Parish Bulletin Sunday 8 February 2026 (Copy)
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ
I am delighted to announce that the Archbishop has appointed our fellow parishioner, Michael Gill as a delegate to the Synod of Sydney 2026. Michael is one of only two representatives from our northern deanery. At the Synod, Michael will join fellow parishioner and parish councilor, Mark Tannock, who is Principal of St Ignatius’ College, Riverview. Our parish is making a wonderful contribution to the local Synod. AMDG.
As you may know, after Easter our parish choir goes to Rome to sing at the Vatican and various other churches in Rome. Our choir has musically looked after all of us very well for many years, including the Women’s Night of Spirituality and various parishioners’ funerals. A few choristers need our support to cover their costs, and so there will be a fundraising concert at St Mary’s, North Sydney, on Sunday, 22 March at 3:00 pm. Please support them in any way you can.
As previously announced, and very sadly for us, Mark Quarrell has had to resign because he is moving to the country. I am now eagerly looking for a parish manager who might look after all our properties, liaise with O’Shea Management regarding Xavier Terrace, HR matters, and steer the day-to-day parish administration. Before we advertise more widely, are you interested, or do you know someone who might be? Let me know: richard.leonard@nssj.org.au
February 8 was International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. Popes Leo and Francis have been passionate on this issue as have the Australian Bishops. February 8 was the feast of St Josephine Bakhita of Sudan. If you don’t know her story of modern-day kidnapping, slavery and freedom, please look her up. February 11 is the World Day of the Sick. Pope Leo XIV says “Love is not passive; it goes out to meet the other. Being a neighbour is not determined by physical or social proximity, but by the decision to love. This is why Christians become neighbours to those who suffer, following the example of Christ, the true divine Samaritan who drew near to a wounded humanity.”
As you will read below, Jenni and Mike Hickson have again this year offered to facilitate our parish Lenten group. In previous years these gatherings have been deeply appreciated. The first one is Sunday 1st March at 7pm in the RDC. This is a wonderful thing to commit to in your Lenten journey to Easter.
The Holy Spriit will be leading the parish from 12th to the 17th of February. She will do a great job as ever, but, in the meantime, many thanks for your patience and understanding, and the support of our lay leaders and parish staff.
Parish Notices
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Faith Bytes: Listening to the Heart of God. Richard Leonard SJ
Faith Bytes is inspired by the author's YouTube videos ("North Sydney Catholics") of his homilies taken from his book Preaching to the Converted (Paulist Press).
Each Sunday reflection offers a brief "faith byte" for readers to ponder for the week. They have been adapted from the larger book for a younger audience and those who have a busy schedule. Books available from Paulist Press.
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Our parish is welcoming many new families whose children are preparing for Baptism.
We are looking for a small group of friendly parish families who would be willing to be a warm, familiar face for them as they begin their journey with us. As a Buddy Family, you would:Greet and welcome new families at parish events or Mass
Help them feel at home in our community
Be a simple point of connection — a friendly face they recognise
This is not a big commitment — just a generous heart and a willingness to help others feel they belong.
If you would like to be part of this beautiful ministry of welcome, please contact: Danielle – Sacramental Coordinator daniellew@northsydneycatholics.com.
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7.30am SFX; 9.00am Mater Hospital; 12noon STM; 5.30pm SFX
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Sat 21 Feb 8.00am-9,00pm; Sun 22 Feb 8.30am-1.15pm
The menALIVE Men’s Weekend is an opportunity for men to explore what makes them feel
fully alive. The weekend experience is powerful and dynamic, and many men are inspired and encouraged by a new sense of purpose and mission. The weekend is organised by men in
your local community and conducted by an experienced team of menALIVE leaders. It is
suitable for all men from 18 years of age. MEN of all faiths are invited. If you are seeking inspiration, support or encouragement, or want to make a change in your life, or the life of someone you love, invest time in this MenAlive weekend in 2026. Contact: andyn@northsydneycatholics.com Cost $70. Register: www.trybooking.com/DIBWV
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Project Compassion Launch
Guest speaker: Mission Director for Caritas Australia, Michael McGirr.
You can support Project Compassion 2026 through the donation boxes.or by envelopes. Visit projectcompassion.org.au/donate for more information or by calling :1800 024 413.
Michael McGirr was a member of the Jesuits for 20 years and a priest for seven years before leaving the order in 2000. He now lives in Melbourne and is married to Jenny. They have three young adult children. He is presently the Manager of Community Engagement with Caritas. He is the bestselling author of Books that Saved My Life, Snooze, Bypass and Things You Get for Free.
His short fiction has appeared in publications in Australia and overseas, and he has been of Eureka Street and fiction editor of Meanjin. Michael has twice been a recipient of a senior fellowship from the Australia Council for the Arts and has also been a HG Coombs creative fellow at Australian National University. He has been the chair of judges of the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and the National Biography Award and reviewed more than 1000 books for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
This Lent, we are called to Unite Against Poverty through Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. Your generosity this Lenten Season will enable Caritas Australia to provide life-changing support to vulnerable communities in need.
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Sun 22 Feb @ 9.00am, St Mary’s. Contact Laura Barry 9amfamilymass@northsydneycatholics.com
Morning Teas is at Omara Place, MCCNS. (not RDC)
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Hope Lives Here luncheon - 10 years of Mary’s House Services
Thurs 26 Feb @ 12.15 - 3.30pm Shangri-La Hotel, The Rocks
Mary’s House Services has provided safety, hope, and support for women and children escaping domestic and family violence across Sydney’s northern suburbs and beyond since 2016.We would be honoured for you to join us, as we open a milestone year for Mary’s House Services at our Hope Lives Here luncheon. A year that marks a decade of safety, support and hope for women and children escaping domestic and family violence since opening the doors of our refuge.
For ten years, our work has been powered by community belief. People and partners who chose to act, give, advocate, and hold firm in saying no to domestic and family violence and yes to safety, hope and new possibilities for our clients.
You are part of that story, and we would be delighted to welcome you to this special event.
On this afternoon, we will bring our community together; supporters, partners, neighbours to champion a future free from domestic and family violence.
You will hear powerful reflections from our frontline practitioners, sharing what Mary’s House Services has achieved and what still drives us every day.
Their stories carry resilience, clarity and the quiet courage that has built and sustained Mary’s House from its earliest days. Be present at an event shaped by purpose, courage, and the kind of community spirit that founded Mary’s House a decade ago. Tickets: Individual $260 – Table of 12 $2800. Bookings
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Sun 1 March @ 9.00am Mass, St Mary’s
We are calling for new Special Religious Education (SRE) Catechists and Helpers. Catechist Sunday will be celebrated at 9am; join us for Mass and afterwards in the RDC for morning tea. Do consider joining our team, please contact the Parish office. olw@northsydneycatholics.com
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Residential accommodation for Uni students
Conveniently located in Chippendale near USYD, UTS, Notre Dame or UNSW, Cardoner House has currently limited availability for 4 males and 2 female University students in a friendly and intentional community.
Rent is $410/week with regular opportunities to practice our faith in weekly volunteering, community meals and Sunday Mass. More info can be found by scanning the QR code or email Ramesh.
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Items most in need:
1. Coffee/Milo/Tea bags/Nesquik/Hot chocolate
2. Breakfast Cereals
3. Spreads - Honey/Vegemite/Peanut Butter/Nutella/Jams
4. Cake Mixes/Sugar/Flour/Jelly
5. Assorted long life milk
6. Cordials/Juices/Poppers
7. Muesli Bars/LCM Bars
8. Biscuits – Sweet/Savoury/Rice cracker/Crackers
9. Pasta Sauces/Simmer sauces
10. Rice/Pasta
11. 2-minute noodles/cup noodles/Cup-a-Soups etc
12. Canned goods – soups/canned vegetables/ready-to-eat meals/Tuna/ etc
13. Chutney/Relish/Mustard/Pickles
14. Sauces – Tomato/BBQ/Worcestershire/Soy etc
15. Mayonnaise/Salad Dressing
16. Baby food/Formula/Baby wipes
17. Household Cleaning Products
18. Toilet Rolls/Tissues
19. Toiletries
20. Laundry powder
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Sun 22 Feb @ 9.30am - 3.00pm Corcoran Centre, Morpeth
The theme of this One-Day Gathering is "Tending the Sacred in our Everyday". With the day being designed for you to pause, to step out of the noise of everyday life and create space to breathe, reflect and realign.
Rooted in prayer, reflection and shared conversation, the Gathering will explore how we can tend to what is sacred in the ordinary moments of our lives, even amidst busy seasons. We would love for you to join us for this day of gentle renewal — a chance to listen to the Spirit and carry that nourishment back into your everyday life. Cost: $35pp. Register at: www.womenofthewell.com.au