Sunday 6 April 2025
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
Elsewhere in this bulletin you will read about our wonderful Parish Lenten retreat day. The concept and execution seemed to hit the mark in our busy lives, and so we look forward to another one in Advent. I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make it all happen, especially behind the scenes. We will be sending a feedback form to those who attended so we can capitalise on what worked and learn from what didn’t.
Last week the Jesuit community hosted the refounding of the ecumenical Lower North Shore Minister’s Fellowship. With prayer and sharing and a simple meal we had an enjoyable few hours with our Uniting Church colleagues. We hope to expand the circle at our next meeting after Easter. Apart from the Holy Hour for Vocations on April 4, and our sold-out Annual Parish Dinner on Saturday April 5, we have two important events coming up:
Throughout These 40 Days: A Night of Music and Reflections on Thursday April 10 @ 7pm in St Mary’s; and A Celebration of God’s Love: Rite II Reconciliation, Holy Week Tuesday April 15 @ 7pm at St Mary’s.
May God who has achieved such good work in us this Lent, bring it to completion.
Thank you as ever for your response to Michael McGirr and the Project Compassion Appeal. We will hear the result from them in due course. I am very sorry to say that there has been a breakdown in our scheduling and so the Charitable Works Fund Appeal will be on Palm Sunday weekend, but there will be no speaker. The CWF appeal supports the great works done by the Archdiocese. Contributions to this appeal are 100% tax deductible. You can make your contribution utilising a credit card or cash or through the parish website www.bpoint.com.au/payments/ourladyoftheway: Bill code: 1002001 – Charitable Works Fund.
Reflection by Emma Rossi
The Parish Lenten Retreat Day on Sunday 30 March was intellectually, emotionally and of course spiritually stimulating. All up over 150 people had the opportunity to hear the three speakers: our Parish Priest Richard Leonard SJ, Sr Michele Connolly RSJ and Michael McGirr. There was time for reflection after each speaker and an opportunity to form groups and discuss what moved or touched us. Fr Richard spoke about the Jubilee Year of Hope and the example Pope Francis has given us of loving compassion. Many people reflected after about the legacy of Pope Francis and his book on Hope.
Fr Richard also explored the Gospel of Luke and the three parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the man with two lost sons, formerly known as the Prodigal Son. Richard reflected on, among other things, on the importance of language. The language theme was picked up in our group and the singular and perhaps limiting way many of us talk of God as ‘Father, King and Lord.’
Sr Michele, a PhD in New Testament Studies, also took a deep dive into Luke 15. We heard about Jesus’s humour and how to interpret parables. She said that parables, whose context and setting are always important, are designed to engage, and often use illogical examples to bring home the moral point Jesus is making.
Michael McGirr shared personal stories of his family in his theme of ‘standing at the foot of the cross.’ He spoke poignantly about prayer being our asking an unchanging God to change us, so that we can change the world. In the context of Michael’s work with Caritas and Project Compassion this resonated deeply.
There were further opportunities to talk with other parishioners at the shared lunch and drinks prior to mass. It was indeed a rich day.
Harbourside North Catenians
Invite Men of Our Lady of the Way Parish
To join us on Thursday 10th April For fellowship, dinner and drinks
at Mosman Art Gallery and Communuity Centre 6.45pm $65.00 pp #
Enquiries and RSVP by 5th Apr to: Harbourside.north.circle@thecatenians.org.au
Connect with Catenians. Catenian men’s association: faith based friendships
# first time attendees free gratis.
Charitable Works Fund
The CWF supports six great works in Sydney: Aboriginal Catholic Ministry; CatholicCare (formerly Centacare), delivering over 100 programs in Ageing, Disability, Children & Youth, Employment Training & Support, and Family Services; Chaplaincies to hospitals, prisons and universities; Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) providing religious education in public schools; Ephpheta Centre for the hearing impaired; the local Seminary for education and training of future Priests. The generosity of those who contribute financially to the CWF means that these agencies are able to assist thousands of people each year.
You can make a difference. Contributions to this appeal are 100% tax deductible. You can make your contribution utilising a credit card or cash or through the parish website www.bpoint.com.au/payments/ourladyoftheway: Bill code: 1002001 – Charitable Works Fund.