What a busy Parish?

When Bishop Vincent moved me to Baulkham Hills almost a year ago, I had no idea how busy the parish would be. Of course, I knew it was a very large parish, with two primary schools, nursing homes, a hospital, and two churches. I was aware it would be a lot of work.

However, I never imagined it would be this busy. Many events are taking place this week alone: The Alpha program started on Wednesday and attracted around 50 people who gathered to share fellowship and faith. On Monday and Tuesday, parents of 150 children attended the information evening on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacramental Program begins next week and will last until the end of the month. Then there were ongoing meetings, such as those of the PFC, PPC, Fete Committee, Old Church Working Committee, school meetings, etc. Then there are funerals, weddings, Masses for the community, nursing homes, schools, and retreat centers. It’s very, very busy!

That’s why I’m so grateful for volunteers. There are many, and there wouldn’t be enough space here to name them all. The measure of a functioning and vibrant parish is the number of volunteers. Without them, the parish would simply collapse. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who volunteer in the parish and, in turn, for all of us. In addition to volunteers, there are also people who support the parish financially. These are the regular donors who help the parish with their weekly contributions. In addition, there are also generous donors. A parish is a spiritual home, but the building must also be maintained and modernized. That’s why I’m very grateful for the donations, which we will handle very carefully and transparently.

But there are also areas that urgently need new volunteers. I’m thinking especially of catechesis. This area is also very important for the growth of the parish. Many children in public schools have no religious instruction except through the catechesis offered by our catechists. Many have long since completed this mission and are overburdened. I know that there are many bureaucratic hurdles and requirements that volunteers must overcome before they can go to school. However, I am seriously concerned that we will lose many children and parents at state schools if they have no knowledge of faith. What will become of our society if faith knowledge disappears? Then faith will simply disappear from public consciousness.

Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the importance of a living, personal experience of faith in catechesis, encouraging catechists to foster an interpersonal encounter that opens hearts to the Gospel. He highlights the significance of self-reflection and values-based leadership, encouraging leaders to be self-aware and understand diverse perspectives.

Therefore, I would like to invite you to consider whether you want to take on this important mission.

This Sunday, the church building at Our Lady of Lourdes celebrates its 45th anniversary. It was Fr Reilly who oversaw the construction. Yet, it was a community effort, and many volunteers contributed to its completion in 1980. Many may have passed since. Let us pray for the repose of their souls. Those who are still with us, may I thank you for your commitment and generosity. May our community continue to flourish. Ad multos annos!