Sun 3 August 2025
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
Last Sunday 37 couples renewed their marriage vows at the 9am Family Mass. It was a very moving occasion for all of us, which was superbly organised by Julie Donnell and the Family Mass team. This is now an annual fixture on our calendar, a wonderful sign of the importance of the married vocation.
Later on Sunday, at our first meeting, we founded our parish’s “Friends of the Timor Leste Jesuits.” Thanks to Francisco Dias Costa for becoming the first convenor. This group will help us all fundraise for various Jesuit projects in Timor Leste which is one of the poorest countries in the world. Last year the Jesuit Superior General asked the Australian Province and the Region of Timor Leste to work more closely in formation, administration, resources, and personnel. Fr Sacha’s appointment there this year was a first response to this call. I am delighted that eight parishioners are now looking for ways to see flourish this relationship and the great work the Jesuits are doing there. “The Friends” will never be an exclusive club. If you would like to join them, please email me: richard.leonard@nssj.org.au . Providentially, Sacha and eight Timor Leste Jesuits are visiting Australia in mid-August. They will concelebrate the 6pm Mass Sunday on 17 August followed by a pizza and wine reception (BYOG) in the RDC.
Many thanks to everyone who braved the elements and attended our parish celebration in honour of St Ignatius Loyola last Wednesday night. This Vigil Mass was beautifully served by our wonderful musicians, readers, servers, and all who provided so generously for the delicious reception that followed. It gave us pause to be grateful for the rich spiritual legacy our parish has enjoyed for 148 years.
Work for Ammon Isaq
Amoon Isaq is 50 and his wife Ruby is 52. They have three young sons and are presently living in Malaysia. They fled Pakistan some years ago. Amoon’s brother lives in Sydney and is sponsoring the family to come to Australia. They have been granted visas to come to Australia if they qualify for the Community Support Program. Amoon need a definite job offer for the visa to proceed. Fr Renato Zecchin SJ, who is on the Jesuit parish team at our twinned parish of Mt Druitt, writes, “Amoon is a gifted and hard worker. He completed a three-year Associate Diploma of engineering in radio, television & electronics technology. In Malaysia he has been working in this area. But to qualify for the Visa he can and would do any kind of work. He would be most grateful for anyone who could offer him a job where he could make worthwhile contributions to his employer and their business. Thank you for your kindness in this year of hope.” If you are able to offer work to Amoon, please contact me on richard.leonard@nssj.org.au ASAP. Fr Renato and the Isaqs would be very grateful.
National Vocations Awareness Week 3-10 Aug
Joining the Jesuits offers an opportunity to engage with a spiritual and intellectual tradition, founded by St Ignatius Loyola. Members of the Society of Jesus, commit to a life of service, education and social justice. Jesuit formation focuses on lifelong learning and discernment. Contact Fr Andy for more details: andyn@northsydneycatholics.com
Caritas Australia invites us to light a candle and pray for the people of Gaza
If you are able to support Caritas Australia’s Gaza Appeal, please donate online at
www.caritas.org.au/gaza or phone 1800 024 41
Women Companions in Spirituality
Sun 24 Aug @ 2-4.30pm, Ron Dyer Centre
Want to slow down and simply pray with others? Why not come on Sunday 24th August to an afternoon of shared meditation and reflection with other women of faith? Be led in prayer by Anne Gray, the Australian Coordinator of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network in Australia.
Anne will lead us in a focus on the renewed devotion to the Sacred Heart called "The Way of the Heart" which stems in essence from Pope Francis' last encyclical "Dilexit Nos".
Please bring a plate to share, coffee & tea provided. Arrival at 1:45pm for a 2pm start. Contact Teresa Paredes: womensministry@northsydneycatholics.com.
RSVP by 20 Aug: www.trybooking.com/DEERR
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