This week marks the beginning of Advent, and the start of a new liturgical year for our newly formed Our Lady of Pentecost Parish.  Advent invites us to reflect on a renewed mission and direction for our parish, guided by the Spirit’s presence.

Last Thursday, 21 November, our Parish Pastoral Council gathered for the last time.  One of the main items on the agenda was to finalise the terms of reference for the Council.  We hope to establish a framework to recruit more members to join the Council due to our numbers decreasing.  Since the last meeting, three members have stepped down due to personal reasons.  The Council also discussed our five-year Strategic Plan for 2025-2029 and hope to form a subcommittee early next year to establish the action plan for our parish’s first year.  Once finalised, this plan will be shared with all parishioners.

In the meantime, work continues by parish staff, the Parish Pastoral Council and the Finance and Investment Group to complete the administrative, financial, and pastoral frameworks for our recent parish amalgamation.  Our parish staff are also working closely with Heartburst – a Digital Agency – to complete the development of our new parish website, which I look forward to sharing with you in the coming weeks.  Some other changes you might have already noticed, like: our new logo in the parish newsletter delivered to your inbox each Friday; the weekly slides in our churches all bear the name Our Lady of Pentecost; and now we have a new email address ourladyofpentecost@cam.org.au.  We ask you to update your address book with our new email address. 

As we journey together, we remain mindful and grateful for the good work already flourishing within our community of Our Lady of Pentecost Parish.  Across our parish, many activities continue to enrich our shared life and deepen our connection as a faith-filled community.  Each week, the five worshipping communities of Our Lady of Pentecost Parish gather to celebrate the Eucharist, nurturing bonds of friendship and hospitality.  Meanwhile, members of our Parish Liturgy Group and Music Ministry are involved in preparing our churches and liturgies for Advent and Christmas.  This year’s Advent Penitential Service will provide a time for prayer and reflection amid the busy lead up to Christmas.  The service will be held on Thursday, 12 December at 7.00 pm at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Deepdene.

At 10.30 am Mass this Sunday, 1 December at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, we will celebrate the Rite of Entry into the Catechumenate for a group of Inquirers – Paul, Mieke, Evelyn, Anastasia, Hannah & Farid – who have participated through a series of Inquiry Evenings with our RCIA team led by Fr Frank and Tricia.  We hold them in our prayers as they continue in their journey searching for God through our community.

Care for those in need remains central to our parish life.  Each week, our priests and parishioners visit the sick, the dying, and those in aged care or private homes, offering Communion, prayer, and friendship.  This Advent, we continue to welcome families bringing their children for baptism, celebrating the start of their faith journey within our community.  Looking ahead to 2025, preparations are already underway with our parish schools for the celebration of sacraments with our young people.

Our St Vincent de Paul Conferences continue their vital work, providing support to those in need with food and assistance with household expenses.  Their support, especially during Christmas and throughout the year, makes a significant difference in the lives of many in our community.  This Advent, parishioners are invited to take part in the Advent Giving Tree initiative at each of our churches.  By selecting a ‘gift tag’, purchasing the specified gift or donation card, we can extend support to our partnered outreach organisations.  The Spirit continues to move among us this Advent.

As we enter Advent, we are presented with the opportunity for a new phase in the life of our parish.  Early next year, we will gather to celebrate the Opening of the Parish Year Mass and formally mark our new beginnings as the community of Our Lady of Pentecost.  Until then, I look forward to journeying with you through this season of hope and renewal.

By Fr Sang Ho

Published: 29 November 2024