Here are the announcements for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, the 28th of April:
CONGRATULATIONS
Today Fr Richard, Prior & Rector celebrates his 12th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. Fr Richard was ordained at the Shrine by the later Bishop Peter Ingham. Please pray for vocations to the Pauline Order.
PASCHAL PRECEPT
A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go to Confession and Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (26th May 2024).
WORKING BEE
Due to the 40th Anniversary of the Shrine, the May working bee will be cancelled. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th June.
ANNUAL LEAVE
From Tuesday 23rd April, Fr Joseph Maria will be on annual leave. We wish him a very happy, restful and safe holiday.
VIGIL FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST
On Saturday 18th May at 6pm, the Solemn Vigil for the Solemnity of Pentecost will be celebrated in the Shrine Church. This is a beautiful tradition of the Church, also known as the mini Easter Vigil with a selection of readings and the Rite of Baptism, thus bringing to a solemn conclusion the season of Easter. All are invited to come along and participate.
SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI)
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi will be celebrated on Sunday 2nd June. Following the 8am and 9:30am Masses there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and silent Adoration. After the 11am Mass there will be a Eucharistic procession concluding with Solemn Benediction at eh outdoor Altar of the Shrine Church. All are invited to come along and participate.
40th Anniversary of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy
Next Fatima Day, 13th May, is the celebration (actual date) commemorating the official blessing and opening of the Shrine. The usual Fatima Day schedule will be followed with a lunch time (1pm – 1:30pm) organ recital by Mr Michael Taylor. The Main Celebrant for the day will be the Most Reverend Brian Mascord, Bishop of the Diocese of Wollongong. As the 13th May, falls on a Monday, we still expect a large crowd, a few thousand, so please bring your own chairs as the Mass will be celebrated outside (weather permitting). Food will also be available for purchase on the day.