Congratulations First Eucharist Children!
Last weekend two groups of children received their First Eucharist at the 5pm and 9:30am Masses, and one child at the 5pm Maronite Mass - approximately 85 children and their families celebrating this wonderful Sacrament in our parish! The children looked beautiful and were very excited for this special day in their lives. Thank you to Colleen Smith, with assistance from OLR Teachers, for the preparation of the children, and their parents and families for their support and participation during the programme. We look forward to seeing you all again in the near future.
Blessing of Seaside Youth Group's Upper Room
On Pentecost Sunday, a significant and grace-filled moment unfolded with the blessing of the Upper Room - a space set apart for the young people in our parish for gatherings and renewal. The blessing took place immediately following the Mass, evoking the Spirit of the first Upper Room where the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.
The Upper Room became the birthplace of the Church, and this space too is meant to be a place of encounter, mission, and renewal for the young people of our parish community. This new Upper Room now stands as a visible reminder of our ongoing call to be Spirit-filled disciples, sent forth to renew the face of the earth.
Congratulations Sundai!
On Friday night Sundai was awarded the Diocesan Medal of Broken Bay during the Inaugural Awards Presentation Night. Sundai was honoured for her unfailing dedication to this parish for the past 31 years. We congratulate her for a most deserving award!
Congratulations to our RCIA Recipients
On Saturday 31 May we celebrated a joyful ceremony at the 5pm Vigil as we welcomed the last seven candidates of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) into the Catholic Church, alongside their beloved children. Fr Brian, assisted by Fr Rosan, administered the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. As these families continue on their spiritual journey of faith, let us keep the Ardrey, Creevey, Frize and Owens families in our heartfelt prayers.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Anne Proust for her unwavering support of these families during the RCIA program, as well as to Fr Rosan and our Pastoral Associate, Colleen Smith. Your compassion and dedication truly make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Our next RCIA program will be starting soon, with dates to be announced in the coming weeks. If you know anyone interested in becoming Catholic, please encourage them to contact the parish office or email Colleen at colleen.smith@bbcatholic.org.au
Welcome Back Fr Rosan!
Fr Rosan is finally returning from his adventures at home in India with his family. Fr Rosan departed shortly after his Ordination to celebrate with friends and family in India, including his brother Mark who is also studying for the Priesthood. (Mark is pictured here with Fr Rosan’s parents who we met when they came to Australia for the Ordination.) We have missed Fr Rosan and look forward to him sharing his stories of the trip, and celebrating Mass and the Sacraments again here with us.
(The family is pictured in the High Ranges in Kerala looking out to Tamil Nadu.)
Our Priests in India
Fr Rosan was the main Celebrant in his home parish of St George for Sunday Mass. Fr Brian and Fr Hien Vu concelebrated the Mass. The local Parish Priest is also pictured on left.
KidsClub
KidsClub is on again Saturday 31 May from 3-4:45pm in the Reynolds Room. It is a parish social group for 5-12 year olds who want to make new friends, have fun, and learn more about Jesus! The theme this month is the Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope. Journey with us on a parish pilgrimage! Games, craft, activities and snacks all provided! Siblings also welcome. Parents may stay or drop off and pick up. Parents must stay with children under 5 years. You are most welcome to join us at the 5pm Vigil Mass afterwards. No RSVP required – just turn up! Enquiries: 4332 2216.
Family Mass
We’re excited to invite you to our second Family Mass of 2025! Join us on Saturday 24 May at 5pm in the Church. We warmly welcome all families, especially those with children in Years 2 & 4 to come and celebrate with us. After the Mass, join us for pizza and light refreshments in the Parish Hall! Feel free to bring a plate to share. It’s a wonderful opportunity to relax, connect, and meet other families in our community. We can’t wait to see you there and share in this special time together! Please use the QR code, or this RSVP Link for catering and participation purposes.
Combined Family Groups Mass & Morning Tea
All parishioners are invited to join us to celebrate our 31st Anniversary of Family Groups in the parish. Group Leaders will renew their annual commitment at the 9:30am Mass next Sunday 18 May. Then we will have Morning Tea in the Parish Centre. Family Group members please bring a plate and leave it in the Parish Centre prior to Mass.
New Seniors Craft, Games & Chat Morning
Come along for a relaxing, fun time and make new friends! Carers are welcome. While enjoying a cuppa and biscuit, just have a chat, do your craft, or bring your cards or favourite game. Share other ideas of activities. Every 3rd Tuesday of month commencing 20 May in the Reynolds Room from 10am to 12.30pm.
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.
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.)
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!
First Friday Cuppa is Back!
On Friday 2 May 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.
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.
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.