Parish Bulletin Sunday 1 February 2026
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Andy Nguyen SJ
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord falls on the second day of February. Here we celebrate Mary and Joseph’s presentation of the child Jesus in the temple. This feast has a special meaning for many Australian Jesuits, including myself, who celebrate the anniversary of our taking religious perpetual vows as a member of the Society of Jesus. It is also the day the Church celebrates the 30th World Day for Consecrated Life. Since I have yet to have access to Pope Leo XIV’s homily for this feast and occasion, here’s sharing with you the conclusion of Pope Francis’ homily for the 2024 celebration of the Feast of the Presentation.
Like Simeon, let us also pick up this child, the God of newness and surprises. By welcoming the Lord, the past opens up to the future, the old in us opens up to the new that he awakens. This is not
easy, we know this, because, in religious life as in the life of every Christian, it is difficult to go against the “force of the old”. “It is not easy for the old man in us to welcome the child, the new one – to welcome the new one, in our old age to welcome the new one – …The newness of God presents itself as a child and we, with all our habits, fears, misgivings, envies, – let us think of envies! – worries, come face to face with this child. Will we embrace the child, welcome the child, make room for the child? Will this newness really enter our lives or will we rather try to combine old and new, trying to let ourselves be disturbed as little as possible by the presence of God’s newness?” (C.M. MARTINI, Something So Personal. Meditations on Prayer, Milan 2009, 32-33).MARTINI Something So Personal. Meditations on Prayer, Milan 2009, 32-33).
Brothers and sisters, these questions are for us, for each of us, for our communities and for the Church. Let us be restless, let us be moved by the Spirit, like Simeon and Anna. If, like them, we live in expectation, safeguarding our interior life and in conformity with the Gospel, if, like them, we live in expectation, we will embrace Jesus, who is the light and hope of life.
Also, sharing with you the accompanying artwork, by the artist Jeff Preston, a striking visual correspondence to Pope Francis’ words.
Notes:
Artwork is licensed for reproduction on printed and electronic versions of this bulletin / newsletter by goodsalt.com.
For Pope Francis’ full homily see https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/consecrated_life/documents/20240202_omelia-vita-consacrata.html
Parish Notices
First Holy Communion registration opens Monday morning 2 Feb @ 9.00am. What you need to do: scan the QR code to make your booking.
1. Select your preferred option for 1st Reconciliation: 20 or 21 May @ 6.00-7.00pm
2. Select a Mass time and pay the registration fee: $130 per candidat
3. Scan a copy of the candidate’s baptism certificate and send to Danielle
4. Attend an information session on 25 Feb or 4 March at 6.00-6.45pm.
5. Consider being a leader. Training 18 & 19 March @ 6.15-7.00pm
For further information contact the parish Sacramental Program Coordinator:
Danielle Whitmore: daniellew@northsydneycatholics.com
Baptism Preparation Session
Tues 3 Feb @ 6.15 -7.00pm, Ron Dyer Centre.
Before booking a baptism date, we ask all parents to attend a Baptism Preparation Session. These sessions are an opportunity to reflect on your child’s baptism and learn more about the ceremony. Scan the QR code to make your booking. For program information contact the Sacramental Coordinator: daniellew@northsydneycatholics.com
Jesuit Mission Australia is seeking an International Programs Coordinator to work with Jesuit partners to accompany and strengthen community-led development programs in India and Southeast Asia. Based in Sydney with a flexible hybrid working model, you will support program design and delivery, monitoring and evaluation, financial stewardship, and safeguarding in respectful partnership.
To apply, send your resume and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria to Kath Rosic, International Programs Director, at programs@jesuitmission.org.au. Applications close 4 February 2026.