Announcements for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the announcements for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 29th of September:

CATHOLIC MISSION APPEAL
Thank you to all who donated towards the annual appeal for Catholic Missions. You generosity is greatly appreciated.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to all who came along to assist with the monthly working bee last week. Please note there won’t be one in October. The next working bee will be on Saturday 16th November. 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.

PAULINE FATHERS & BROTHERS ANNUAL RETREAT
The Fathers and Brothers of the Australian Province will be gathering for their annual retreat. The Retreat will take Place in Marian Valley (Canungra, Queensland), from Monday 30th September to Friday 4th October. Fr Brian Harrison will be looking after Penrose Park during this period so the 11am Mass and devotions will continue as per usual. Please keep the Pauline Fathers & Brothers in your prayers.

FATIMA DAY – 13th OCTOBER 2024
Being a Sunday as well as the conclusion of the 40th Anniversary celebrations of the Shrine, there will be a few differences to this day. Please note: There will be a 6pm Vigil Mass celebrated on Saturday 12th October and the 9:30am Mass in Sunday is cancelled. The Schedule for Fatima day is:

8am – Mass for locals in the Shrine Church

9:30am Mass – CANCELLED

10am – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions begin.

11am – Solemn Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Charles Balvo (Papal Nuncio to Australia)

12:30pm – Time for lunch

1:30pm – Concert in the Shrine Church (performed by One Equal Music Ensemble)

2:15pm – Eucharistic/Rosary procession to the Grotto

3pm – Devotions at the Grotto concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

3:45pm – Conclusion and departure

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea will be on Sunday 27th October.

NOVEMBER – MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS
November is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Souls. It is our duty to pray for them especially those who have no one to pray for them. This is our Catholic obligation. During November, Masses will be celebrated for our dearly departed. To have names included please fill out the November Mass forms found on the side table of the Church or found on the Shrine website. Masses for the Holy Souls will be celebrated from the 1st to the 30th November.

Announcements for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the announcements for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 22nd of September:

CATHOLIC MISSION APPEAL
Last weekend 14th/15th September a collection was taken up to assist Catholic Missions in their annual appeal. Envelopes are still available on the pews for those who would still like to make a donation.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to all who came along to assist with the monthly working bee. Please note there won’t be one in October. The next working bee will be on Saturday 16th November. 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.

PAULINE FATHERS & BROTHERS ANNUAL RETREAT
The Fathers and Brothers of the Australian Province will be gathering for their annual retreat. The Retreat will take Place in Marian Valley (Canungra, Queensland), from Monday 30th September to Friday 4th October. Fr Brian Harrison will be looking after the Shrine during this period so the 11am Mass and devotions will continue as per usual. Please keep the Pauline Order in your prayers.

FATIMA DAY – 13th OCTOBER 2024
Being a Sunday as well as the conclusion of the 40th Anniversary celebrations of the Shrine, there will be a few differences to this day. Please note: There will be a 6pm Vigil Mass celebrated on Saturday 12th October and the 9:30am Mass in Sunday is cancelled. The Schedule for Fatima day is:

  • 8am – Mass for locals in the Shrine Church
  • 9:30am Mass – CANCELLED
  • 10am – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions begin.
  • 11am – Solemn Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Charles Balvo (Papal Nuncio to Australia)
  • 12:30pm – Time for lunch
  • 1:30pm – Concert in the Shrine Church (performed by One Equal Music Ensemble)
  • 2:15pm – Eucharistic/Rosary procession to the Grotto
  • 3pm – Devotions at the Grotto concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
  • 3:45pm – Conclusion and departure

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea will be on Sunday 27th October.

NOVEMBER – MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS
November is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Souls. It is our duty to pray for them especially those who have no one to pray for them. This is our Catholic obligation. During November, Masses will be celebrated for our dearly departed. To have names included please fill out the November Mass forms found on the side table of the Church or found on the Shrine website. Masses for the Holy Souls will be celebrated from the 1st to the 30th November.

September Working Bee – Saturday 21st

During our monthly working bee on the 3rd Saturday of the month (21 of Setptember), we are going to continue cleaning up the around the chapels at the back of the property. The goal of doing so will be:

  • We want our shrine to look as beautiful as possible and to be spiritually uplifting to the pilgrims who come.
  • Enure that should a bush fire ever come our way, we are as prepared as possible by removing the fuel load.
  • The general safety of those who walk around the Shrine property.

The program for the day would be:

  • Mass at around 8:15am in the Shrine Church
  • Begin work at 9am at the back of the property
  • BBQ lunch around 1:30pm
  • Finish around 5:30pm (for those that can stay the whole day).

The work will be split into two groups. One group cleaning around the chapels by sweeping, removing old flowers, and, generally, tidying up the chapels themselves. The second group working to clear the the dead wood that has built up around the chapels. This work will include collecting small branches and large logs, loading them in a trailer, and piling them up in an open field to be burnt.

Solid shoes and gloves would be a must. Anyone who can bring a chainsaw to help cut up logs or a trailer to help move them is encouraged to bring them.

Announcements for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the announcements for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 15th of September:

FATIMA DAY OCTOBER
A very big THANK YOU to Fr Likisone Tominiko, for accepting the invitation to be main celebrant of Fatima day and as usual it was a great success. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo will be the main celebrant for October. Please note there will be a slightly different schedule to Fatima Day as it will conclude the celebrations for the 40th Anniversary. This will be published from next weekend onwards.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
This morning (15th September) after the 8am Mass all are invited and welcome to pop up to the Old Monastery for morning tea. This is a lovely opportunity to meet fellow pilgrims and the Pauline community. The next morning tea will be on Sunday 27th October.

CATHOLIC MISSION APPEAL
This weekend 14th/15th September a collection will be take up after Holy Communion to assist Catholic Missions in their annual appeal. Envelopes are also available on the pews for those wishing for a receipt or to give via credit card.

WORKING BEE
The next working bee will be on Saturday 21st September. 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.

SHRINE HYMNBOOKS
Over the past year year we had a trial to organically develop a Shrine hymnbook cover the hymns sung and devotions celebrated. This took place from Ash Wednesday 2023-Ash Wednesday 2024. This past week the finalised product arrived and has been distributed in the Church. A huge THANK YOU to Fr Joseph Maria for coordinating and working on the hymnbook along with the musicians. This has been a mammoth task and one that we can enjoy in years to come.
Please note: The hymnbooks are NOT to be taken from the church.

Fatima Day Rosary Procession

Fatima Day – September 2024

The main celebrant for Fatima Day, 13th September will be Fr Likisone Tominiko, a newly ordained Priest for the Archdiocese of Sydney. Fr Likisone will be giving his first blessing to all who participate in the day and those who receive the blessing can gain a plenary indulgence, fulfilling the usual conditions.

The program will be as usual:

  • 10 am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
  • 10:30 am Rosary
  • 11 am Solemn Mass
  • 12 noon Lunch
  • 1:30 pm Eucharistic Procession to the Gotto while reciting the Rosary.
  • 2 pm Prayers and Devotions at the Gotto, and blessing of pilgrims.

Here are some photos from Fatima Day, March 2024.

Announcements for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the announcements for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 8th of September:

TRIDUUM FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
The celebrations planned on the weekend of the 24/25th August, to honour and celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mercy, was a sterling success. A very special Thank you goes to Mr Stephen Smith and his Schola (Gregorian Chant Choir) for providing the music for the Masses and the Liturgy of the Hours. The singing definitely lifted the soul and took all attending to another level, we look forward to welcoming them back at a later stage. Thank you also goes to Bishop Columba for presiding at the ceremonies and for his awe inspiring homilies. And a Thank you to all who helped in some way shape or form. It was a great way to celebrate the Solemnity during this 40th Anniversary of the Shrine.

SEMINARIAN – BR PAUL
Br Paul returned back to Rome this past week to continue with his studies. He had a great time at the Shrine and we Thank him for his work during this time and his talk that he gave at all the Masses last week. Please continue to pray for Br Paul and for good vocations to the Priesthood and Religious life, especially to the Order of St Paul the First Hermit.

FATIMA DAY SEPTEMBER
The main celebrant for September will be Fr Likisone Tominiko, a newly ordained Priest for the Archdiocese of Sydney. Fr Likisone will be giving his first blessing to all who participate in the day and those who receive the blessing can gain a plenary indulgence, fulfilling the usual conditions.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to all who came and participated in the working bee. The next working bee will be on Saturday 21st September. 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.

MAJOR WORK ON THE SHRINE CHURCH
Major work on the Shrine Church commenced on Wednesday 14th August. The copper gutters will all be repined and all galvanised down pipes, gutters and flashings (which have rotted through with age) will be replaced. The total cost of the job is $29,000.00. The work is progressing well and will be finished within the coming week. The job is being done by a local company, “Reliable Roofing” from Moss Vale. For anyone who would like to donate towards the renovation work please speak to Fr Richard, alternatively you can use the tap and go points or make a direct transfer to the Pauline Fathers. Details are as follows: BSB: 062 576 Account Number: 00910786 Account Name: Order of St Paul the Hermit
Thank you for your understanding and also a huge thank you to those who have already made donations towards the work. Thank you for your generosity.

SHRINE HYMNBOOKS
Over the past year year we had a trial to organically develop a Shrine hymnbook cover the hymns sung and devotions celebrated. This took place from Ash Wednesday 2023-Ash Wednesday 2024. This past week the finalised product arrived and has been distributed in the Church. A huge THANK YOU to Fr Joseph Maria for coordinating and working on the hymnbook along with the musicians. This has been a mammoth task and one that we can enjoy in years to come.
Please note: The hymnbooks are NOT to be taken from the church.

CATHOLIC MISSION APPEAL
Next weekend 14th/15th September a collection will be take up to assist Catholic Missions either their appeal. Envelopes are available on the information table of the Church.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
This happens once a month on the third Sunday of the month. All pilgrims are welcome to attend and of course encourage to bring something along to share. This is a lovely opportunity to meet fellow pilgrims and the Pauline community. The next morning tea will be on Sunday 15th September.