Thoughts from the presbytery – 15 March

At St. Augustine’s Parish Pastoral Council held this week, we welcomed Lourdes O ‘Keefe who will manage the social portfolio, assisted by Steve Scroope.  We listened to reports from each member and these will be available to parishioners via email and the noticeboard.  If you read the reports, I think you will be amazed at…

Yass supports Caritas Kitchen

Parishioners from St Augustine’s Parish strike a pose at the Caritas Kitchen Project Compassion launch last Thursday. After a delicious pot luck dinner, guest speaker Paul Mwenda told his story about the afternoon in Kenya when blindness became his constant companion. Paul’s story was extraordinary; he described how important it was to him to forgive…

Thoughts from the presbytery – 8 March

I was delighted to see the number of people who attended the two Masses at St. Augustine’s on Ash Wednesday, more than in previous years.  I hope we all avail ourselves of the disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, as we journey towards Easter with renewed spirits.  At Easter there will be three adults who…

Thoughts from the presbytery – 1 March

In view of the conviction of George Pell, no matter what the outcome of the appeal, the Church in Australia must undergo a radical transformation of governance.  The hierarchy, including myself, needs to act in a servant role with a genuine compassion and love for the vulnerable of society. The Church as defined by Vatican…

Thanks from Vinnies

The members of St. Augustine’s Conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society wish to convey our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your generosity and kindness in supporting the Society throughout the past year. The response to the 2018 Christmas Appeal was truly outstanding.  This appeal raised $6,200.  In addition to this financial support, the conference…

Thoughts from the presbytery – 22 February

Our submission from the discussion leading to the Plenary Council 2020 will be sent directly to those overseeing the process.  I am grateful to those parishioners who volunteered to take our findings to Goulburn, but this proposed gathering has been cancelled. Wednesday week begins the season of Lent and in these times of uncertainty, penance…

Outputs from Plenary Council workshop

The parish held its second workshop in preparation for the 2020 Plenary Council on Wednesday 7th February. Eighteen parishioners reviewed the results of the parish survey and then discussed in small groups the four topics that had been identified as the top priorities Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse – How can…

Thoughts from the presbytery – 15 February

At St. Augustine’s Parish Pastoral Council, Sarah Johnston became the new Chairperson, with Bryan Coleborne as her Deputy Chairperson.  Each member of the PPC will give an outline of their areas of responsibility this year and can form a committee to support their work.  I am delighted Genevieve Colbert has joined the PPC, caring for…

Mediating democracy – journalism in the Post Truth Age

Christians for an Ethical Society presents its 2019 Forum Series on Wither Democracy? Its first forum for 2019 will be with distinguished journalist Paul Bongiorno AM on the topic “Mediating Democracy: Journalism in the Post Truth Age” at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. Date:   7:30pm-9:00pm 12th February 2019 Location:  Chapel at the Australian Centre…

Thoughts from the presbytery – 8 February

There were eighteen parishioners at a gathering this past week to workshop topics to be presented for the Plenary Council 2020.  All appeared to enjoy the evening, with Paul Trezise as facilitator.  The next step will be to take our findings to a Northern Deanery meeting. St. Augustine’s Parish Pastoral Council will meet this Wednesday,…