Parish Bulletin Sunday 23 August 2026
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
The launch of the Friends of the Jesuits in Timor-Leste brought together 150 people to hear a very comprehensive outline of the history of that emerging nation, the situation now, and the hope and deep faith of the Timorese. It’s still possible to support Fr Sacha and the life-changing and nation-building work of the Teachers College with either a non-tax-deductible gift via the parish website for religious activities: https://www.northsydneycatholics.com/friendsofeasttimor, or a tax-deductible gift via Jesuit Mission: https://jesuitmission.org.au/isjb/
Thanks to everyone who supported the JRS annual appeal last weekend. Those of us blessed to hear the witness of the refugees, whose stories were changed by JRS, were moved to support a group transforming people’s lives at home and abroad.
The appeal envelopes, the website at aus.jrs.net/en/donate, and the QR code details are all still available.
Because of Matthew Pinson’s Ordination, we made St Mary MacKillop’s feast day a movable feast and so had our High Tea in her honour on Sunday the 16th. It’s also our annual occasion to thank the religious women and men who have served and continue to serve our parish so generously. All up, 20 Josephites, Mercies, Loretos, Jesuits, and Marist Brothers heard of our gratitude to them and their forebears. We would not have the wonderful Catholic schools in our parish without the selfless devotion and unpaid service of generations of Religious. St Mary MacKillop, pray for us.
On Sunday 30 August, the Sydney Marathon will cause great disruption to the 8am and 9am Masses. The start line is immediately in front of St Mary’s Church, North Sydney, with Miller Street and the Pacific Highway onto the Bridge closed from 3am until 11am or midday. To plan for travel that day, head to this map: https://transportnsw.info/document/8835/Marathon2026_OverallCourse_ClosureClearwayMap.pdf and say a prayer that Fr Joseph can get to the 8am and I can get to the 9am Masses.
Parish Notices
The Bric a Brac stall is returning to the Jesuit Bazaar 🧺
Help us fill our stall & support Jesuit Mission!
If you have any of the following, we’d love to have them; Retro/vintage treasures, fine china, silverware, crystal, serving items/dishes, trinket boxes, puzzles/board games (complete and boxed only), dinner sets, decanters, candle holders, cup and saucer sets, pin dishes, bowls, teapots, jugs, vases, jewellery, ornaments, figurines, storage jars, tins, mugs/cups/glasses (boxed sets only) Please ensure items are - clean, polished, unbroken, and worthy of selling in good condition. No electrical, furniture, books, loose toys, or incomplete items please.
Drop off to the Ron Dyer Centre no later than Friday 28th August.
We are also looking for – people to assist price, wrap and pack prior to the event, as well as assist on the day, Saturday 12th September. Call Diana on 8918 4148
Community Notice
The Sydney Marathon will run on Sunday 30 August and the starting line will be right outside St Mary’s church. Access to the 9am Mass will be difficult. Miller St and Ridge St will be closed on Sunday morning as will Carlow St and part of West St. All roads and access should be clear in time for the 6pm Mass. Our carpark will be used from Thursday to Sunday for broadcasting and other operations. Lavender Bay and Kirribilli churches will not be directly affected but roads nearby will be closed on the Sunday morning.
SFX Development
Last August I wrote that our parish along with the Sydney Archdiocese and SVDP Housing are proposing a major redevelopment at Lavender Bay. The archdiocese property team and our consultants are planning to lodge the development application next month Mackenzie St and there is an opportunity for you to see the initial community engagement materials and make comments at: engage.hillpda.com.au There will be a further opportunity, probably around September, to review the detailed plans, give feedback and make comments. David Rothery