Over the past month a lot has happened in our Parish and I will briefly try to share a few of these events.

On February 11^th, both sides of our Parish came together once again to share stories, a few laughs and of course a coffee. This happened amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Marina and with wonderful company. I think this is a great opportunity to grow friendships and share our faith in a relaxed atmosphere.

February 24^th rolled around and we had a formal farewell for Briona McKone, our Parish Secretary.  We gathered after 9am Mass for Morning Tea, where John Halberstater and Fr Matthew Moloney both thanked Briona for her tireless dedication to her role as Secretary over the past ten years.  We also took this opportunity to welcome our new Parish Secretary Vanessa Ramswarup and our current Assistant Secretary Sonia Cunningham.

March 1^st had us gathering for an ecumenical World Day of Prayer, prepared by the women of Slovenia. We gathered at the Anglican Church in Lammermoor, Yeppoon and also in the Anglican Church, Emu Park where about twenty five people attended. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for ecumenical fellowship.

Our monthly shared breakfast was held at Mary Immaculate Church, Emu Park on March 3^rd. Every time we gather for our shared breakfast we appreciate the blessing of our covered area. On this occasion I asked our altar boys Jesse McWhinney and Charlie Kidd if I could take a photo of our “Angels” (at least at Sunday Mass they are}!! These boys keep an eye on Fr Matthew to make sure he is doing the right thing. We lost Jesse and his family for twelve months when they moved south, but we are privileged that Jesse and his beautiful family – Blair, Catherine, Xavier, Max and Sadie, have moved back to Emu Park once again.

Charlie is heavily into Surf Life Saving and is competing in the State championship at Burleigh Heads on March 9/10^th. Charlie is competing in - 1km run, Sprints, Board relay, Board Rescue, Flags, Beach relay and Cameron relay. I am sure Charlie, Mum and Dad, will all sleep well after this weekend.

Our revamped St Vincent de Paul shop in Yeppoon will reopen tomorrow morning March 9^th at 8.30am. The shop has been completely emptied, refitted and restocked over many, many hours of hard work by the wonderful staff and many volunteers. Thank you all for the great support you give to our community. May you be richly blessed.

We also start a continuation of our “Listening in Lent” process which will begin tomorrow March 9^th followed by praying the Stations of the Cross.  We will gather as a parish community for input after a short article to read and discuss. This will lead us over the next couple of months into discerning a Parish Leadership group who will then look at where our Parish goes from here. 

 Finally, we farewell a dear friend and parishioner - Helen McConville. Helen passed from this life on March 5^th.  Helen was born in Gracemere and became a nurse when she left school. This was to nurture her already caring nature. She met her husband Kevin while nursing in Springsure. Kevin was kind enough to drop pumpkins off to the nurse’s home so he could ask Helen out on a date. They were married on December 16, 1972 and lived in Capella. Helen’s love for the beach saw them purchase a beach house in Emu Park. They finally sold the beach house and moved across the road from it about six years ago. We have had the privilege of Kevin and Helen living full time with us from then. Helen will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Rest in peace Helen.

 As we journey through Lent, may we open our eyes to the ways that God wants to bless us and draw us closer to Him.

Helen McIntyre