Parish Council Report 2011

Our Lady Of The Way Parishes And Their Role In Supporting Holy Family Parish At Emerton, N.S.W.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Some five years ago Our Lady of the Way Parish established a connection with Holy Family Parish, at Emerton, NSW.  Since this time our commitment has grown and developed in a variety of ways.  Recently, the Parish Council reviewed this commitment, reflected on the activities that have occurred to date and discussed in some detail how best to continue our involvement in the years ahead.  Clearly what has been contributed in the past is substantial and impressive.  The report below attempts to provide you with a ‘snapshot’ of our Parish contribution to Emerton 2008-2011.

HOLY FAMILY PARISH:  WHAT THE PARISH CONSISTS OF:

Holy Family Parish of the Mt. Druitt area, located at Emerton, is part of the Diocese of Parramatta.  The Parish has been in existence for 60 years.  The Society of Jesus has been responsible for the Parish since August, 2008, although there has been a Jesuit presence in the area since 1993.

There are 30,000 Catholics in the Mt. Druitt Parish (2007 Census).  Attendance at Weekly, Sunday Mass is 800 people approximately over three Masses.

The Parish campus is 14.5 acres, on which are placed the following services:

-            Church of the Holy Family

-            Primary School

-            Pre-School

-            Jesuit Social Services – a Supermarket constructed with a Government Grant of $1.2m

-            A Men’s shed activity

-            Aboriginal Catholic Social Services

-            Day Care Centre (St. Vincent de Paul)                     

-            Caroline Chisholm Centre (St. Vincent de Paul) *
                  *(moving to another location in 2013)

WHAT SUPPORT OUR LADY OF THE WAY PARISHES PROVIDE:

1. (i)        Volunteers:

            ‘From small beginnings, big things grow’.  Today there are 70 (approximately) volunteers attending the Primary School and assisting the children in a variety of ways, particularly with the development of reading skills.

 

(ii)   Christmas Gifts/Activities: 
            In 2007 the three Parishes’ commenced providing  back-to- school support by way of Envelopes on Christmas Trees in each Church.  In these envelopes ‘Lowes Vouchers’ for the purchase of uniforms, etc. were placed.  Left over funds were used, at the Principal’s discretion, for funding excursions, etc.

            From 2008 provided funds were distributed between the Primary School, the Parish and the Pre-School. Significant amounts have been provided by Our Lady of the Way Parish Christmas appeals.                

(iii)  CHRISTMAS HAMPERS:

            As well as the provision of funds by way of a Christmas Appeal the assembling and distribution of Christmas Hampers has been an activity that has been undertaken by a variety of Parish groups including St Mary’s School.  Whilst these have been much appreciated Fr. Dooley has suggested   some changes if future Hamper giving is being considered.  Rather than providing the actual Hamper, Fr. Ed suggests ‘Christmas Hamper Vouchers’ be provided.  Vouchers would be provided for the purchase of goods at the Parish Supermarket, a WIN-WIN situation with several benefits, in his view.

(iv)  MARY POPPINS MUSICAL APPEAL:

            Recently over $5,600 was donated to allow ninety (90) children from Holy Family School to attend this musical.  We were also able to purchase a number of programs for the children.

(v)   MELBOURNE CUP SWEEP:

            From 2009 the Parishes of Our Lady of the Way have supported the Holy Family Parish through Melbourne Cup sweeps and plans are well in hand to do the same this year.

(vi)  GOLF DAY:

            In 2011 the Golf Day, which Judy Tusino and others played a major role in organising, raised over $10,000 for the Holy Family Parish. Father Ed Dooley is looking for a separate group to organise   this  event next year.  Any volunteers?

            If you are interested please contact Judy Tusino on 8918 4131 or Jan Brady on 9437 5291. 

AN EXISTING IDENTIFIED NEED:

Currently, Holy Family Parish is responsible for the provision of Catechetic classes in 12 State Schools.  They have six Catechists for this task.  From time to time Jesuit Novices and Year 12 students from Loyola College help out when they are available.  However, there is a real need to address this staffing deficit.

 Is this an area where Parishioners of Our Lady of the Way could provide assistance?  Fr. Dooley indicated that training can be provided if this is needed.  And, placement with other Catechists can be organised as a development tool if this would be considered helpful.  If you have the time and talent needed for this role we can put you in touch with Fr Ed Dooley at Emerton.  Just let us know of your availability by ringing Frances Tilly on 8918 4104.

THE WAY FORWARD:  OUR FUTURE COMMITMENT:

The Parish Council was made aware that Holy Family Parish has a very small staff.  Consequently we have considered if it is possible for us to share some of our available expertise with Holy Family Parish.  As well, we believe we need to examine how we can enhance our efforts to build relationships in the years ahead – building up of a meaningful, mutually enriching partnership between our three Parishes and the Holy Family Parish.  To consider these matters (and others) a Committee responsible to the Parish Council is being formed.

Their brief is to develop a clear, articulated position, with some defined goals for the year ahead so that our commitment to Holy Family continues and is maximised.  We will keep you informed of the workings and deliberations of this committee over the coming months.  In the meantime I urge you to consider whether you can help in any way as a Catechist.

Jan Brady,

Chair

Parish Council

14 October 2011