MESSAGE ON THE 23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YR B)
Friday 6th September 2024.
My dear people,
Yesterday afternoon, members of the PLT and I attended a regional gathering in Werribee for an exclusive preview of the Parish Resource Guide. The Parish Resource Guide has been developed to be a practical companion tool for parishes seeking to foster communities of faith that are vibrant, vital and viable. The Parish Resource Guide will be launched officially once it has been presented at the four regional gatherings around the archdiocese. The gathering also provided an opportunity for parishes in the Western Region to network and share their stories of missionary renewal, wherever they are on the journey.
Two weeks ago, Richard van der Merwe, from the Order of Malta, spoke to us about a joint initiative of the Order of Malta and Mercy Palliative Care. The aim of the initiative is to recruit community volunteers from parishes with the aim of strengthening the quality of palliative care in the Mercy catchment area in the western region of the archdiocese. There is more information in the bulletin about how to join this initiative, keeping in mind that the training sessions will start on Tuesday 17th September.
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. Registrations are now open for the “menALIVE” weekend (https://www.trybooking.com/CTXJR).
We will host our monthly Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus this evening. Mass will begin at 7:00pm followed immediately by prayers for the Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. There will be a period of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Confession will be available at that time. We will also host the Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary tomorrow at 3:30pm in the meeting rooms of the church.
On the weekend of 14th and 15th September, our younger parishioners not attending our parish primary schools will receive Holy Communion for the first time. I invite you to pray 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.
I will be away next week for my annual retreat, leaving on Sunday and returning on Friday. This year, I will be at Kenthurst Retreat Centre in Sydney, joining 22 other priests from around Australia for a time of quiet with Our Lord. Since it will be a silent retreat, I will not be contactable from Sunday evening until Friday afternoon.
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