Category: Bulletin

Here are the announcements for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, the 24th of March:

PASCHAL PRECEPT
A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go the Confession and Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (15th June 2024).

CONFESSIONS BEFORE EASTER
Today, Palm Sunday (24th March) Confession will be available 30 minutes before and during the usual scheduled Masses. This is to give all pilgrims a chance to go to reconciliation before Easter.

ANNUAL CHRISM MASS
Each year the Priests of the Diocese gather with Bishop Brian to celebrate the Chrism Mass. During the Mass the Priests renew their Ordination promises and the oils of the Church are blessed and consecrated. The annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated at 7pm on Tuesday 26th March 2024 at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Wollongong. Please pray for the Priests of our Diocese.

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 29th March. 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.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Palm Sunday (24th March)
8am & 9:30am – Mass commencing from the front door of the Monastery
11am – Solemn Mass with Procession commencing from the Statue of St John Paul II

11am – Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday & Wednesday (25th, 26th & 27th March)

Holy Thursday (28th March)
No Mass at 11am
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper (with washing of the feet)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – until midnight

Good Friday (29th March)
11am – Passion Play (commencing at the front gate of the property)
3pm – Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion
5pm – Novena to Divine Mercy
7pm – Vespers (Prayer of the Church)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am until 10pm

Holy Saturday (30th March)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am to Midday
8:30am – Lauds (Prayer of the Church)
11:30am – Novena to the Divine Mercy
7pm – Solemn Easter Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (31st March)
8am & 9:30am
11am – Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday
Divine Mercy Novena – immediately following each of the Masses

Easter Octave (1st-6th April)
11am Mass followed by the Novena to the Divine Mercy.

Divine Mercy Sunday (7th April)
8am & 9:30am
11am – Solemn Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday
2pm – Divine Mercy Holy Hour (Confession available)

Here are the announcements for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, the 17th of March:

SOLEMNITY OF ST PATRICK & ST JOSEPH
The Solemnity of St Patrick (Patron of Australia) is liturgically celebrated this year on Monday 18th March and the Solemnity of St Joseph is celebrated as per usual on Tuesday 19th March. There will be a Solemn Mass celebrated on each of these days at 11am. Please come along and participate and let us pray for our country and for our Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

CONGRATULATIONS
This past week Fr Richard has been been elected and appointed as the representative for Religious on the Council of Priests for the Diocese of Wollongong. Please keep him in your prayers as he begins this new appointment.

PASCHAL PRECEPT
A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go the Confession and Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (15th June 2024).

CONFESSIONS BEFORE EASTER
Next Sunday, Palm Sunday (24th March) Confession will be available 30 minutes before and during the usual scheduled Masses. This is to give all pilgrims a chance to go to reconciliation before Easter.

THE LENTEN SEASON
The stations of the cross will be prayed each Friday & Saturday after the 11am Mass during which confession will also be available.

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 29th March. 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.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Palm Sunday (24th March)
8am & 9:30am – Mass commencing from the front door of the Monastery
11am – Solemn Mass with Procession commencing from the Statue of St John Paul II

11am – Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday & Wednesday (25th, 26th & 27th March)

Holy Thursday (28th March)
No Mass at 11am
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper (with washing of the feet)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – until midnight

Good Friday (29th March)
11am – Passion Play (commencing at the front gate of the property)
3pm – Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion
5pm – Novena to Divine Mercy
7pm – Vespers (Prayer of the Church)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am until 10pm

Holy Saturday (30th March)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am to Midday
8:30am – Lauds (Prayer of the Church)
11:30am – Novena to the Divine Mercy
7pm – Solemn Easter Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (31st March)
8am & 9:30am
11am – Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday
Divine Mercy Novena – immediately following each of the Masses

Easter Octave (1st-6th April)
11am Mass followed by the Novena to the Divine Mercy.

Divine Mercy Sunday (7th April)
8am & 9:30am
11am – Solemn Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday
2pm – Divine Mercy Holy Hour (Confession available)

Here are the announcements for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, the 10th of March:

THE LENTEN SEASON
The stations of the cross will be prayed each Friday & Saturday after the 11am Mass during which confession will also be available.

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 29th March. 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.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Palm Sunday (24th March)
8am & 9:30am – Mass commencing from the front door of the Monastery
11am – Solemn Mass with Procession commencing from the Statue of St John Paul II

11am – Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday & Wednesday (25th, 26th & 27th March)

Holy Thursday (28th March)
No Mass at 11am
6pm – Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper (with washing of the feet)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – until midnight

Good Friday (29th March)
11am – Passion Play (commencing at the front gate of the property)
3pm – Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion
5pm – Novena to Divine Mercy
7pm – Vespers (Prayer of the Church)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am until 10pm

Holy Saturday (30th March)
Adoration at the Altar of Repose – 8am to Midday
8:30am – Lauds (Prayer of the Church)
11:30am – Novena to the Divine Mercy
7pm – Solemn Easter Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (31st March)
8am & 9:30am – Mass
11am – Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday
Divine Mercy Novena – immediately following each of the Masses

Easter Octave (1st-6th April)
11am Mass followed by the Novena to the Divine Mercy.

Divine Mercy Sunday (7th April)
8am & 9:30am – Mass
11am – Solemn Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday
2pm – Divine Mercy Holy Hour (Confession available)

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

DIOCESAN LENTEN PROGRAM
These have been available for purchase to help guide people through the season of Lent. This is a great resource prepared for people by the Diocese of Wollongong. Price for the booklets will be $10 each. There are only a few copies left.

THE LENTEN SEASON
The stations of the cross will be prayed each Friday & Saturday after the 11am Mass during which confession will also be available.

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 29th March. 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.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
Thank you to all who contributed to last weeks morning tea. The next morning tea will be on Sunday 17th March.

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 (26th May).

A WORD FROM THE PRIOR – REGARDING THE NEW TOILET BLOCK
Dear Pilgrims,
It has been apparent to me for some time that there is some miscommunication regarding the new toilet block. People are anxious and asking questions as to when it will be open. Believe me there is no one more anxious to open the toilet block than me, though some have a misconception that it is the Pauline Fathers that are holding up the works. In fact, last year, having consulted members of the original working group created by my predecessor, Fr Damian and having been able to find a new building manager, $45,000 was spent to complete the facility. Works completed were all the electrical (lights, power points etc), painting of the interior and gables, plumbing including the installation of firefighting / rainwater tanks, replacement of broken and damp plasterboard, finishing around the windows, interior installations (mirrors, taps etc) and finally cleaning.
All paperwork is presented and the hold up is between the council and the building certifier to issue the occupation certificate. There was the hope to open the new block by Fatima Day last October and then by Christmas but due to one thing or another with our bureaucrats and certifier we have been pushed back. I am working cooperatively and forcefully with our builder and team to get this block over the line by Good Friday and this is looking hopeful but I won’t be holding my breath.
In short, the toilet block is complete and ready for use but the hold up is getting the occupation certificate. No one is more anxious to get this block up and running than the Paulines. Please increase prayers and support so this block can be finalised and opened for the use of the pilgrims by Good Friday, then we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Thank you to all who have helped in some way and for your support and understanding. God bless you all!
Fr Richard

Here are the announcements for the Second Sunday of Lent, the 25th of Feburary:

CONGRATULATIONS BISHOP BRIAN MASCORD
This past week, 22nd February, our Bishop Brian celebrated his 6th Anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination and Installation as Bishop of Wollongong. Please keep him in your prayers as he continue to lead our Diocese.

DIOCESAN LENTEN PROGRAM
These will soon be available for purchase to help guide people through the season of Lent. This is a great resource prepared for people by the Diocese of Wollongong. Price for the booklets will be $10 each.

THE LENTEN SEASON
The stations of the cross will be prayed each Friday & Saturday after the 11am Mass during which confession will also be available.

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 29th March. 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.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
Thank you to all who contributed to last weeks morning tea. The next morning tea will be on Sunday 17th March.

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 (26th May).

A WORD FROM THE PRIOR – REGARDING THE NEW TOILET BLOCK
Dear Pilgrims,
It has been apparent to me for some time that there is some miscommunication regarding the new toilet block. People are anxious and asking questions as to when it will be open. Believe me there is no one more anxious to open the toilet block than me, though some have a misconception that it is the Pauline Fathers that are holding up the works. In fact, last year, having consulted members of the original working group created by my predecessor, Fr Damian and having been able to find a new building manager, $45,000 was spent to complete the facility. Works completed were all the electrical (lights, power points etc), painting of the interior and gables, plumbing including the installation of firefighting / rainwater tanks, replacement of broken and damp plasterboard, finishing around the windows, interior installations (mirrors, taps etc) and finally cleaning.
All paperwork is presented and the hold up is between the council and the building certifier to issue the occupation certificate. There was the hope to open the new block by Fatima Day last October and then by Christmas but due to one thing or another with our bureaucrats and certifier we have been pushed back. I am working cooperatively and forcefully with our builder and team to get this block over the line by Good Friday and this is looking hopeful but I won’t be holding my breath.
In short, the toilet block is complete and ready for use but the hold up is getting the occupation certificate. No one is more anxious to get this block up and running than the Paulines. Please increase prayers and support so this block can be finalised and opened for the use of the pilgrims by Good Friday, then we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Thank you to all who have helped in some way and for your support and understanding. God bless you all! – Fr Richard

Here are the announcements for the First Sunday of Lent, the 18th of Feburary:

OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Sunday 11th February)
Thank you to all who participated and brought people for the anointing of the sick.

FATIMA DAY (Tuesday 13th February)
Thank you to Rev Dr Casimir Zielinski OSPPE for accepting the invitation to be main celebrant and homilist for Fatima day. It was a great and successful day.

ANNUAL LEAVE
Welcome back Fr Richard. Br Matthew is currently on holiday and will return 11th March.

DIOCESAN LENTEN PROGRAM
These will soon be available for purchase to help guide people through the season of Lent. This is a great resource prepared for people by the Diocese of Wollongong. Price for the booklets will be $10 each.

THE LENTEN SEASON
The stations of the cross will be prayed each Friday & Saturday after the 11am Mass during which confession will also be available.

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 29th March. 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.

WORKING BEE
Thank you to all who came and participated in the working bee. It was a good day and a lot of work was done. The next working bee is advertised on the front page of this bulletin.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
Morning tea will be up at the old Monastery after the 8am Mass today. Thank you to all who have brought along something to share.

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 (26th May).

BAPTISMS
Congratulations to Emma Rose Slee and Thomas Gabriel Mertin who are being Baptised in the Shrine today.

Here are the announcements for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 11th of February:

OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Sunday 11th February)
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 after each of the scheduled Sunday Masses. The anointing is for those seeking healing either physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

FATIMA DAY (Tuesday 13th February)
The main celebrant for Fatima Day in February will be Fr Dr. Casimir Zielinski OSPPE, Assistant Priest of St Gertrude’s, Smithfield.

DIOCESAN LENTEN PROGRAM
These will soon be available for purchase to help guide people through the season of Lent. This is a great resource prepared for people by the Diocese of Wollongong. Price for the booklets will be $10 each.

ASH WEDNESDAY & THE LENTEN SEASON (14th February)
This will commence the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day of Fasting and Abstinence. Masses at the Shrine will be celebrated at 11am (followed by the Stations of the Cross) & 6pm. The stations of the cross will be prayed each Friday & Saturday after the 11am Mass during which confession will also be available.

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 29th March. 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.

ANNUAL LEAVE
Fr Richard, Prior of the Monastery, is on annual leave to Monday 12th February. During this time Fr Joseph, Subprior will be in charge. We wish Father Richard a happy and safe holiday. Br Matthew will also be leaving for his holiday on 5th February. We pray that he will have a good and restful time away and come back refreshed.

WORKING BEE
The monthly working bees will recommence for 2024. This takes place on the third Saturday of the month. Mass is celebrated in the Shrine Church at 8:15am and work commences about 9am. A BBQ lunch is provided for all who participate. Please consider coming to assist as many hands make light work as well as pilgrims can already see the great effect that is beautifying the Shrine. For more information or to volunteer please speak to Fr Joseph Maria. The next working bee will be: Saturday 17th February

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
Thank you to all who provided something for the morning tea after the 8am Mass last week. The morning teas are proving to be popular especially for pilgrims to meet one another and have a chat in a social setting. In January there will be NO morning tea. The next Morning Tea will be: Sunday 18th February.

Here are the announcements for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 4th of February:

OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Sunday 11th February)
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 after each of the scheduled Sunday Masses. The anointing is for those seeking healing either physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

DIOCESAN LENTEN PROGRAM
These will soon be available for purchase to help guide people through the season of Lent. This is a great resource prepared for people by the Diocese of Wollongong. Price for the booklets will be $10 each.

ASH WEDNESDAY & THE LENTEN SEASON (14th February)
This will commence the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day of Fasting and Abstinence. Masses at the Shrine will be celebrated at 11am (followed by the Stations of the Cross) & 6pm. The stations of the cross will be prayed each Friday & Saturday after the 11am Mass during which confession will also be available.

PASSION PLAY
The annual reenactment of the Lord’s Passion (Passion Play) will take place in the Shrine, commencing at 11am on Good Friday 29th March. 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.

ANNUAL LEAVE
Fr Richard, Prior of the Monastery, is on annual leave to Monday 12th February. During this time Fr Joseph, Subprior will be in charge. We wish Father Richard a happy and safe holiday. Br Matthew will also be leaving for his holiday on 5th February. We pray that he will have a good and restful time away and come back refreshed.

WORKING BEE
The monthly working bees will recommence for 2024. This takes place on the third Saturday of the month. Mass is celebrated in the Shrine Church at 8:15am and work commences about 9am. A BBQ lunch is provided for all who participate. Please consider coming to assist as many hands make light work as well as pilgrims can already see the great effect that is beautifying the Shrine. For more information or to volunteer please speak to Fr Joseph Maria. The next working bee will be: Saturday 17th February

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
Thank you to all who provided something for the morning tea after the 8am Mass last week. The morning teas are proving to be popular especially for pilgrims to meet one another and have a chat in a social setting. In January there will be NO morning tea. The next Morning Tea will be: Sunday 18th February 2024.

Here are the announcements for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 28th of January:

SOLEMNITY OF ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT & MARY, QUEEN OF HERMITS
Thank you to everyone who came and participated with the community during the Solemnities of the Patriarch and Patroness of the Order. May God bless you all through the intercession of of Mary, Queen of Hermits and St Paul the First Hermit.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Sunday 11th February)
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 after each of the scheduled Sunday Masses. The anointing is for those seeking healing either physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

FATIMA DAY (Tuesday 13th February)
The main celebrant for Fatima Day in February will be Fr Dr. Casimir Zielinski OSPPE, Assistant Priest of St Gertrude’s, Smithfield.

DIOCESAN LENTEN PROGRAM
These will soon be available for purchase to help guide people through the season of Lent. This is a great resource prepared for people by the Diocese of Wollongong. Price for the booklets will be $10 each.

ASH WEDNESDAY (14th February)
This will commence the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day of Fasting and Abstinence. Masses at the Shrine will be celebrated at 11am (followed by the Stations of the Cross) & 6pm.

ANNUAL LEAVE
Fr Richard, Prior of the Monastery, will be taking annual leave from Wednesday 17th January to Monday 12th February. During this time Fr Joseph, Subprior will be in charge. We wish Father Richard a happy and safe holiday.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
Thank you to all who provided something for the morning tea after the 8am Mass last week. The morning teas are proving to be popular especially for pilgrims to meet one another and have a chat in a social setting. In January there will be NO morning tea. The next Morning Tea will be: Sunday 18th February 2024.

Here are the announcements for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, the 21st of January:

SOLEMNITY OF ST PAUL THE FIRST HERMIT & MARY, QUEEN OF HERMITS
Thank you to everyone who came and participated with the community during the Solemnities of the Patriarch and Patroness of the Order. May God bless you all through the intercession of of Mary, Queen of Hermits and St Paul the First Hermit.

FATIMA DAY (Saturday 13th January)
Thank you to Fr Brian for accepting our invitation to celebrate Fatima Day. It was a great day and a special Thank you to all volunteers for your work and support. The main celebrant for Fatima Day in February will be Fr Dr. Casimir Zielinski OSPPE, Assistant Priest of St Gertrude’s, Smithfield.

DIOCESAN LENTEN PROGRAM
These will soon be available for purchase to help guide people through the season of Lent. This is a great resource prepared for people by the Diocese of Wollongong. Price for the booklets will be $10 each.

ANNUAL LEAVE
Fr Richard, Prior of the Monastery, will be taking annual leave from Wednesday 17th January to Monday 12th February. During this time Fr Joseph, Subprior will be in charge. We wish Father Richard a happy and safe holiday.

MORNING TEA AFTER 8AM MASS
Thank you to all who provided something for the morning tea after the 8am Mass last week. The morning teas are proving to be popular especially for pilgrims to meet one another and have a chat in a social setting. In January there will be NO morning tea. The next Morning Tea will be: Sunday 18th February 2024.