Sunday 24 August 2025
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
It was a joy to welcome Sacha and the seven Jesuits from Timor Leste to the parish last Sunday night. Thanks to those parishioners who attended their second Sunday Mass (twice listening to that tough Gospel). The 6pm Mass was as uplifting as ever thanks to Tom Jenkins and the Spirit Band. Slightly embarrassing moment came when our Timor friends arrived at the RDC to find every slice of pizza was gone. We didn’t ask for the “family to hold back.” Richard Hamilton and his wonderful team re-ordered more food quickly, so a social death was avoided. We do need to work on our parish RSVPs. We want as many people as possible to come to all our gatherings, but we need to know the numbers. 126 parishioners registered for Sunday night and well over 200 attended. That’s a great turn out on a bleak night, but there is no way we can cater correctly when this occurs. If anyone knows what we can do in the future to avoid this, I would be delighted to hear from you.
This weekend 134 young adults will be confirmed by Bishop Terry Brady and me at the 5.30pm, 9am and 6pm Masses. The liturgy will move along economically, but I think the inconvenience is worth it if we want these families to experience our vibrant and welcoming community and return and find a regular home amongst us.
Please visit the Parish Photo Album on our website, which records just a few of the many great events we have been blessed to enjoy in our parish life: the Timor Leste visit; the marriage renewal Mass; the Jesuit Ordinations; our Easter ceremonies; the Lenten reflection evening; the women’s companions in spirituality afternoons; the men’s group walk to Manly; just to name a few. Our wonderful staff and so many generous volunteers make all of this happen, and we are deeply blest by God for the life it brings to all of us. AMDG.
Confirmation Masses - THIS WEEKEND - Sat 5.30pm St Francis Xavier. Sun 9am & 6pm St Mary's.
Confirmation Masses - THIS WEEKEND - Sat 5.30pm St Francis Xavier. Sun 9am & 6pm St Mary's.
If you and your family would like to support the Confirmation candidates in their mission to those in need by donating some groceries for the Ignite store at Emerton there is a truck coming to collect food on Wednesday 27th August. Your donations must be at RDC by Tuesday afternoon. Use any bag.
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
Welcome to Our RCIA Candidates
This Sunday, 24 Aug @10.30am Mass at St Francis Xavier Church, we warmly welcome our RCIA candidates as they take another step on their journey of faith. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue preparing to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Following Mass, everyone is invited to join the candidates for morning tea at the back of the church.
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