Here are the announcements for the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls), the 2nd of November:
CATHOLIC MISSIONS ANNUAL APPEAL
Catholic Mission works on behalf of Pope Leo and supports the work of the Church throughout the world The theme for 2025 is “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples”. Catholic Mission in Australia will be directing this years fundraising to the Church’s important work in Zambia.
Information about this important work and envelopes to make donations are available on the side table of the Shrine Church. Please feel free to have a read and to make a donation. Donations will be collected until the 31st October, after that they will be sent to Catholic Mission, alternatively you can donate directly by following the instructions given on the envelope. On behalf of Catholic Mission, Thank you for your generosity.
THE PROMISE – DIOCESE OF WOLLONGONG ADVENT & CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS
Each Advent the Diocese of Wollongong produce a lovely booklet to help people prepare for and to celebrate the season of Christmas. This year the theme is “The Promise”. The booklets are for sale ad the side table in the Shrine Church. They are $10 each and they have daily reflections for Advent and the Christmas season. The reflections are written by various Priests and Religious both from the Diocese of Wollongong and nation wide including a reflection from the Shrine’s Prior, Fr Richard. Please support the work of the Diocese and purchase a copy as this is put out to help us all prepare spiritually for the birth of the Saviour.
NOVEMBER – MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS
It’s traditional in the Church to pray for the faithful departed during the month of November. From the 1st-30th November, the 11am Mass will be offered to pray for all those who have died. For those wishing to add names of loved ones, forms can be found on the side table of the Church. Forms and donations can be put in one of the wooden offering boxes, handed into to one of the community or put into the collection. Alternatively, forms and donations can be made online via the Shrine website. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord!
FATIMA DAY
The Celebrant for Fatima day in November will be Fr Anthony Robbie, Parish Priest of Bondi.
WORKING BEE
Thank you to everyone who came along and participated in the October working bee. The next working bee will be on Saturday, 15th November 2025. Please consider coming along and helping to keep the Shrine beautiful for our local area and the pilgrims who 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.
FAMILY LIFE INTERNATIONAL – PRO-LIFE PRAYER VIGIL: HELPERS OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS
Where: NSW Parliament Date: Saturday 15th November 2025 Time: 8:30am-10:30am
Enquiries & Registration: www.fli.org.au Contact: mail@fli.org.au or 02 9519 9111
MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS AT THE OLD MONASTERY
The next morning tea will be on Sunday 16th November 2025, All Welcome!!!
PILGRIMAGE OF THE MIGRANT JUBILEE CROSS
The Diocese of Wollongong are excited to be hosting a section of the Pilgrimage of the Migrant Jubilee Cross 2025-2026, between 15 and 23 November this year. The Jubilee Cross has been crafted as a tangible symbol of the Church as a place of refuge and solidarity. It acknowledges and celebrates the deep faith and contributions that migrant Communities bring to the Australian Church. It houses sacred relics of the Holy Family and St Mary
MacKillop. In our diocese, the Cross will begin its journey as part of the existing Diocesan Pilgrimage to Milton-Ulladulla on Sat 15 November. It will travel through various parish communities before reaching the Cathedral on Fri 21 November, where it will stay until the Sunday.
The Cross will be hosted at Penrose Park on Monday 17th November 2025 commencing with the 11am Mass. There will be other activities planned. Information will be given in the coming weeks. Please save this date in your calendars and come along to celebrate this great event in the life of the Shrine and the Diocese.
DECEMBER FIRST SATURDAY RETREAT DAY
Saturday, the 6th of December, we will have our First Saturday Devotions in Honour of Our Lady, as she requested during the apparitions at Fatima. In addition for the Advent Season, we will have an extended program to turn the day into a full-day Advent retreat. The retreat is Free to attend with No Booking. BYO lunch, but tea and coffee are provided in the Marquee. The program will be as follows:
- 10am Advent Reflection – Fr Joseph Maria
- 10:30am Meditation before the Blessed Sacrament and Confession
- 11am Mass
- 12 noon Rosary Procession around 5 Altars of the Church
- 12:30pm BYO Lunch
- 1:30pm Advent devotions based on the Jessie Tree
- 2:00pm Reflection – Fr Isidore Enyinnaya