An Evening with Carmel Pilcher

I resisted attending Sr Carmel Pilcher's lecture thinking it would be about the new changes in the Mass and felt a further explanation a waste of time, but the Spirit moved in and to my surprise the well prepared interesting presenter opened my heart to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist

Without any pressure Carmel moved the group to the front seats (who has the ability as well as success in a Church!) and then helped us "unlearn" some of the ingrained pre Vatican II teachings.

Women's Spirituality Night

What a wonderful night! Caroline Jones, as ring master, directed the course of the evening with a fine touch and a wonderful word. Our three speakers told their respective stories - each different from the other. Each asking of us to address the issues in our own hearts and minds. The words of the speakers were backed by the quite superb music coordinated by Danielle Whitmore. The organising genius belongs to Frances Tilly, the behind the scenes choreographer of the whole event and her numerous teams that coordinated the night.

The night was made all the more successful by the packed out Church that assembled to listen to our speakers. I saw briefly the results of the collection that was taken up. There will be three charities (of the speakers) who will benefit substantially by the night.

They say success breeds success - let me share just one email that spoke of the fruits of the evening ...

First Communion 2011

Last Sunday another 500 people were present to witness the first Holy Communion of 53 candidates at St Francis Xavier Lavender Bay. Congratulations to all the children and to the parents and Group Leaders that accompanied these children on their journey to receive their second and third sacraments by completing their first Reconciliation and their first Holy Communion.
Fr Tony

See photos of the first communion events. The portfolio photos of each individual child will be available from
the 9am Mass of next Sunday 19th June at St Mary's church North Sydney.

First Communions 2011

A testimony from Alexis Mc Donald (parent to Tessa a First Holy Communicant)
We are fortunate to have been part of the First Holy Communion program conducted by St Mary’s over the past 3 months. We have attended group sessions led by a fabulously prepared and enthusiastic Group Leader which made the preparation a welcoming experience.