KidsClub
All are invited to KidsClub on Saturday 16 August 3-4:45pm in the Reynolds Room. KidsClub is a parish social group for children aged 5-12 years (and their siblings) who want to make new friends, have fun, and learn more about Jesus! Free entry games, craft and activities as well as snacks provided. Parents are welcome to stay or you can drop off and pick up (parents must stay for children under 5 years). Our group leaders have WWCC. We invite all to join us at 5pm Mass after KidsClub. Enquiries: 4332 2216.
Seaside Youth Group
Come along for games, fun and pizza with Seaside Youth Group. We get together on the 2nd Saturday of the month – this month 9 August – after the 5pm Mass until 8pm. 12 to 17 years are all invited – bring a friend! Meet in the Upper Room (off the church car park). Contact us at the parish office during business hours on 4332 2216 or email theentranceparish@bbcatholic.org.au
First Holy Eucharist
Congratulations to Oscar for receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Saturday 19 July! Oscar was the final child among 89 who prepared for and received this important Sacrament through this year's Sacramental Programme. Let us keep Oscar and the other 88 children in our prayers as they embark on their faith journey after celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation.
Diocesan Jubilee Pilgrim Passport
Congratulations to the Tobin Family on being the first in our parish to complete the pilgrimage to all four Shrines during this year’s Jubilee of Hope! Their dedication will be recognised by the Diocese of Broken Bay, and they will receive an official Jubilee Local Pilgrim of Hope Certificate. This, along with their stamped Passport, will serve as a cherished memento of their journey in this Holy Year.
Pilgrimage is one of the most profound aspects of a Jubilee Year in the Catholic tradition. The Shrines of Hope within our Diocese include our Cathedral Parish at Waitara, St Patrick’s at East Gosford (for families), Our Lady of Dolours at Chatswood (for young people), and Mary Immaculate at Manly (for Priests & Vocations). To learn more about the Jubilee Year and the ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ visit the dedicated Diocesan website https://www.bbjubilee.com.au/
Ignite Youth Gathering
Another exciting and inspiring Youth Event was held last weekend. Participants experienced uplifting and great faith building community with fellow youth of Broken Bay.
Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope in October
Join Fr Hien Vu on a Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope to Rome and Assisi 1 -10 October. Limited places are still available for this once in a lifetime diocesan journey of faith. See the QR code or view the
video link
Safeguarding Training
On Tuesday 22 July the Diocesan Safeguarding team will conduct a Safeguarding training session for parishioners who serve in ministries related to children, the elderly and other vulnerable individuals. This training is designed for those who are unable to complete the mandatory online training programme provided by the diocese or who prefer in-person training.
The session will be held in the parish centre from 10am-2pm, and lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration is essential to ensure adequate resources are available for all participants. For more information please contact Leanne in the parish office on 4332 2216.
Ministry Refresher Training
Acolytes / Senior Servers and those interested in becoming Servers at Mass are asked to attend a Refresher Training afternoon with Fr Rosan and Dcn Paul on Saturday 30 August from 3:30pm-5pm.
The role of the Acolytes / Senior Servers in a liturgical celebration is indispensable, and so their service as ministers of the altar is invaluable help to the Deacon or the Priest.
Faith formation becomes an integral component of an Acolyte / Senior Server as they become proficient in assimilating liturgical practices and gaining insights into the significance of ritual and symbols used in worship.
This formation includes understanding the meaning behind the Eucharist, the significance of the liturgical calendar, and the role of the Church in the world. Throughout this development, you will develop a deeper appreciation of your faith.
Readers who are rostered for the Masses are asked to attend a Refresher Training morning with Fr Rosan and Dcn Paul on Saturday 13 September after 9am Mass.
These early date claimers are to ensure all will have ample time to arrange diaries and be available to attend. This training is necessary for continued placement on the Ministry roster. It will be of benefit to all no matter what level of experience. We appreciate all your work and wish to realise a standard of service and proclamation that will enhance every Mass.
Congratulations to our Latest First Eucharist Children!
Three more children have now received their First Eucharist, two at the Vigil Mass and one at the Maronite Mass. Comment from one parent to Colleen: ‘Thank you so much for all you have done for us, [our child] was truly blessed to have received guidance and support from the Parish and particularly yourself in the preparation session. The evening went very smoothly, he was able to receive our Lord for the first time in front of the congregation, the certificate and gift were also received, thank you for that. We are thankful that [our child] was able to do this during the Maronite Mass, everyone there was grateful for it. We also served in the Mass that evening as we felt it was fitting for him to help assist in communion afterwards.’
Blessings to these and all our children!
Interparish Sports Day
So blessed to spend the first weekend of the school holidays playing sport with our newly formed The Entrance Seaside Youth Group and other parish youth groups from Catholic Diocese Broken Bay. Big thanks to Hornsby Cathedral Parish for having us for the Third Annual Interparish Sports Day! And a big congrats to Manly Freshwater Parish and Our Lady Of Dolours Parish Chatswood for winning for the first time. We look forward to coming back next year!
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.
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.