Opening - Shrine of Saint John Paul II
Key Details
Time & date
- 11am Mass, followed by community celebration and veneration.
- 22nd October 2022.
Location
- St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
- 76 York St, East Gosford, NSW 2250.
Who’s attending
- Mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend Anthony Randazzo DD JCL, Bishop of Broken Bay, with Priests of the Diocese of Broken Bay and the Society of the Divine Saviour (Salvatorians).
- Special guests include the Directors of the Diocese of Broken Bay and local members of state and federal governments.
- School principals, accompanied by student representatives.
- Gosford parishioners and pilgrims from across the diocese, greater Sydney and beyond.
Getting here
Entry to the venue
- Via the Victoria St., Althorp St., and York St. gates.
- Easiest accessibility is via the Victoria St. gate and ramp.
Drop-off zone
- Please use the school bus zone to drop off passengers.
- Do not stop on Althorp St. to drop off passengers.
Public transport
- From Gosford, buses 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 43, 44, 63, 64, 65, 66A, 66C, 67, 68 will conveniently stop at the front of the church.
- From Erina, buses 17, 17X, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 43, 44, 63, 64, 65, 66A, 66C, 67, 68 will stop at the East Gosford shops (Victoria St after Adelaide St), on the opposite side of the street, and a block from the church.
Parking
- Please note, the school playground that is used during normal weekend masses will not be available for parking, as it is being used for the celebration with limited reserved spaces for some special guests.
- Limited parking is available in the adjacent council car park, in local streets, in the nearby car park behind East Gosford shops, and in the car park and streets towards St. Joseph’s and St. Edward’s schools. These are all within a 5 minute walk.
- We strongly recommend using the drop-off zone and public transport.
- Those with limited mobility are especially advised to arrive early and arrange to be dropped off on Victoria St.
- Buses are asked to park on Russell Drysdale St. after dropping off passengers at the church.
Maps
- Please refer to the maps of the East Gosford area and the Precinct below.
What’s happening
Mass
- Seating will be available both inside and outside, with inside seating allocated on a first come, first served basis (there is no need to bring proof of registration for the event).
- We have a strict capacity limit inside to ensure the safety and comfort of all our guests.
- Once capacity inside the church has been reached, our welcomers will direct new arrivals to the seating provided outside.
- Communion will be distributed both inside and outside, please follow the usher’s instructions.
- We advise all those coming along to be prepared to sit outside, so please check the weather forecast, and consider protection from the sun, wind or showers.
Veneration
- The church will be open for veneration after mass, and will remain open for veneration until the Vigil Mass begins at 5pm.
- Please allow a small period of time once mass is completed for workers and volunteers to prepare the church. You are invited to attend the Community Celebration in the school grounds while you wait.
Community Celebration
- All are invited to gather in the school grounds after Mass to continue celebrating the occasion.
- A light lunch, including sausage sizzle, fresh fruit, Polish donuts, and hot & cold drinks will be available.
- Vegetarian and gluten friendly options are available (although we will take care to use products labelled “gluten free”, we cannot ensure that the sausage sizzle is safe for those with Coeliac disease to consume).
- There will be a small market area, displays to see, and a kid’s corner.
Partial Indulgence
- Bishop Anthony, in his Decree of 12 April 2022 establishing the Shrine, has granted “a partial indulgence to any member of the Christian Faithful who visits the Shrine on the feast day of Saint Pope John Paul II which falls on the 22nd day of October each year.”
Facilities
Toilets
- Between the church and Jordan Room (one male, one female, one accessible with a baby change table).
- In the school grounds (many male and female, with one accessible).
- In council car park across Victoria St (male and female).
Accessibility
- The church, grounds and school grounds are all wheelchair accessible.
- Those with limited mobility are especially advised to arrive early and arrange to be dropped off on Victoria St.
- Accessible toilets are located at the church and in the school grounds.
First aid & AED
- A dedicated first aid team consisting of a paramedic and nurses will be on site throughout the day, with a base set up in the Jordan Room adjacent to the church.
More information
In the event of inclement weather
- Mass, the community celebration and veneration will still go ahead.
- Alternative arrangements have been planned so the event can continue.
Updates and announcements
Shrine and Pastoral Centre website
We look forward to welcoming you to the Shrine of St. John Paul II.
Kind regards
Fr Greg Skulski SDS
Parish Priest, Gosford Parish