Here are the announcements for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 9th of June:
FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH OF FR GABRIEL TAYLOR OSPPE
Fr Gabriel passed away peacefully on Thursday 8th June 2023 at about 3:30pm at Holy Family Services nursing home in Marayong. Fr Gabriel recently celebrated his 32nd anniversary of Priestly Ordination. He is known for his gentle and approachable nature, a man both of God and of the people. He was always one for a smile and a laugh. Fr Gabriel was a very well renowned confessor with many pilgrims coming especially on Fatima Day (13th of each month) just so as they can go to him for confession. Fr Gabriel had been in Penrose Park for the previous 12 years before his death and previous to that had spent 15 years in Marian Valley (Canungra, QLD) filling various offices and roles within the monastic community. Due to his declining health in 2016, he resigned as Prior of the Monastery and Rector of the Shrine. Over the year prior to his death, he had been battled with a cancer on his head which had gone through to the bone and exposing the brain thus making it untreatable. In November 2022, Fr Gabriel was given 2-5 years depending on the spread of the cancer and in December 2022, he was admitted into Holy Family Services, Marayong to receive the full care that he deserved. Unfortunately from April 2023 the cancer spread rapidly and was found to be untreatable and affected him physically, causing paralysis and slowly shutting his body down. Fr Gabriel’s funeral was celebrated by Bishop Columba MacBeth-Green, Bishop of Wilcannia Forbes on 20th June 2023. He is buried at St Patrick’s cemetery, Sutton Forest. Fr Gabriel will be truly missed as a Shrine community member and the Pauline Province of Australia. May he Rest in Peace!
SHRINE NEWS
WELCOME BACK
Fr Joseph Maria has returned from his annual leave. We pray he has had a wonderful time with friends and family and has come back refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
WORKING BEE
A reminder that this month the usual working bee will gather together to continue work and upkeep of the Shrine. The working bee will be on Saturday 15th June. Please consider coming along and helping in keeping the Shrine beautiful for our local area and the pilgrims that visit. This Shrine is a treasure to the Order, Diocese and country, any help and forms of talent are always most welcome. For more information or specifics, please speak to Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior.
MORNING TEA
There will be a break from the monthly morning tea after the 8am Mass for the winter season. This will recommence Sunday 15th September.
WINTER SEASON – WEEKDAY MASSES
Weekday Masses (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday) during the winter season will be celebrated at the side Altar of Divine Mercy in the Shrine Church. Wednesday Mass will be celebrated as usual in the Old Monastery. Please note: If there is a Solemnity or a large group booked to come then Mass will be celebrated at the Main Altar of the Shrine Church.
REGULAR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY DEVOTIONS AFTER MASS
Every Friday and Saturday after Mass there is exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and devotions (Friday to the Divine Mercy and Saturday to Our Lady) during this time confession is available. Devotions finish at 12pm with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and the Angelus. This is just a regular reminder to invite people to come along and to spend some time in communal prayer to Our Lord and Lady. Please note: First Saturday has its own schedule, found on the from page of the bulletin.
NOVENA TO ST ANTHONY OF PADUA
The Novena will be prayed during the 11am Mass from 4th-12th June. Novena slips are available on the side table for those wishing to add their intentions.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Fr Richard is looking to hire someone in a part time position as Sacristan. The role of the Sacristan is to prepare for Mass and other liturgical celebrations, help in cleaning and keeping the Church and Sacristy tidy and in order. The Sacristan also liaises and assists the Shrine Master of Ceremonies (Br Augustine) in bigger liturgical celebrations as well as meeting, greeting and assisting with the various Clergy and pilgrimage groups that come to the Shrine and use the Shrine Church. For more information and specifics or to get a copy of the job description please speak to Fr Richard, Prior & Rector.
VOTIVE CANDLE STANDS
This is a periodic reminder that the votive candle stands are a unique burning system therefore ONLY the candles provided are to be used in them and not other forms of tea lights or candles as this is a fire hazard as well as it damages the glass holders and clogs them with wax. If you wish to make an offering of tea lights or candles please give them to someone in the Monastic community or leave them unlit on one of the side Altars.