News from Clermont
18 November, 2024
Twin Hills – 21st September 2024
“Oh my God, oh my God!”. This was Fr Shaiju Lookose’s reaction to his first encounter with the annual Twin Hills Races and Campdraft weekend. With the camps sprawling out seemingly forever through the gidyea trees, the hustle of campdraft grounds and onto the dust and high fashions of the races, the sight can be overwhelming for the first-time visitor.
After the last race of the day, Mass was celebrated by Fr Shaiju at the Cassiopeia camp hosted by Bart and Tegan Wilkinson. The time slot of 6.00pm seemed to be a winner with a congregation of 85 attending, with a prevalence of young people seeking a reflective reviver in the activities of the day.
Though not an Ecumenical event, the congregation was of very mixed faiths demonstrating the belief that many people come to church through social invitation. It was heartening that all came forward at least for a blessing if not receiving the Eucharist.
One person, not Catholic and not of any particular religion, has not missed the celebration of the Mass for the past four year as in his own words “It means a lot to him”. This year, he brought another two work colleagues with him, a new experience for both of them.
In 2025, celebrations will mark 100 years of the annual event.
- Cristy Moller at the Gidyea Stump lectern. Cristy read at the first Mass celebrated by Fr Bruce Little in 2000. 2.“Ros Kenny, Erin Wilkinson and Daniel Sanke reading from the gidyea stump lectern. 3. Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord.
20th October 2024
On Sunday morning 20th October, Bishop Michael McCarthy attended St Mary’s Church Clermont as part of his annual visit to the Peak Downs Cluster and presided over the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist with 7 candidates being presented. Adding to beauty of the day, Bishop Michael also inducted 3 candidates through the RCIA programme and conducted 5 Baptisms.
The children and parents were prepared for the Sacraments by Mrs Jess Connelly and Mrs Hannah Charles reflecting the invaluable work carried out in many of the Parishes by the laity in keeping the mission of the Church alive.
Following morning tea, Bishop Michael met with members of both Clermont and Capella Parishes to discuss current issues facing the work of the Church in these Parishes.
Sunday 17/11/2024 – St Mary’s Clermont
The Baptism of Grace Dunbar, daughter of Digby Dunbar and Isabella Shrader, with Fr Shaiju officiating. It was a treasured occasion with five generations of the family being present to celebrate.
