MESSAGE ON THE 20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YR B)
Friday 16th August 2024
My dear people,
As I mentioned previously, the archdiocese is launching the “The Archbishop’s Campaign” this weekend. Information was shared with you last week via a brochure inserted in the bulletin, which showed 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. You will be given time during Mass this weekend to give to the campaign.
Yesterday, I had the wonderful blessing of celebrating Mass for the two catholic primary schools of the parish. First at 9:15am in the hall of Christ the Priest with the whole school present, as well as some parents who had been invited. Then, at 12pm in our parish church, for the community of St George Preca, also with some parents who had likewise been invited. From memory, it is the first time I celebrated Mass with our two school communities on the same day since arriving in the parish in 2017. I also celebrated Mass at Arcare Burnside at 11am. Yesterday was a day where my sense of the priesthood and love of it was really prominent having offered three Masses on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady.
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).
Ablaze Youth Group is organising a Bakesale fundraiser this Sunday (I had mistakenly advised that it was to happen last week in my message). 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 weekend.
It is wonderful that we continue celebrating our younger parishioners receiving Holy Communion for the first time this weekend. This will be the last week of First Holy Communions for our parish primary schools. 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.
On Sunday, at 3:30pm, our younger parishioners not attending our parish primary schools will be confirmed by Bishop Martin Ashe, the Auxiliary Bishop for the Western Region. We continue to pray for all these younger parishioners that, in confirming their faith, the Holy Spirit will fill them with gentle promptings to always stay close to our Lord. We also thank Bishop Ashe for his generosity in confirming them.
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