And More Celebrations!
Fr Rosan has now celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving as well as his first weekend Mass with our parish community and weekday Masses. Much joy has also been shared as he also gave a Priestly blessing to many parishioners individually.
Youth Group April Gathering
This month we are journeying with Christ to the Cross “Near the Cross of Jesus”. Saturday 12 April after the 5pm Vigil Mass, finishing at 8pm. All youth aged 12-17 years are welcome - you can bring a friend along!
Enquiries to the parish office on 4332 2216 or email theentranceparish@bbcatholic.org.au
Congratulations Fr Rosan!
This Wednesday Fr Rosan Mathew was ordained a Priest by Bishop Anthony Randazzo at Waitara Cathedral. It was a joy-filled, blessed occasion witnessed by Fr Rosan’s 85 brethren, parents, parishioners and friends! (More photos of the celebrations next weekend.)
KidsClub
It’s time for KidsClub again! Join us on Saturday 12 April in the Reynolds Room from 3pm-4:45pm for lots of fun, activities, games and snacks! KidsClub is for children 5-12 years (younger must be accompanied by an adult). No need to RSVP - just turn up! And then you are welcome to join us afterwards for the 5pm Vigil Mass.
Rite of Election
On Sunday two of our Catechumens, Blair and Cody Creevey, attended the Rite of Election at Waitara Cathedral where Bishop Anthony declared them to now be members of the Elect who will be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the Easter Vigil.
Youth Group
The latest Youth Gathering was held Saturday evening with 18 enthusiastic young people. They were excited to see The Upper Room which is going to be the Parish Youth Centre. Next Youth Night 12 April after Mass.
100 Year Anniversary of First OLR Church
Last Saturday Daphne Parsons and Vince O’Sullivan unveiled our new memorial glass panel at the Ashton Avenue door of the church, commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the opening of the first OLR Church here at The Entrance.
Congratulations Catechists
Last weekend our Catechists were Commissioned to go forth into the Public Schools for 2025!
Long Line of OLR School Graduates
Parishioners were invited to a tour of the new OLR School building last week. One special guest was Diane McCudden, an original OLR student at The Entrance 70 years ago, shown here with the last of her grandchildren to go through to their final year at OLR Shelly Beach.
Farewell Mary!
Mary Curmi, organist extraordinaire, was farewelled by all on Sunday. All the best to you Mary!
Thank You Volunteers!
Firstly a big thank you to Michael Delandre for his years of coordinating funeral arrangements on our Bereavement Team. Michael went above and beyond to make this difficult time as pleasant as possible for those mourning a deceased relative or friend.
We would also like to thank Joy Delandre for her volunteering as a Church Cleaner for many years. Joy has been a selfless helper and we wish her well in retirement.
Our next thanks goes to Raquel Dixon, Mariza Boclinton, Mila Barnes and Suellen Meilak who have offered to do the flower arranging in the Church. We look forward to some new refreshed displays in the near future. We would also like to thank a special donor for contributing to the purchase of some new flowers.
First Friday Cuppa is Back!
On Friday 7 March our monthly Cuppa is on. We warmly invite everyone to come along after the Anointing Mass for a lovely cuppa and a chat. Bring a plate to share, which can be dropped off before Mass. We hope to see you all there!
CatholicCare Home Care
CatholicCare is proud to announce our new accreditation for Home Care packages. Our social care agency in the Diocese of Broken Bay has been supporting the Northern Sydney, Northern Beaches and Central Coast communities for 35 years.
We understand many seniors prefer to stay at home as they age. The Government’s funding for Home Care Packages can help you live independently at home for longer. We want to know if our Home Care Packages are of interest to you, or a loved one and want to prioritise the needs of our parishioners before we promote to the general public. As a Catholic organisation we want the seniors we support to know they are truly cherished and valued and we’re confident our services will be very well received. There’s no obligation to partner with us.
We may contact you to discuss your needs, but you’re welcome to opt-out at anytime.
Memorial Garden Statues
Our new statues of St Patrick and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop are now in residence in the Memorial Garden. This completes the garden and we now have a patron for each of the walls. Thank you to those who contributed so generously to the purchase of these statues.
Two New Junior Altar Servers
On Saturday, 30 November, at the 5pm Vigil Mass, Deacon Rosan officially welcomed and blessed our two newest Junior Altar Servers, Jaggar and Pearl White. It is encouraging to witness the participation of our younger children in this important role, contributing to the service at our Parish Masses.
Congratulations Rory!
Last Sunday at the 8am Mass Rory Stacey was received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Pictured (left to right) are Deacon Paul, Rory, Fr Joshi, Peter Brunker (Rory’s sponsor) and Fr Brian. A very big welcome to you, Rory!
Catechist Awards
Service Awards were presented to our Catechists by the Vicar General, Fr David Ranson, in recognition of their years of teaching Special Religious Education to Catholic children in our public schools. Mary Evans was honoured with a 25-year award, while Johanna Hall and Deacon Rosan both received 15-year awards. Also acknowledged was Desmond Ho, presented with two CCD Diplomas in Special Religious Education for completing CCD Level 1 and Level 3 Ministry courses. We would like to extend our gratitude to all of them for their outstanding contributions to this ministry.
Central Coast Atrium
The newly opened Central Coast Atrium is running Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for 3-6-year-olds. The aim is to help the child nurture their own personal relationship with God. Sessions run Saturdays 9-10:30am, in the new Atrium (behind the CCD Office). For information or to join our waitlist contact centralcoastatrium@gmail.com or call Ashleigh on 0466 255 033.
Family Groups Morning Tea
One of our Family Groups hosts the Morning Tea each month, on the second Sunday after 9:30am Mass. The Morning Tea is for all parishioners and friends and is held in the Parish Centre. It is a lovely time to catch up with or meet new parishioners. Group members are asked to bring a plate and leave it in the centre prior to Mass.
Men's Social Group
The Men’s Social Group has expanded to include wives and friends. They have a lovely lunch and a chat at one of the local venues like this one at Shelly Beach Golf Club. Everyone is welcome to come along on the third Wednesdays of the month at 12 noon. (Watch this space for venue details.) Just turn up or for more information call Lui 4388 9510.