This week's Message from Father Duane - Sunday 30th March 2025

Father Duane

The venue for the Ordination of our Seminarians Joseph Nguyen and Sinh Le as Deacons has been changed from St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral to All Saints Church Shellharbour, simply because there were too many guests – they are both more popular than anyone guessed! The general invitation to parishioners is now public and there is a request for RSVPs to assist with the planning for the day. Let us continue to pray for Joseph and Sinh during this sacred time of preparation.

Thank you to those who have facilitated the line-marking project for the carpark, and to those who have generously volunteered to help with guiding people with the new traffic flow. There is a map of the new traffic flow arrangement on the noticeboard and attached with the electronic bulletin. Also note the overflow parking through the school gates. You will note that there are now accessible parking spaces marked with a wheelchair icon. They are located near the accessible ramp on the highway side of the church, and the door will now be opened before church, and pulled closed (but not locked) after Mass begins to block out some of the highway noise. Note there is currently a small trip hazard as you enter through that door which will be fixed very soon.

Those of you who might like a little incidental exercise might be willing to park in the presbytery carpark (at the top of Powell Street and turn right) – and if you want even more exercise, you can even park on the basketball court down that hill! I am keen to hear feedback from you as you now begin using the carpark as to whether you have any ideas of how we might further improve the lines and signage.

One general request to increase safety for all is that after Mass, wherever possible we use the newly painted walkway, or if gathering outside the church, stay to the church-side of that walkway. This can include the space with benches under the awning where the “no parking signs” are located. It can also of course include the parish centre where you can enjoy refreshments together – in which case, please use the newly marked walkway as you move from the church to the parish centre. Please take special care that children follow these new markings for their safety.

Finally, I wish to thank Brenda Wilson for all the work that she has done in facilitating the process of consultation regarding the Columbarium, supported well by the Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Council, and to everyone who has given feedback and shared expressions of interest. More information is provided by Brenda as to next steps in the main section of the bulletin.