s Ministry founded to respond to the great need in the hearts and lives of men. Their purpose is to bring men together, to renew their faith and to encourage them to become an active force of renewal. On 20th August, “menALIVE” will host a program in our parish called Raising Fathers. Registrations are now open for both Raising Fathers (https://www.trybooking.com/CSUBB) and the “menALIVE” weekend (https://www.trybooking.com/CTXJR).
Starting this evening, Friday 9th August, the Men’s Group will be held on the second Friday of the month instead of the third. It is necessary to change the day to help the Living Springs Choir with their practice which takes place on the third Friday of month. It was noticed that they had to rush through their practice so as to finish in time for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, which is the start of Men’s Group, at 7pm.
Ablaze Youth Group is organising a Bakesale fundraiser this Sunday. Our youth group is working magnificently well at the moment and the programs are attracting about twenty parishioners in high school. Many of their activities require funds to run and they also share a meal as part of their evening here. I invite you to participate in the fundraiser this weekend. A reminder that Ablaze Youth Group meets every Friday during school term in the CRC Hall from 6pm to 8pm. Please bring some cash along with you when you come to Mass this Sunday.
It is wonderful that this weekend we will continue celebrating our younger parishioners receiving Holy Communion for the first time. First Holy Communion will take place over the next two weekends and I invite you to continue praying for our first communicants and their parents. We pray particularly that these children and their families realise how awesome it is to be receiving Holy Communion for the first time and to make sure it is not an isolated event in their lives but one which ignites in their heart a great love for Jesus and for his Church.
The Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady will be celebrated on Thursday 15th August this year. A reminder that this Solemnity is a Holy Day of Obligation. To help you fulfill your obligation, there will be three Masses in the parish to celebrate the Assumption:
Wednesday 14th August at 7pm, and
Thursday 15th August, at 9:30am and 7pm
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