Here are the announcements for the Baptism of the Lord, the 12th of January:
YEAR OF JUBILEE 2025
Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong has appointed 5 Churches as official pilgrimage sites during this year of Jubilee and of course Penrose Park is one of those five. 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 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.
A big Thank you to Bishop Brian for coming today to celebrate the 11 am Mass and to inaugurate the Jubilee year here at Penrose Park.
BLESSED EPIPHANY CHALK AND WATER
The tradition of blessing the chalk and Holy water to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is a beautiful tradition of the Catholic Church. The chalk and water were blessed on the Vigil of the Epiphany and is now available for the pilgrims to take home and to bless their houses with. Please note: 1 pack per family.
THANK YOU
Fr Richard and the community would like to thank everyone for their Christmas wishes, cards, gifts and invitations. This is all very much appreciated. Please be assured you are all in our prayers.
NOVENA TO ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT (PATRIARCH OF THE PAULINE ORDER)
This will take place from Monday 6th January to Tuesday 14th January at the 11am Masses (inclusive of Sunday). For those wishing to include intentions for the novena (these will be place upon the High Altar), slips can be found at the side table of the Church. Intentions can be left in one of the offering boxes in the Church, handed back to one of the Fathers or Brothers or put into the collection basket.
FATIMA DAY – 13th JANUARY 2025
The main celebrant for Fatima day will be Fr Peter Joseph, Parish Priest of St Mel’s Campsie.
SOLEMNITY OF ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT
The Solemnity of the Patriarch of the Pauline Order will be celebrated with a Solemn Mass on Wednesday 15th January at the 11am Mass. During the Mass the Fathers and Brothers will be renewing their Religious Profession. At the end of Mass there will be a special blessing of the fruits of the Palm along with a special blessing for children. Please come along and celebrate this great day with us otherwise please keep the Pauline Fathers and Brothers in your prayers.
SOLEMNITY OF MARY, QUEEN OF HERMITS
The Solemnity of the Patroness of the Pauline Order will be celebrated with a Solemn Mass on Thursday 16th January at the 11am Mass During the Mass the Fathers and Brothers will be renewing their Covenant to the Blessed Virgin. Again please come along and celebrate this great day with us otherwise please keep the Fathers and Brothers in your prayers.
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.
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!