Parish Bulletin Sunday 31 May 2026
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
This week Pope Leo XVI published his first encyclical Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity) on the opportunities and dangers of artificial intelligence and modern technology. The Pope insists that technology must always serve the dignity of the human person, the common good, justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable. The Pope compares today’s AI revolution to the Industrial Revolution. He warns against concentrating technological power in the hands of a few corporations or governments, criticises the use of AI in warfare and manipulation, and calls for ethical regulation, protection of workers, and international co-operation. Magnifica Humanitas argues that human beings can never be reduced to data, productivity, or algorithms because every person possesses God-given dignity that no machine can replace. “Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.” https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html
I am delighted to announce that we have two new members of our parish council, taking the places of Mary McInerney and Jo Kenderes: Genine D’Arcy has been a parishioner since 1999, and from 2001 to 2006 served as a Pastoral Associate in our parish. Genine has been an RE teacher, Liturgy Coordinator, Year Coordinator and Religious Education Coordinator at Mercy Chatswood where she is currently the Acting Assistant Principal –Evangelisation, Catechesis and Student Wellbeing. Michelle Dellagiacoma has been a parishioner (6pm Mass) since 2014. She has been on the Christian Life Community (CLC) executive, a rotating leader of a CLC group and a founding Member of the Coordinating group for Women Companions in Spirituality. Originally a Town Planner, Michelle has a PhD in international policy, specialising in systemic and governance change. She is presently the Policy Manager, Housing Delivery Authority - Planning Reform. I thank Mary and Jo whose counsel I deeply valued and am grateful to Michelle and Genine for their generosity. Many thanks to those who have already donated blankets to the Jesuit Refugee Service drive for asylum seeker and refugees. If you can help with new or near-to-new blankets please drop them into the Ron Dyer Centre ASAP. Your donation will warm your heart as it warms one of the least of brothers and sisters this winter.
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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19–21 June at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW
A unique getaway for married couples to reconnect and strengthen their relationship. Book online at www.wwme.org.au or contact Christine & Terry Mahony on 0490 774 419 or nswbookings@wwme.org.au.
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25 July - 8 Aug Cost: approx. $850 (excl. flights) Age: 18 - 30yr olds Contact: Fr Ramesh Richards SJ
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Thurs 11 June @ 7.00pm (AEST)
Garrett Publishing presents:Pope Leo XIV and Just War theory in the Catholic Tradition. The webinar will explore pope’ Leo’s contribution to Catholic social thought and the development of Just War theory within the catholic tradition. Speaking from his area of expertise will be Professor Darius von Güttner Sporzyński, with a response from Robert Fitzgerald AM. Register at:
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Sun 14 June @ 1.30 - 4.30pm, Ron Dyer Centre
The Spirit and the Body are One - with Elisabeth Burke & Sr Jan Barnett
A thought cannot exist without a body. Women are invited to experience the body as a receptacle of thought, a vessel of knowing and insight. A door to prayer. A place from which to experience the world in unexpected ways through stillness, movement, breath and reflection.
Full details: www.womenspirituality.com
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Wed 17 June @ 6.00 - 8.00pm, Rosehill Gardens
Dr Mary Healey delivers “Citizens of the Kingdom in a Secular Age”, The Tim Fischer Oration for Ethics in Public and Political Life. Young adults are especially welcome. Attendees are also encouraged to sponsor students in Years 11 and 12. There is ample parking, and frequent public transport connections are available. RSVP: tfo.org.au
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St Aloysius' College is looking for suitable applicants to apply for the Part-Time Enrolments Coordinator position. Copies of the Duty Statement and Selection Criteria of this position are available on the College website. All applications should be submitted electronically to recruitment@staloysius.nsw.edu.au prior to the closing date.
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Book a Mass: Registration opens Monday 1 June @ 9.00am:
Sign-up for program preparation:
Parish Dinner
Join us on Sat 18 July @ 6.30 - 7.00pm, Monte Sant Angelo College. Welcome drinks, canapes and buffet dinner. Cost: $85.00pp: www.trybooking.com/DMOSS
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel Immersive Exhibition is coming to Sydney and runs from 16 May to 19 July 2026 on the St Mary’s Cathedral forecourt. This is a rare and unique opportunity to enter further into the story of salvation through sacred art and the use of immersive technology. This is also a great opportunity to make a parish outing. All are welcome to attend. You can make early-bird ticket purchases by clicking on these links for either May, June or July and entering the Access Code “earlybird”.