Year: 2025

Here are the announcements for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 2nd of March:

ANNUAL LEAVE
Welcome back to Fr Richard who has returned refreshed from annual leave. A very big THANK YOU to Fr Joseph Maria, Sub prior and Vice Rector for his sterling efforts in running and looking after the Shrine during Fr Richard’s absence. Br Matthew is currently on annual leave and we pray that he will have a pleasant and safe holiday and come back refreshed.

ASH WEDNESDAY – 5th MARCH
This day commences the Lenten season. Please remember this is a day of Fasting/Abstinence and prayer. Mass with the distribution of Ashes will be celebrated at 11am (followed by the Stations of the Cross) and 6pm. Confession will be available before and after both Masses.

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
The novena to St Joseph, will be celebrated from 10th – 18th March 2025. For anyone wishing to include their intentions in the novena, forms are available on the side table of the Shrine Church as well as they can be found online via the Shrine website. St Joseph, pray for us!

WORKING BEE
The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th March 2025. Please consider coming along and helping to keep 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. Please speak to Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior for more information or specifics.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month)
A reminder to all Pilgrims that on the First and Third Sundays of the month from 12:15pm – 1:15pm, there is exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Shrine Church. Fr Richard is looking for custodians to sit with the Blessed Sacrament for those times, for anyone wishing to commit please speak to or email Fr Richard.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS AT THE OLD MONASTERY
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th March 2025. All Welcome!

FIRST SATURDAY & LENTEN RETREAT
Saturday, 5th of April, the First Saturday Devotions in Honour of Our Lady, as she requested during the apparitions at Fatima will be celebrated as per usual. In addition for the Lenten Season, there will be an extended program turning the day into a full-day Lenten retreat. The retreat will start at 10am and finish at 3pm. The retreat is FREE to attend with NO BOOKINGS required. BYO lunch. Tea and coffee are provided in the Old Monastery.

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025
The Diocese of Wollongong’s celebration of the Jubilee year of the Universal Church is from Sunday 29th December 2024 – 28th December 2025. During this time the faithful are encouraged pilgrimage to the designated sites in the Diocese and in doing so can gain a plenary indulgence. Pilgrim passports have been produced for people to take to get stamped that they have visited one of the sites, these are available on the side table of the Church. Penrose Park is one of the designated Pilgrimage sites, the other 5 sites for the Diocese are as follows:

ST FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL, WOLLONGONG
36 Harbour Street, Wollongong NSW 2500

SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, UNANDERRA
48–50 Princes Hwy, Unanderra NSW 2526

OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS, ROSEMEADOW
80 Demetrius Road, Rosemeadow NSW 2560

ST MARY STAR OF THE SEA, MILTON
Lot 1 Corks Lane, Milton NSW 2538

ST JOSEPH’S, KANGAROO VALLEY
130 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577

Here are the announcements for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 23rd of February:

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025

Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong has appointed 6 Churches as official pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee. The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy Penrose Park is one of those six, which Bishop Brian came to inaugurate here on the 12th of January. Therefore during this year, anyone coming on pilgrimage to the Shrine can gain a Plenary indulgence (full remission of sin and the punishments incurred) by fulfilling the requirements of: Visiting the Shrine, Confession, Mass with Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. This is a great honour for the Shrine, and we welcome all our pilgrims to come along and celebrate the Jubilee year. Events will be planned throughout the year, so please stay tuned to our website and social media for more information.

ANNUAL LEAVE
From 18th January 2025, Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine will be on annual leave. During his absence, Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior & Vice Rector, will be in charge. We pray that Fr Richard will have a pleasant and safe holiday and come back refreshed.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along to help with the monthly working bee. All your help is greatly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th March 2025. Please consider coming along and helping to keep 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. Please speak to Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior for more information or specifics.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month)
From December 2024, there will be an opportunity for Pilgrims to have some quiet time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This will be on the First and Third weeks of the month from 12:15pm – 1:15pm. As always, it is important to have custodians to keep vigil of the Blessed Sacrament, so if there are any volunteers looking to commit, please let Fr Richard know.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th March 2025. All Welcome!

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
The novena to St Joseph, will be celebrated from 10th – 18th March 2025. For anyone wishing to include their intentions in the novena, forms are available on the side table of the Shrine Church as well as they can be found online via the Shrine website. St Joseph, pray for us!

FIRST SATURDAY & LENTEN RETREAT

Saturday, the 5th of April, we will have our First Saturday Devotions in Honour of Our Lady, as she requested during the apparitions at Fatima. In addition for the Lenten Season, we will have an extended program to turn the day into a full-day Lenten retreat. The retreat will start at 10 am and finish at 3 pm. The retreat is Free to attend with No Booking. BYO lunch, but tea and coffee are provided in the Old Monastery.

Here are the announcements for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 16th of February:

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025

Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong has appointed 6 Churches as offical pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee. The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy Penrose Park is one of those six, which Bishop Brian came to inaugurate here on the 12th of January. Therefore during this year, anyone coming on pilgrimage to the Shrine can gain a Plenary indulgence (full remission of sin and the punishments incurred) by fulfilling the requirements of: Visiting the Shrine, Confession, Mass with Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. This is a great honour for the Shrine, and we welcome all our pilgrims to come along and celebrate the Jubilee year. Events will be planned throughout the year, so please stay tuned to our website and social media for more information.

ANNUAL LEAVE
From 18th January 2025, Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine will be on annual leave. During his absence, Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior & Vice Rector, will be in charge. We pray that Fr Richard will have a pleasant and safe holiday and come back refreshed.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along to help with the monthly working bee. All your help is greatly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th March 2025. Please consider coming along and helping to keep 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. Please speak to Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior for more information or specifics.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month)
From December 2024, there will be an opportunity for Pilgrims to have some quiet time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This will be on the First and Third weeks of the month from 12:15pm – 1:15pm. As always, it is important to have custodians to keep vigil of the Blessed Sacrament, so if there are any volunteers looking to commit, please let Fr Richard know.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
The novena to St Joseph, will be celebrated from 10th – 18th March 2025. For anyone wishing to include their intentions in the novena, forms are available on the side table of the Shrine Church as well as they can be found online via the Shrine website. St Joseph, pray for us!

FIRST SATURDAY & LENTEN RETREAT

Saturday, the 5th of April, we will have our First Saturday Devotions in Honour of Our Lady, as she requested during the apparitions at Fatima. In addition for the Lenten Season, we will have an extended program to turn the day into a full-day Lenten retreat. The retreat will start at 10 am and finish at 3 pm. The retreat is Free to attend with No Booking. BYO lunch, but tea and coffee are provided in the Old Monastery.

Here are the announcements for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 9th of February:

FATIMA DAY – 13th FEBRUARY 2025
The main celebrant for Fatima day will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025

Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong has appointed 6 Churches as offical pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee. The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy Penrose Park is one of those six, which Bishop Brian came to inaugurate here on the 12th of January. Therefore during this year, anyone coming on pilgrimage to the Shrine can gain a Plenary indulgence (full remission of sin and the punishments incurred) by fulfilling the requirements of: Visiting the Shrine, Confession, Mass with Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. This is a great honour for the Shrine, and we welcome all our pilgrims to come along and celebrate the Jubilee year. Events will be planned throughout the year, so please stay tuned to our website and social media for more information.

ANNUAL LEAVE
From 18th January 2025, Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine will be on annual leave. During his absence, Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior & Vice Rector, will be in charge. We pray that Fr Richard will have a pleasant and safe holiday and come back refreshed.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along to help with the monthly working bee. All your help is greatly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th February 2025. Please consider coming along and helping to keep 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. Please speak to Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior for more information or specifics.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month)
From December 2024, there will be an opportunity for Pilgrims to have some quiet time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This will be on the First and Third weeks of the month from 12:15pm – 1:15pm. As always, it is important to have custodians to keep vigil of the Blessed Sacrament, so if there are any volunteers looking to commit, please let Fr Richard know.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
The novena to St Joseph, will be celebrated from 10th – 18th March 2025. For anyone wishing to include their intentions in the novena, forms are available on the side table of the Shrine Church as well as they can be found online via the Shrine website. St Joseph, pray for us!

OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Tuesday 11th February 2025)

In honour of our Lady of Lourdes, Patroness of all those with illness seeking healing, the Rite of anointing of the sick will be offered during the 11am Mass. The anointing is for those seeking healing either physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

Here are the announcements for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the 2nd of February:

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025

Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong has appointed 6 Churches as offical pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee. The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy Penrose Park is one of those six, which Bishop Brian came to inaugurate here on the 12th of January. Therefore during this year, anyone coming on pilgrimage to the Shrine can gain a Plenary indulgence (full remission of sin and the punishments incurred) by fulfilling the requirements of: Visiting the Shrine, Confession, Mass with Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. This is a great honour for the Shrine, and we welcome all our pilgrims to come along and celebrate the Jubilee year. Events will be planned throughout the year, so please stay tuned to our website and social media for more information.

ANNUAL LEAVE
From 18th January 2025, Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine will be on annual leave. During his absence, Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior & Vice Rector, will be in charge. We pray that Fr Richard will have a pleasant and safe holiday and come back refreshed.

FATIMA DAY – 13th FEBRUARY 2025
The main celebrant for Fatima day will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along to help with the monthly working bee. All your help is greatly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th February 2025. Please consider coming along and helping to keep 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. Please speak to Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior for more information or specifics.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month)
From December 2024, there will be an opportunity for Pilgrims to have some quiet time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This will be on the First and Third weeks of the month from 12:15pm – 1:15pm. As always, it is important to have custodians to keep vigil of the Blessed Sacrament, so if there are any volunteers looking to commit, please let Fr Richard know.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
The novena to St Joseph, will be celebrated from 10th – 18th March 2025. For anyone wishing to include their intentions in the novena, forms are available on the side table of the Shrine Church as well as they can be found online via the Shrine website. St Joseph, pray for us!

BLESSING OF CANDLES ON THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Sunday 2nd of February 2025, there will be the traditional blessing of candles. People are welcome to bring their own candles along to be included in the blessing.

BLESSING OF THROATS

On Monday 3rd of February 2025, Feast of Saint Blaise, the traditional blessing of throats against sickness, will happen during the 11 am Mass.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Tuesday 11th February 2025)

In honour of our Lady of Lourdes, Patroness of all those with illness seeking healing, the Rite of anointing of the sick will be offered during the 11am Mass. The anointing is for those seeking healing either physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

FUNERAL FOR VINCE STROHMAYER

On Sunday, 26th of January Vince Strohmayer, the father of Fr. Peter James Strohmayer OSPPE, passed away after suffering from terminal illness for some time. His funeral will be on Thursday, 6th of February, at our Sydney Parish of St. Gertrude’s, where Fr. Peter is the parish priest. Please keep Vince and his family in your prayers.

Here are the announcements for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 26th of January:

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025
A very big Thank you to Bishop Brian for coming on Sunday, 12th January to celebrate the 11am Mass and to inaugurate the Jubilee year here at Penrose Park. It was truly a beautiful and memorable celebration.

Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong has appointed 6 Churches as offical pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee and of course Penrose Park is one of those six. Therefore during this year, anyone coming on pilgrimage to the Shrine can gain themselves a Plenary indulgence (full remission of sin and the punishments incurred) by fulfilling the usual requirements, which are: Visiting the Shrine, Confession, Mass with Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. This is a great honour for the Shrine and we welcome all our pilgrims to come along and celebrate the Jubilee year. Events will be planned through out the year so please stay tuned to our website and social media for more information.

ANNUAL LEAVE
From 18th January 2025, Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine will be on annual leave. During his absence, Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior & Vice Rector, will be in charge. We pray that Fr Richard will have a pleasant and safe holiday and come back refreshed.

FATIMA DAY – 13th FEBRUARY 2025
The main celebrant for Fatima day will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along to help with the monthly working bee. All your help is greatly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th February 2025. Please consider coming along and helping to keep 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. Please speak to Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior for more information or specifics.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month)
From December 2024, there will be an opportunity for Pilgrims to have some quiet time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This will be on the First and Third weeks of the month from 12:15pm – 1:15pm. As always, it is important to have custodians to keep vigil of the Blessed Sacrament, so if there are any volunteers looking to commit, please let Fr Richard know.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
The novena to St Joseph, will be celebrated from 10th – 18th March 2025. For anyone wishing to include their intentions in the novena, forms are available on the side table of the Shrine Church as well as they can be found online via the Shrine website. St Joseph, pray for us!

OLD MONASTERY ACCOMMODATION

At the start of 2025, the price for booking a night at one of the rooms in the Old Monastery was increased by $10. It is now $40 per night per person without linen or $50 a night per person with linen.

BLESSING OF CANDLES ON THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Sunday 2nd of February 2025, there will be the traditional blessing of candles. People are welcome to bring their own candles along to be included in the blessing.

BLESSING OF THROATS

On Monday 3rd of February 2025, Feast of Saint Blaise, the traditional blessing of throats against sickness, will happen during the 11 am Mass.

Here are the announcements for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 19th of January:

YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025
A very big Thank you to Bishop Brian for coming last Sunday, 12th January to celebrate the 11am Mass and to inaugurate the Jubilee year here at Penrose Park. It was truly a beautiful and memorable celebration.

Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong has appointed 6 Churches as offical pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee and of course Penrose Park is one of those six. Therefore during this year, anyone coming on pilgrimage to the Shrine can gain themselves a Plenary indulgence (full remission of sin and the punishments incurred) by fulfilling the usual requirements, which are: Visiting the Shrine, Confession, Mass with Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. This is a great honour for the Shrine and we welcome all our pilgrims to come along and celebrate the Jubilee year. Events will be planned through out the year so please stay tuned to our website and social media for more information.

NOVENA TO ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT (PATRIARCH OF THE PAULINE ORDER)
Thank you to everyone for sending in their intentions for the novena to St Paul the First Hermit.

FATIMA DAY – 13th JANUARY 2025
Unfortunately due to some health issues, Fr Peter Joseph, Parish Priest of St Mel’s, Campsie was unable to attend Fatima day as the main celebrant and homilist. A big Thank you to Fr Richard, for stepping in and celebrating Fatima Day.

ANNUAL LEAVE
From 18th January 2025, Fr Richard, Prior & Rector of the Shrine will be on annual leave. During his abcence, Fr Joseph Maria, Subprior & Vice Rector will be in charge. We pray that Fr Richard will have a pleasant and safe holiday and come back refreshed.

FATIMA DAY – 13th FEBRUARY 2025
The main celebrant for Fatima day will be Fr Joseph Maria Buckley, Subprior & Vice Rector of Penrose Park.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along to help with the monthly working bee. All your help is greatly appreciated. The next working bee will be on Saturday 15th February 2025. 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.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT (1st & 3rd Sunday’s of the month)
From December 2024, there will be an opportunity for Pilgrims to have some quiet time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This will be on the First and Third weeks of the month from 12:15pm – 1:15pm. As always it is important to have custodians to keep vigil of the Blessed Sacrament, so if there are any volunteers looking to commit please let Fr Richard know.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 16th February 2025. All Welcome!

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
The novena to St Joseph, will be celebrated from 10th – 18th March 2025. For anyone wishing to include their intentions in the novena, forms are available on the side table of the Shrine Church as well as they can be found online via the Shrine website. St Joseph, pray for us!