Weekly Message from Fr Duane - June 15 2025

BULLETIN MESSAGES TRINITY SUNDAY

I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to all involved in the Pentecost Multicultural Mass last Sunday – those who prepared it behind the scenes, those who shared prayers in language, those who dressed in traditional dress, the St Therese school community for their attendance and leading the final song, those who brought delicious food for after Mass, our regular ministers for their usual ministry as well as their flexibility, and all of our regular parishioners for your openness to the uniqueness of the celebration. It was a wonderful celebration of the cultural diversity that we are so blessed to enjoy in our parish, and of the bond of unity we share through Christ in the Holy Spirit! 

While I am often reluctant to single out any particular group, there are a few reasons why I wish to make special mention of our Burmese community at this time. A number of people commented on how deeply moved they were by the reflection hymn prepared and sung so beautifully by the Burmese community. When we consider the journey that so many of our Burmese parishioners have made as refugees fleeing oppression and violence, it was even more deeply moving to witness the faith, courage and joy that they radiate so beautifully among us. As many of you would know,  a terrible earthquake occurred in March this year in Myanmar, with aftershocks continuing even to this week, adding to the struggles of many in Myanmar, including loved ones of our own Burmese parishioners. We will have opportunities in our parish to provide practical support to the Burmese community in the coming months, and I look forward to sharing more details with you of this as they come to hand.

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If God is in my life, all things will be fulfilled. My soul will be joyful and praise God’s glory.

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For now, I share with you the English translation of the hymn they sang, which I pray will continue to inspire all of us in whatever difficulties we face in life:

As I walk through the troubled world, you protect me. 

Even in the presence of enemies, you love and give me your flesh and blood at the table.

If God is in my life, all things will be fulfilled. My soul will be joyful and praise God’s glory.

When I was in pain and suffering, you warmed my heart.

When darkness reigned, I could not see, you were a lamp to see on the path.

As I have fallen many times in the path of sin, you have always forgiven me. 

You have promised me a place of refuge in heaven, a refuge for my believing soul.

CARPARK UPDATE: GATHERING SAFELY AFTER MASS

Thank you to everyone for your co-operation with the new line-marking in the carpark. One ongoing challenge that we have always faced in our carpark is that the main steps of the church open out directly onto the traffic. This can make it natural for people to gather and chat after Mass in the path of traffic. I love to see people mingling after Mass, but to help to increase safety and convenience for all pedestrians and vehicles, I ask that when we gather to chat after Mass, we do so under the awning where there are the “no parking signs”, where there is always plenty of space to gather. The other option is the parish centre which is always open after Mass (and warm…with free refreshments available!)

ALPHA: COME AND SEE! (AND STATE OF ORIGIN)

During the past 5 seasons of Alpha over 200 people of all stages of life and faith have come to a new or deeper encounter with Jesus and his church. Our next season of Alpha launches with a one-off “come and see” evening this Wednesday 18th June at St Therese Parish Centre, including testimonies from some of those who completed the last Alpha. Please also consider who the Holy Spirit might prompt you to invite along – a gentle invitation to “come and see” is all they might need to find something of the joy and hope that Christ has brought to us! You can use this QR code on the Home page to register yourself or others for the come-and-see evening, or simply contact the parish office.

The Alpha evening will begin at 6:10pm, and conclude shortly before 8pm, and there will then be the opportunity to stay to watch the State of Origin at the Parish Centre after the Alpha evening concludes. Note: even if you don’t come to the Alpha evening feel free to join to watch the footy – no registration needed if you only come to that. 

DEACON JOSEPH ANNUAL LEAVE

Deacon Joseph will take his annual leave commencing this week, returning to Vietnam, in part to celebrate with his parents for their 50th wedding anniversary! This will also be his first opportunity to celebrate with his family after his ordination as Deacon. He will return on 10th July. We wish him a blessed and restful trip and joyful celebrations with his family and friends!

COME AND SEE CUP OF TEA 

On Sunday 29th June straight after the 10am and 5pm Mass we will have a special “Come and See Cup of Tea” in the Parish Centre, co-ordinated by our Parish Pastoral Council whose role includes unite and supporting the various activities of the parish. This will be a special gathering showcasing the various parish groups and activities as well as possible ways you might use your own unique gifts to serve in our parish and beyond. Save the date!