Another month has passed, one step closer to the Easter Triduum celebrations, and no doubt most parishes are, like us, wondering what our Easter liturgies will look like in these times. As at Christmas, we will adapt. Meanwhile, life in the parish continues.

The Visitation Ministers are overjoyed to be able to visit and distribute Holy Communion to the housebound and nursing homes. Masses are once again being celebrated in some nursing homes which gives the feeling of normal. The visitiation group meets monthly and were recently introduced to Ms Alana Jacoby, the Mater Hospital’s Chief of Mission. Alana spent a short time with the visitation group and Fr Peter outlining the Mater’s Mission and its new state-wide restructuring.

The Children's Sacramental Program has resumed where we left off last year, on track to celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist on April 27th & April 29th with Bishop Michael.  This group of parishioners are also very excited to be back together.

Holy Rosary Church Renovations, while a little behind schedule, are progressing well.  All fingers and toes are crossed that the church will be opened for Easter. 

Air conditioning is being installed into this grand old lady, powered by solar panels. At the same time, the statues of Our Lady of Fatima, usually standing in the choir loft overlooking her people, and the Pieta in the foyer of the church are having face lifts.

Welcome New Parishioners

Each year the Parish Stewardship Council and Parish Team host a Meet & Greet evening for new parishioners. Last Thursday, 11^th March, we welcomed eight people to our parish, some who have come for work, some for retirement. Over drinks and nibbles, introductions were made and a brief outline of who-does-what in the parish was given. We give a Welcome Kit to each new parishioner and hope that, once settled, they feel comfortable to be involved in the life of the parish.

Bishop Visits Shalom College

Thursday, 4th March, saw Bishop Michael and Miss Leesa Jeffcoat visit the school for the Year 12 Induction and the Blessing of the new Waterford building and Solar Farm. The Shalom solar farm is the largest of its kind in an Australian private education facility. The Waterford building is a new flexible learning centre with all the mod-cons to make learning interesting. These two new facilities are a far cry from the learning styles and classrooms of earlier times, opening up so many possibilities for young people.

May this Easter bring our diocesan family blessings of joy and hope that come from the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. Happy Easter!

Anne Sheehan