Sunday 28 September 2025
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
This week the parish farewelled Tony Rudd who was a very generous member of our community, serving for many years in the St Vincent de Paul, among other activities. May he now be enjoying the place prepared for him by Christ. RIP.
Pope Leo has designated September 1 to October 4, which is the feast of St Francis of Assisi, as the Season of Creation. This year the Pope asks all of us to pray in such a way that leads to concrete action that will see the world hear the cry of Mother Earth, “the poorest of the poor,” and stop plundering and abusing her. He challenges all of us to be the good stewards of creation God calls us to be. In every sense, our entire future depends on it.
Some Catholics, including some Bishops, have claimed that these environmental concerns and calls-to-action are faddish and that the crisis is overstated. Some have warned that they are signs of a ‘new pantheism’ or ‘a neo-pagan cult.’ It’s good to remember that the conservative Pope Benedict XVI was as strong as Pope Francis and the Australian Bishops Conference in calling all Catholics to the urgency of the issue, insisting that protecting the environment is “the duty of every person,” one which demands changes in personal, social, national and international habits, activities, attitudes and actions.
Pope Francis said the cry of the earth is THE right to life issue. He was criticised for saying this by those who think he was prioritising ecology over other womb-to-tomb life issues. He wasn’t. He was making the unexceptionable point that if we don’t have a healthy life-sustaining planet then none of us were going to be alive at all.
Pope Leo again calls us to ‘ecological conversion’, one which demands changes on every level. He hopes that we do not remain indifferent to problems such desertification, the degradation and loss of productivity in vast agricultural areas, the pollution of rivers and aquifers, the loss of biodiversity, the increase in extreme weather, and the deforestation of equatorial and tropical areas.
May St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of our care for the earth, pray for us.
OLW Beach Retreat for Young Adults (18-30 yrs)
Fri 24 – Sun 26 Oct, Jesuit Villa, 58 Burke St, Gerroa NSW
Includes accommodation, transport and meals. Contribution $50pp. Book at: www.trybooking.com/DFZRQ
Women to Women Pause & Reset
Sun 26 Oct @ 12.00 – 4.00pm, Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney
40 Women for 4 hrs- reflecting on Brene Brown’s Atlas of the Heart, personal time and group discussion. All resources, high tea and refreshments provided. Cost: $10.00. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/1471678
Sun 26 Oct @ 8.30am, St Leonards Park
Say no to domestic and family violence in our community.
Sun 26 Oct @ 8.30am (check-in) Walk begins: 9.30am, St Leonards Park,
Route: 8.8km return via Waverton, Balls Head, McMahons Point and Lavender Bay. Post-walk brunch? Book your table now at The Greens! thegreensnorthsydney.com.au Register at: marys-house-services-walk-2025.raiselysite.com/
Ecological Examen - Season of Creation 2025
Looking for a prayerful way to celebrate the Season of Creation? Join Sue Martin and Robyn Wunder as they guide you in this spiritual exercise, an Ignatian Ecological Examen for this Season of Creation.
14-16 Nov 2025, Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney.
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