News from the Capricorn Coast
16 August, 2024
What a wonderful time of gatherings and sacramental preparation this month has been!
We started with Safeguarding Training at Mary Immaculate Church on 20th July, straight after 5.15pm Mass and at Sacred Heart Church on 21st July, straight after 9am Mass. The Diocesan Safeguarding Manager Judy Pidcock, provided us with an in-service and update, on how to keep our parish safe. This was a great refresher and update for all our parishioners and we must thank our Parish Safe Representatives – Jan Mussig, Lorna Duggan and Barbara Kirwan for their ongoing support. We would also like to wish Judy a very Happy Retirement and thank her for her passion and enthusiasm for safeguarding, which she passes onto others.
Next on the calendar was Catholic Education Week, which was held from 21st to 27th July. A marvellous celebration of Catholic Education Week was held on Tuesday 23rd July, with Bishop Michael, Fr Matthew, and all our school communities: St Brendan’s College, St Ursula’s College, Sacred Heart School and St Benedict’s School. Mr Michael McCusker, Director of Catholic Education also celebrated with us for the first time.
On July 24th, a beautiful celebration was held for our children celebrating their First Reconciliation. Five priests helped on this occasion – Fr Ashwin, Fr Samuel, Fr Matthew, Fr Stephen and Fr Jomon. We thank each one of them for making this a special occasion for our children.
July 28th brought us 9 children celebrating Baptism and Jo Pickett and David Stephenson celebrating their Marriage. Congratulations and God’s richest blessings to you all on these joyous occasions.
On the first weekend of the month we gather after Mass for a shared meal at Mary Immaculate Church and morning tea at Sacred Heart Church. This is always a great time to gather together for a catch up and see how each other is travelling.
Tuesday August 6th had us gathering at two different times, to hear Shane Pianta provide us with an informative, entertaining and insightful presentation as he shared the experiences of his past year in Valladolid, Spain. He spent this time discerning his faith journey and travelling to some other countries as well. Shane also presented the Parish with a special candle from Fatima, Portugal. Thank you Shane and many blessings for your ongoing discernment journey.
The Sacramental Journey – a time of prayer and adoration continues for our children as they look forward to celebrating with Bishop Michael, as they receive the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion this coming weekend. We pray that you will continue to walk more closely each day, with our loving God.
The Mary Immaculate Church’s celebration of 120 years will be held on December 7th. More information to follow in next newsletter.
