Thoughts from the presbytery – 1 April

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope and pray you are all well and adjusting to our new monastic lifestyle. If you have any needs or just want to talk to me, please use my mobile (0448 414 541) and not the landline (6226 1086). I’m unable to change the message on the landline…

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is with regret that I have decided, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, to cease all gatherings in our community until further notice. I have a duty to care for you all and I’m not prepared to take the risk of exposing anyone to the virus. This will include…

Thoughts from the presbytery – 20 March

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In these extremely difficult times due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus, immediate action had to be taken to protect the spread of the virus and to protect the health of everyone.  The protocols insist a distance of one and a half metres between people, the exception being families, at our…

Revised Mass arrangements

The federal government’s announcement of a restriction on indoor gatherings to less than a hundred people and the Uniting Church’s decision to close their Murrumbateman site has necessitated some changes in weekend Mass arrangements for Yass and Gunning parishes effective immediately. The Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn has issued updated guidance  regarding Archdiocesan Protocols for…

Thoughts from the presbytery – 13 March

At the Vigil Mass next Saturday we will give thanks for the gentle ministry of Sr. Macrina, who after fifteen years in Yass will move to Young.  After Mass there will be a ‘pot luck’ meal in the Hartigan Centre. The coronavirus has caused upheaval around the world and the future is uncertain.  Fear is…

Thoughts from the presbytery – 6 March

After fifteen years in Yass, Sister Macrina is moving to Young in three weeks.  Due to the sudden decision of her superiors, we are given little time to express our gratitude for her wonderful contribution to our community, especially her work with the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  I suggest at the Vigil Mass on…

Thoughts from the presbytery – 28 February

During the rite of baptism, parents and godparents are reminded of their responsibility to the child for the ongoing nurturing of faith.  After baptism, the next step for the child is to engage in preparation for their first Holy Communion.  Registrations took place this past week and nineteen were presented to continue the faith journey. …

Thoughts from the presbytery – 21 February

Ash Wednesday this week begins the season of Lent.  Masses will be at 7:30am and 5:30pm, St. Augustine’s, Yass and 9am at St. Francis Xavier’s, Gunning.  Lent is a penitential season of prayer, self-denial and helping others.  In this way, the whole church prepares for Easter with those who are baptised and for all others…

Thoughts from the presbytery – 14 February

The concert by the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne this past Monday was outstanding.  A special thanks to those who prepared the Lovat Chapel for this event and to the many people who made slices, cakes and sandwiches for the supper at interval.  Thanks to those wonderful people who with Lourdes O’Keefe, served the supper and to…

News from the presbytery – 7 February 2020

This Monday we host the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne in the Lovat Chapel, an extraordinary opportunity to hear classical works performed by world renowned musicians. Lourdes O’Keefe needs people to help with supper to be served at the interval of the performance. St. Augustine’s Parish Pastoral Council will meet this coming Wednesday, 12th February, 7:30pm at…