Category: Bulletin

Here are the announcements for Palm Sunday, the 13th of April:

NOVENA TO THE DIVINE MERCY

The novena to Divine Mercy, will be celebrated from Good Friday 18th – Divine Mercy Sunday 26th April 2025. Forms can be found at the side table in the Shrine Church.

THANK YOU
Thank you to Fr Joseph Maria for accepting to be the main celebrant for today’s Palm Sunday / Fatima Day and for his inspiring homily and reflection. May the Lord bestow on him an abundance of blessings as he continues to serve the Shrine and the community.

WORKING BEE

The next working bee will be on Saturday 10th May 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.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS

The next morning tea after Mass will be on Sunday 27th April 2025. All Welcome!

PASCHAL PRECEPT
A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go to Confession and Holy Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (15th June).

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 18th April 2025. Please note, this is free and open to all, no bookings need to be made. Food & drink will also be available for purchase. Good Friday is also a day of Fasting and abstinence, Pilgrims are allowed to picnic on site but we ask that NO meat is consumed or BBQed on the day. There are still some roles that need to be filled, for more information and to receive updates regarding rehearsals etc please go to: https://goodfridaypassionplay.blogspot.com/ and sign up to receive notifications.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHRINE REGARDING CHAPELS
Fr Richard is currently undertaking an audit of all the Chapels that are onsite at the Shrine. The International shrines we originally begun as a means for a community to come together to build a devotional chapel which would also become a place of pilgrimage. As the years have gone by, more chapels have been built varying in size and usage. Along with the passing of time groups have dropped in numbers due to death, retirement and moving away or lack of transport. Permission to build chapels were granted to groups so as there is a succession plan to look after it as well as it doesn’t fall on just one person plus the added numbers would help in the maintenance of the Shrine at large. Due to the declining number for some groups they have fallen into disrepair right through to outright neglect. In the event of a group folding, disbanding or neglecting a chapel, it returns to the custodianship of the Pauline Fathers for the community to decide to whom and for what the future of a chapel has in store.
Fr Richard is slowly getting in touch with the contacts and the groups that run the various chapels but he has also made the decision that until all is clarified, there will be absolutely NO MORE chapels built and custodianship will not be given to a group until it is clear that there is no one else assigned to care for the chapel.
This decision is not easy but it will also allow the community and those who help at the working bees to focus on maintaining and updating the current chapels and especially the surrounds / landscaping which again is in desperate need for TLC. For more information of to put yourself forward to help in any way please speak to Fr Richard or Fr Joseph Maria.

THANK YOU

A big Thank you to everyone who came and participated in the Lenten day First Saturday Retreat last week 6th April 2025.

VOLUNTEERS FOR GOOD FRIDAY 18th APRIL 2025

Due to certain bureaucracy, the Rural Fire Brigade (RFS) are not allowed assist with the parking of pilgrims on Good Friday. Fr Richard is asking for volunteers who are willing to help in parking and crowd control on the day, for those interested please contact Fr Richard. For those who have already volunteered, there will be a briefing at the front door of the Monastery at 7:45am on Good Friday morning.

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

PILGRIMS PASSPORTS
Pilgrims passports for the Diocese of Wollongong are available at the Mass intention stall and at the side table of the Shrine Church. The passport is used to help in pilgrim visits to the designated places of pilgrimage in the Diocese and when a visit is completed they are stamped as a recognition of the visit. For those wishing to get their passport stamped please enquire at the Monastery.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

11am – Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday & Holy Wednesday (14th, 15th & 16th April)

HOLY THURSDAY (17th April)
No Mass at 11am
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper (with washing of the feet and procession to the Altar of Repose)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – until midnight

GOOD FRIDAY (18th April)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am until 10pm
11am – Passion Play (commencing at the front of the property)
3pm – Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion (In the Shrine Church)
5pm – Novena to Divine Mercy 7pm – Vespers (Prayer of the Church)

HOLY SATURDAY (19th April)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am to Midday
8:30am – Lauds (Prayer of the Church) 11:30am – Novena to the Divine Mercy
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Easter Vigil

EASTER SUNDAY (20th April)
8am, 9:30am & 11am – Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday
Divine Mercy Novena – immediately following each of the Masses

EASTER OCTAVE (21st-27th April)
11am – Mass followed by the Novena to the Divine Mercy.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY (27th April)
8am & 9:30am
11am – Solemn Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday
2pm – Divine Mercy Holy Hour (Confession available)

Here are the announcements for the 5th Sunday in Lent, the 6th of April:

VOLUNTEERS FOR GOOD FRIDAY
18th APRIL 2025
Due to certain bureaucracy, the Rural Fire Brigade (RFS) are not allowed assist with the parking of pilgrims on Good Friday. Fr Richard is asking for volunteers who are willing to help in parking and crowd control on the day, for those interested please contact Fr Richard. For those who have already volunteered, there will be a briefing at the front door of the Monastery at 7:45am on Good Friday morning.

WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to Br Matthew who has returned refreshed from annual leave.

THANK YOU

A big Thank you to everyone who came and participated in the Lenten day First Saturday Retreat.

NOVENA TO DIVINE MERCY

The novena to Divine Mercy will be prayed in the Shrine from Good Friday 18th April to Saturday 26th April 2025. For those wishing to include their intentions, forms can be found on the side table of the Church or on the Shrine Website.

WORKING BEE

The next working bee will be on Saturday 12th April 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.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS AT THE OLD MONASTERY

Next morning tea will be Sunday 27th April 2025. All Welcome!

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 18th April 2025. Please note, this is free and open to all, no bookings need to be made. Food & drink will also be available for purchase. Good Friday is also a day of Fasting and abstinence, Pilgrims are allowed to picnic on site but we ask that NO meat is consumed or BBQed on the day. There are still some roles that need to be filled, for more information and to receive updates regarding rehearsals etc. please go to: https://goodfridaypassionplay.blogspot.com/ and sign up to receive notifications.

PASCHAL PRECEPT
A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go to Confession and Holy Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (15th June).

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
PALM SUNDAY (13th April)
8am – Mass commencing from the front door of the Monastery
9:30am – CANCELLED
11am – Solemn Mass with Procession commencing from the Statue of St John Paul
This day is also Fatima day, the usual schedule will be followed, please bring along palm fronds or olive branches.

11am – Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday & Holy Wednesday (14th, 15th & 16th April)

HOLY THURSDAY (17th April)
No Mass at 11am
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper (with washing of the feet and procession to the Altar of Repose)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – until midnight

GOOD FRIDAY (18th April)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am until 10pm
11am – Passion Play (commencing at the front of the property)
3pm – Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion (In the Shrine Church)
5pm – Novena to Divine Mercy 7pm – Vespers (Prayer of the Church)

HOLY SATURDAY (19th April)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am to Midday
8:30am – Lauds (Prayer of the Church) 11:30am – Novena to the Divine Mercy
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Easter Vigil

EASTER SUNDAY (20th April)
8am, 9:30am & 11am – Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday
Divine Mercy Novena – immediately following each of the Masses

EASTER OCTAVE (21st-27th April)
11am – Mass followed by the Novena to the Divine Mercy.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY (27th April)
8am & 9:30am
11am – Solemn Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday
2pm – Divine Mercy Holy Hour (Confession available)

Here are the announcements for the 4th Sunday in Lent, the 30th of March:

NOVENA TO DIVINE MERCY

The novena to Divine Mercy will be prayed in the Shrine from Good Friday 18th April to Saturday 26th April 2025. For those wishing to include their intentions, forms can be found on the side table of the Church or on the Shrine Website.

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.

WORKING BEE

The next working bee will be on Saturday 12th April 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.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS AT THE OLD MONASTERY

Next morning tea will be in Sunday 27th April 2025. All Welcome!

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 18th April 2025. Please note, this is free and open to all, no bookings need to be made. Food & drink will also be available for purchase. Good Friday is also a day of Fasting and abstinence, Pilgrims are allowed to picnic on site but we ask that NO meat is consumed or BBQed on the day. There are still some roles that need to be filled, for more information and to receive updates regarding rehearsals etc please go to: https://goodfridaypassionplay.blogspot.com/ and sign up to receive notifications.

PASCHAL PRECEPT
A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go to Confession and Holy Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (15th June).

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
PALM SUNDAY (13th April)
8am – Mass commencing from the front door of the Monastery 9:30am – CANCELLED
11am – Solemn Mass with Procession commencing from the Statue of St John Paul
This day is also Fatima day, the usual schedule will be followed, please bring along palm fronds or olive branches.

11am – Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday & Holy Wednesday (14th, 15th & 16th April)

HOLY THURSDAY (17th April)
No Mass at 11am
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper (with washing of the feet and procession to the Altar of Repose)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – until midnight

GOOD FRIDAY (18th April)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am until 10pm
11am – Passion Play (commencing at the front of the property)
3pm – Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion (In the Shrine Church)
5pm – Novena to Divine Mercy 7pm – Vespers (Prayer of the Church)

HOLY SATURDAY (19th April)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am to Midday
8:30am – Lauds (Prayer of the Church) 11:30am – Novena to the Divine Mercy
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Easter Vigil

EASTER SUNDAY (20th April)
8am, 9:30am & 11am – Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday
Divine Mercy Novena – immediately following each of the Masses

EASTER OCTAVE (21st-27th April)
11am – Mass followed by the Novena to the Divine Mercy.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY (27th April)
8am & 9:30am
11am – Solemn Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday
2pm – Divine Mercy Holy Hour (Confession available)

Here are the announcements for the 3rd Sunday in Lent, the 23rd of March:

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
 Thank you to everyone for sending in their intentions and donations. St Joseph, pray for us!

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.

WORKING BEE
 Thank you to everyone who came along to the working bee last week (15th March), a lot was accomplished and every bit of help is greatly appreciated.
The next working bee will be on Saturday 12th April 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.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS AT THE OLD MONASTERY 
Next morning tea will be on Sunday 27th April 2025. All Welcome!

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 18th April 2025. Please note, this is free and open to all, no bookings need to be made. Food & drink will also be available for purchase. Good Friday is also a day of Fasting and abstinence, Pilgrims are allowed to picnic on site but we ask that NO meat is consumed or BBQed on the day.
There are still some roles that need to be filled, for more information and to receive updates regarding rehearsals etc please go to: https://goodfridaypassionplay.blogspot.com/ and sign up to receive notifications.

PASCHAL PRECEPT
A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go to Confession and Holy Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (15th June).

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
PALM SUNDAY (13th April)
8am – Mass commencing from the front door of the Monastery 9:30am – CANCELLED
11am – Solemn Mass with Procession commencing from the Statue of St John Paul
This day is also Fatima day, the usual schedule will be followed, please bring along palm fronds or olive branches.

11am – Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday & Holy Wednesday (14th, 15th & 16th April)

HOLY THURSDAY (17th April)
No Mass at 11am
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper (with washing of the feet and procession to the Altar of Repose)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – until midnight

GOOD FRIDAY (18th April)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am until 10pm
11am – Passion Play (commencing at the front of the property)
3pm – Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion (In the Shrine Church)
5pm – Novena to Divine Mercy 7pm – Vespers (Prayer of the Church)

HOLY SATURDAY (19th April)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am to Midday
8:30am – Lauds (Prayer of the Church) 11:30am – Novena to the Divine Mercy
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Easter Vigil

EASTER SUNDAY (20th April)
8am, 9:30am & 11am – Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday
Divine Mercy Novena – immediately following each of the Masses

EASTER OCTAVE (21st-27th April)
11am – Mass followed by the Novena to the Divine Mercy.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY (27th April)
8am & 9:30am
11am – Solemn Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday
2pm – Divine Mercy Holy Hour (Confession available)

Here are the announcements for the 2nd Sunday in Lent, the 16th of March:

NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH

The novena to St Joseph, is being celebrated from 10th – 18th March 2025. Thank you to everyone for sending in their intentions and donations. St Joseph, pray for us!

WORKING BEE

Thank you to everyone who came along to the working bee yesterday (15th March), a lot was accomplished and every bit of help is greatly appreciated.
The next working bee will be on Saturday 12th 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.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS AT THE OLD MONASTERY

Today after the 8am Mass, there is morning tea at the Old Monastery. 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.

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 18th April 2025. Please note, this is free and open to all, no bookings need to be made. Food & drink will also be available for purchase. Good Friday is also a day of Fasting and abstinence, Pilgrims are allowed to picnic on site but we ask that NO meat is consumed or BBQed on the day.
There are still some roles that need to be filled, for more information and to receive updates regarding rehearsals etc please go to: https://goodfridaypassionplay.blogspot.com/ and sign up to receive notifications.

PASCHAL PRECEPT
A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go to Confession and Holy Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (15th June).

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
PALM SUNDAY (13th April)
8am – Mass commencing from the front door of the Monastery 9:30am – CANCELLED
11am – Solemn Mass with Procession commencing from the Statue of St John Paul
This day is also Fatima day, the usual schedule will be followed, please bring along palm fronds or olive branches.

11am – Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday & Holy Wednesday (14th, 15th & 16th April)

HOLY THURSDAY (17th April)
No Mass at 11am
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper (with washing of the feet and procession to the Altar of Repose)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – until midnight

GOOD FRIDAY (18th April)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am until 10pm
11am – Passion Play (commencing at the front of the property)
3pm – Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion (In the Shrine Church)
5pm – Novena to Divine Mercy 7pm – Vespers (Prayer of the Church)

HOLY SATURDAY (19th April)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am to Midday
8:30am – Lauds (Prayer of the Church) 11:30am – Novena to the Divine Mercy
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Easter Vigil

EASTER SUNDAY (20th April)
8am, 9:30am & 11am – Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday
Divine Mercy Novena – immediately following each of the Masses

EASTER OCTAVE (21st-27th April)
11am – Mass followed by the Novena to the Divine Mercy.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY (27th April)
8am & 9:30am
11am – Solemn Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday
2pm – Divine Mercy Holy Hour (Confession available)

Here are the announcements for the 1st Sunday in Lent, the 9th of March:

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.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER LIST ANNUAL MASS OF THANKSGIVING

The Intercessory Prayer List group are members who offer prayers for the sick of the parish. There are no meetings to attend! A monthly list is sent out to the Prayer Team via email, with updates through the month. It is a very valuable asset to the Parish and many blessings have been granted through the prayers of the team. We will be having our annual thanksgiving Mass (to thank God for blessings we have received) on Sunday 16th March at 8am at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, Penrose Park. Followed by morning tea. You are all welcome! Please consider joining our Prayer Team. Contact us on mvprayerlist@gmail.com

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.

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 18th April 2025. Please note, this is free and open to all, no bookings need to be made. Food & drink will also be available for purchase. Good Friday is also a day of Fasting and abstinence, Pilgrims are allowed to picnic on site but we ask that NO meat is consumed or BBQed on the day. There are still some roles that need to be filled, for more information and to receive updates regarding rehearsals etc please go to: https://goodfridaypassionplay.blogspot.com/ and sign up to receive notifications.

PASCHAL PRECEPT
A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go to Confession and Holy Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (15th June).

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 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.