It is hard to believe that we are already into the second week of Advent.  This Sunday we light the second of our Advent candles, this candle symbolises peace and serves as a moving reminder of the transformative power peace has by inspiring us all to seek inner serenity and extend goodwill to others.

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration but it can become overwhelming as we prepare for Christmas and the busyness of all it brings. As we continue on our journey of preparation, we also prepare to farewell our Parish Sacramental Coordinator, Nanette Giovannini.  In her role as Sacramental Coordinator, Nanette has taught and guided many generations of children in their sacramental life.  She has done so not just with mere instructing words but rather with her passion and her deep and personal faith.  This exercise of her role has resonated so well with what Pope Francis stated in Antiquum Ministerium, the Apostolic Letter issued on the day he instituted the Ministry of Catechist: “The role played by catechists is one specific form of service among others within the Christian community.  Catechists are called first to be expert in the pastoral service of transmitting the faith…  catechists must be a witness to the faith… through prayer, study, and direct participation in the life of the community can they grow in this identity and the integrity and responsibility that it entails.” (no.6)

Apart from running programs to prepare children for sacraments, Nanette has also worked together with our Parish Priests and school leaders to facilitate the strong connections among our three school communities.  Furthermore, she has worked collaboratively with our other Parish staff members to bring about the best for the better life of the parish.

We express our deep gratitude to Nanette for her dedicated and committed service of love and faith in our parish.  We wish her all the very best in her retirement from her role as Sacramental Coordinator, however, we will continue to appreciate Nanette’s strong contribution in other ministries of the parish.

All parishioners are invited to a Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate Nanette’s many wonderful years of service in our parish.  This celebration will take place on Sunday, 15 December at 10.30 am Mass at Our Holy Redeemer Church, Surrey Hills, followed by hospitality.

On another note, many of you have heard about the temporary closure of Reserve Road, Camberwell.

Last Monday, 2 December the Boroondara Council, without consultation, resolved to close Reserve Road to traffic and parking to improve safety for school children, effective from the commencement of Term 1 in 2025.

The closure will be temporary, pending the development of a masterplan through immediate consultation with all the affected parties.  The proposed masterplan will facilitate a permanent closure of a section of the road with provision for parking, school drop off and pick up areas and further landscaping to complement the recent development of the playground.

While this decision will affect some members of our parish community more than others, especially the regular Mass attendants and those who come to the Basilica for other events such as weddings and funerals.  We do trust that this measure is a positive step forward in improving the safety for the school community and also facilitate a long-term solution of parking for the needs of our wider community.

With many blessings.

By Fr Sang Ho

Published: 6 December 2024