The Pentecost Vigil was a beautiful liturgy for the four candidates – Miyuki Matsuzaki, Patricia Watkinson, Mark Furnival Jones and Lena May –  who had been journeying with the RCIA team (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) to become members of our church community.  

Miyuki Matsuzaki was baptised after the homily given by Fr Brendan.  Her personal sponsor is her husband, Kevin Chan and their little son Noah accompanied them together with parishioner Gim Gan who is Miyuki’s parish sponsor.  Both Miyuki and Kevin have been attending the weekly RCIA meetings since we came out of the last lockdown.

The other three candidates have been with us since then as well.  They have all had recognised baptisms and all four candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation and later, First Eucharist.

Patricia Watkinson has been attending Our Lady of Victories (OLV) for the past six months with her friends Mary and Peter Gurry who are her personal sponsors.  She had her Rite of Welcome at OLV and parishioner Sr Mary Gabrielle is her Parish sponsor.  While Patricia will continue to attend OLV, due to a bond being formed with the group, it was decided that she would receive the Sacraments at OLGC Church.

Lena May has been attending OLGC – often with her fiancé’s Grandmother, Mary Treacey.  Mary is Lena’s personal sponsor and parishioner Lina Scalzo is her Parish sponsor.

Mark Furnival Jones has also been attending OLGC.  He missed a couple of meetings and when contacted he replied that things had been a bit hectic as he had married and they had been on their honeymoon!  Mark’s wife, Charlotte, is his personal sponsor and parishioner Jim Milligan, who has been leading the RCIA Group so well, is his Parish sponsor.

During the Mass, parishioners held lit tapers until the end of the readings which was a lovely sight to behold.   After being blessed with the Holy Spirit during Confirmation, the candidates rejoined the congregation.  When the time came for receiving Eucharist – they and their sponsors were the first to receive, strengthening the gifts they had already received and bringing them into full union with the church.

We were all delighted that Fr Trac was involved in the liturgy.  He has attended some of our meetings and is always a popular addition.

After Mass, we all celebrated in the Gathering Space and are very grateful to the Hospitality Committee for providing and serving supper for us.  We are also grateful to the Liturgy Committee for making this Mass so special for all of us.

Special thanks to Fr Brendan and Fr Trac for leading the candidates and sponsors during the Sacraments in a way that was both reverent and relaxed – allowing everyone to enjoy this very special and memorable time.

By Lyn Kane

Main image (L-R):  Fr Trac, Patricia Watkinson, Lena May, Fr Brendan, Mark Furnival Jones and Miyuki Matsuzaki.