Sunday 22 June 2025
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
Pope Leo XIV has appealed to Iranian and Israeli leaders to step back from war and engage in dialogue for the common good. “No one should ever threaten another’s existence... In these days, news continues to arrive that causes great concern. The situation in Iran and Israel has seriously deteriorated, and at such a delicate moment, I wish to strongly renew an appeal to responsibility and reason,” he said. The Pope also upheld the need for the “commitment to building a safer world, free from the nuclear threat,” that he added, “must be pursued through respectful encounters and sincere dialogue, in order to build a lasting peace founded on justice, fraternity, and the common good.... It is the duty of all countries to support the cause of peace by initiating paths of reconciliation and promoting solutions that guarantee security and dignity for all,” Our world needs our prayer for peace and justice at this critical juncture, not just in Iran, Israel, Gaza and Ukraine, but also in the Sudan, Myanmar and Ethiopia, just to name a few of the 61 wars raging in the world today.
Our thanks to Claire Loneragan and Sr Helen Maguire IBVM and the 5.30pm, 9am (twice) and 6pm congregations who generously welcomed our young people and their families for First Holy Communion. It would be wonderful to think most of the 147 families might find a more regular spiritual home amongst us.
This weekend is the SVDP Winter Appeal. I know you will generously support the great work that the Vinnies do in our name every day. If you would like to join our parish SVDP Conference please contact the parish office for details.
Date claim. This year, the parish celebration of St Ignatius Loyola’s Feast Day will be a 6pm Mass at St Mary’s North Sydney on the Vigil of the Feast, Wednesday 30th July, with a reception to follow in the RDC. The parish will provide the drink, and we might ask those coming to bring a plate to share.
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
Women to Women, Wednesday 28 June, 7-9pm, Ron Dyer Centre
Every fourth Wednesday of the month, an evening to gather with others to watch a clip, have a chat and some supper, (usually La Valla library). NEXT SESSION ONLY “ALL THINGS CATHOLIC Q&A”
Fr Brett O’Neil SJ and Joy Bowen Family Educator RSVP: HERE
Walk With Christ, Sunday 22 June, 1pm, Martin Place
Walk with Christ is Sydney’s annual Eucharistic Procession held on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, honouring the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. It serves as a public witness and act of worship, described in the Directory of Popular Piety and the Liturgy as “a continuation of the Eucharistic celebration, allowing the faithful to publicly profess their faith in the Most Blessed Sacrament”.
For more information, visit https://www.sydneycatholic.org/walkwithchrist
World Refugee Day 2025
Each year on 20 June, the world celebrates World Refugee Day (WRD). WRD is designated by the United Nations to honour refugees who have been forced to flee their homes and to promote solidarity with them for a “world where refugees are welcomed.”
The Church encourages us to welcome, promote, accompany, and integrate those who knock on our doors.
Resources available at: https://acmro.catholic.org.au/wrd
Planned Giving Envelopes
For those parishioners who contribute using planned giving envelopes, your 2025/2026 envelopes will be available for collection in our Churches for the next three weeks. After then they will be available for collection from the parish office. We thank you for your generous contributions!
Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood of
Joshua Choong SJ & Isaac Demase SJ.
Sat 5 July @ 10.00am, St Mary’s North Sydney. We invite the community to celebrate the ordination to the priesthood of Joshua Yew Khean Choong SJ and Isaac Anthony Demase SJ by the Most Rev Gregory O’Kelly SJ. RSVP: www.trybooking.com/DAKYP
Mass of Thanksgiving for Rev Isaac Demase SJ
Sun 6 July 2025 @ 6:00 pm, St Mary’s Church, North Sydney
You are warmly invited to a Mass of Thanksgiving in honour of Rev Isaac Demase SJ, newly ordained priest. RSVP: www.trybooking.com/DALEW. All are welcome to join these occasions to support and pray for Isaac and Joshua as they begin their priestly ministry.