Parish Bulletin Sunday 13 September 2026
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
This Sunday is Safeguarding Sunday (formerly Child Protection Sunday), which concludes National Child Protection Week. We pray for those who have been abused, their families and supporters. We recognise and apologise for the harm done by anyone in Church settings and acknowledge the vulnerability of some within our parishes and communities. We recommit ourselves to practices that support survivors and make the Catholic Church and its ministries the safest possible place for children and people at risk. Rebuilding trust and confidence in the Church requires constant work and vigilance. This year’s theme is “Love Protects”, which reminds us that real love is not passive goodwill but actively shields the vulnerable, tells the truth, and never lets silence stand in for safety.
Our very successful Women’s Night of Spirituality raised $7,259 to be shared equally between Mary’s House, Jarjum Indigenous Jesuit School in Redfern, and the Red Cross Nepal/Tibet Disaster Appeal. Renewed thanks to everyone who contributed and supported the evening.
130 young men and women will be confirmed over the next two weekends. This weekend, Confirmation will be celebrated at the 5.30pm, 9am and 6pm Masses; next weekend at the 5.30pm and 9am Masses. It is a very special time for all of us. For those being confirmed, this is when they are entrusted with Christ’s mission. God says, in effect: “I believe in you. I have a place for you in my Church and in my world. I want my Spirit to work through you.”
The Holy Spirit is not given to us simply to make us feel more religious. The Holy Spirit is given to change the way we live; courage to stand up for what is right; wisdom when we don’t know what to do; strength when life is difficult; and the capacity to forgive when we would rather hold a grudge. And all of us are meant to be living examples, free giveaways, of what a Confirmed Catholic looks like. “Come, Holy Spirit. Give these young people courage to be themselves, wisdom to make good choices, strength to face difficulties, and generous hearts capable of forgiving. And may the Spirit we receive today make us not merely people who believe in Jesus, but people who live like Jesus.”
Parish Notices
The Jesuit Mission Bazaar
Sat 12 Sept @ St Ignatius' College Riverview.
For over 70 years, the Bazaar has brought the community together to raise vital funds for Jesuit Mission's life-changing work around the world. Join us for a day of food, rides, entertainment, games, the famous wine auction, and more. For event and donation details, visit jesuitmission.org.au/bazaar.
Mozart at St Mary’s – JRS Fundraiser
Tuesday 29 September, 7-8pm, St Mary’s Church
Presented by parishioner, James D’Arcy, the concert will feature Mozart’s Grand Partita, one of Mozart’s most celebrated works for wind ensemble and featured in the film Amadeus. This one-hour concert offers an opportunity to enjoy extraordinary music while supporting the great work of Jesuit Refugee Service Australia.
Tickets are available by donation at https://events.humanitix.com/mozart-at-st-marys-2026 or by scanning the QR code.
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