A reminder to the children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation recently that Fr Sean has certificates that can be collected at any of the parish Masses.

This week in Australia is ‘Reconciliation Week’. The official website has a wealth of information, facts and suggestions for how our nation can move forwards to achieve reconciliation.  

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

Last Friday was the Feast Day of Our Lady, Mary Help of Christians. It has a special significance for Australians as the infant church in Australia had a special reason for turning to Mary. No priests were sent to the penal colony in its early days and Mass was not allowed (except for one brief year) until 1820. It was largely the Rosary in those early days that kept the faith alive.

Australia was the first nation to choose Mary under the title, 'Mary Help of Christians' as principle Patroness. Australia also became the first country to have a cathedral dedicated in Our Lady, Mary's name. St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney was dedicated in her honour by the Irish pioneer priest, Fr John Therry who arrived in Sydney in 1820.

Mr Richard Tuckwell, REC