Sunday 14 September 2025
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
It is asserted that if we laid out from end-to-end all the parts of the True Cross found throughout Europe today, it would stretch from Rome to Jerusalem. This Sunday’s feast has its roots in such piety, and it is an extraordinary story.
In 326 the Emperor Constantine’s mother, Helena, at the grand age of eighty set sail for Jerusalem to find the cross of Jesus and his tomb. To her satisfaction she found the site of the Holy Sepulchre and established a church on the site, which is venerated as such to this day. The true cross was more elusive. It was claimed that the leaders of the Jews had hidden the cross in a Jerusalem well. One of the Jewish leaders told the Empress Helena in which well to look. The story goes that they dug for days and found three crosses. They weren’t sure which one was the true cross, so the Bishop of Jerusalem, the later Saint Macarius, sent the crosses off to the bedside of a dying woman. She touched the first two crosses to no effect, but on touching the third cross she immediately recovered. St Helena had found the True Cross.
This Cross remained in the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem until the early 7th Century when the entire city was looted by the Persian king, Chosroes II. He took the cross back to Persia. In 628 Emperor Heraclius II overthrew the regime in Persia and carried the cross, firstly to Constantinople, his capital city, and then in the spring of 629, to Jerusalem. The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross commemorates this triumphant return of the Holy Cross to Jerusalem.
The triumph of Jesus’ cross is not about the tree upon which Jesus was capitally punished. The cross shows us God’s utter commitment to our us, to the price to be paid for living our humanity to the full, for sacrificial and saving love, and for confronting evil head-on. To the degree that we do these things, we share in the Cross as well. It is also the promise of also sharing with Christ in the triumph of the resurrection. Whatever jokes might be made about the fragments of the True Cross, the love of God made human in Jesus reveals that God is in solidarity with our lot in and through our living and dying, and to all people who suffer everywhere.
PS. Applications for the Sacramental Coordinator and Car Park Attendant close Friday 19th September 2025.
Sat 13 Sept
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Jesuit Mission Bazaar
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Jesuit Mission Bazaar
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OLW Cake Stall - Rides - Raffle Tickets
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Sat 13 Sept 〰️ Jesuit Mission Bazaar 〰️ Jesuit Mission Bazaar 〰️ OLW Cake Stall - Rides - Raffle Tickets 〰️
Please Note: The Catalyst for Renewal lunch on Sat 13 Sept with Fr Richard Leonard SJ is sold out.
Walk With Creation
Fri 26 Sept @ 10.00am – 12.00pm St Ignatius’ College, Riverview
Come join the Ecology Group to celebrate the Season of Creation with a spiritual
walk in the grounds of St Ignatius’ College Riverview. The program provides an opportunity for quiet time, contemplation, thoughts and feelings, wonder and awe.
The numbers are limited. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/DFPHK
Coordinator: michael.gill@outlook.com.au
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A Parish Employment Opportunity - Applications close Fri 19 Sept 2025
Applications are invited for the role of St Mary’s Church car park attendant Monday to Friday 7am to Midday. We need someone who can bring order out of chaos in hail, rain or shine, be the welcoming face of the parish for visitors and parishioners alike and has a sense of honour. The rate is flexible depending on the need of the successful applicant (e.g. a pensioner) but it could be $25 per hour. We are open to job sharing. For further information and to apply please contact Fr Richard:
Another Employment Opportunity - Applications close Fri 19 Sept 2025
Applications are invited for the role of the Parish Sacramental Coordinator for 2026. Thisrole is a flexible part-time position (16-20 hours pw), with more demanding time required in themonths during the preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation (March to the end ofAugust). The other months are more predictable. Ideally the candidate could work with Claire ina handover before she finishes in the role in early December. For further information and to applyplease contact Fr Richard: richard.leonard@nssj.org.au
Roster Sunday – Sun 14 Sept after the 9.00am Mass
Join us for morning tea after the 9am Mass and sign up to get involved through roles like choir, reading, collections, or morning tea coordinator. Parish safeguarding requirements will need completing prior to commencing.
National Child Protection Week (NAPCAN) is observed 7 – 13th September 2025 and ends with Safeguarding Sunday on 14th September 2025.
This year’s theme, “Every conversation matters: Shifting Conversation to Action,” highlights the importance of transforming dialogue about child protection into meaningful action to create safer environments for children.
Today, as we are gathered, we pause and focus on our responsibility to protect and care for those who are vulnerable. In the Bible, we find a clear and strong message about justice, compassion, and speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are called to be a safe, welcoming and hope-filled church. In our everyday lives, let’s be mindful of those around us who are vulnerable or marginalised. Who are the “silent” ones in our society, the ones without a voice? Today, God may be calling you to stand up for them. Whether it’s through prayer, support, or direct action, we are invited to participate in God’s work of justice.
Child sexual abuse is a crime. The appropriate people to deal with crimes are the police. If you, or anyone you know, have been abused, please contact the police. Alternatively, you can contact the Safeguarding and Ministerial Integrity Office at (02) 9390 5810 or safeguardingenquiries@sydneycatholic.org. You may also want to speak to your Parish Priest who will
able to provide support and guidance. The archdiocese has a legal obligation to report crimes to the police.
THE CARDONER NETWORK - JOURNEY OF THE SOUL
Attention 18–25-year-olds! Here's your chance to embark on a life-changing 3-week "journey of the soul" in the breathtaking Himalayas in Nepal. Join a group of like-minded young adults for an unforgettable adventure — trekking through remote mountain villages, immersing in rich local culture, and embracing moments of silence, reflection, and connection. Older adults: If you'd be prepared to sponsor a young adult parishioner, please contact Fr Ramesh: 0426 366 544. More info/registration via this link: www.thecardonernetwork.org/immersions/
Fr Richard Leonard’s SJ PP HOMILIES
In his homilies, Fr Richard offers thoughtful insights, real-world connections, and a deep sense of faith to guide us through the week. Whether you’re part of our parish or watching from afar, we hope these reflections bring you encouragement and inspiration. View now on the Parish YouTube Channel
