from Fr Staheesh

My Dear Parishioners,

Lent is a season of reflection and self-discipline when we prepare our hearts for Easter through prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness. As we enter the Lenten season, we pray that during this time we can open our hearts to preparing ourselves through prayer, fasting and acts of kindness.

Today’s readings teach us that we are always tempted by the devil, by the world, and by our own selfish interests. So, we need to cooperate actively with God’s grace, if we are to conquer our temptations and practice prayer, self-control, and charity.

This week’s Gospel passage reflects a moment of deep testing and inner strength. Jesus’ forty days of fasting in the wilderness symbolize times in our own lives when we feel empty, tired, or uncertain. Yet it is precisely in these moments of weakness that true faith is revealed. Each temptation offered to Jesus, food, power, and proof of God’s protection. This mirrors the everyday temptations people face: the desire for comfort, recognition, or control. His responses show that spiritual nourishment and trust in God are more sustaining than physical needs or worldly success.

The passage reminds us that faith is not proven through dramatic signs, but through quiet obedience and humility. Jesus chooses trust over spectacle, service over power, and truth over convenience. In doing so, he teaches that strength comes from aligning our hearts with God’s word rather than giving in to immediate desires. The arrival of the angels at the end offers hope: when we endure hardship with faith and integrity, we are not abandoned, support and grace often follow perseverance.

It is an opportunity to centre our hearts on God and to intentionally step into the Lenten journey, as we continue to support and participate in Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion 2026. Project compassion envelopes and boxes are available at the foyer for you to take home. Thank you to all who attended the twelve hours Adoration and the Stations of the Cross. I encourage you to join the Parish Men’s Group which will be on the third Friday of every month at OLGC Parish centre from 6.30 PM to 7.30 pm.

During this Lent I urge you to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We priests are happy to administer this Sacrament when you would like to make it. Please let the priests know that. In this Lent, by prayer, fasting and Alms giving where we enter more deeply into intimacy with God in order to prepare for Easter. Wishing all a fruitful Lent.

May God bless you, 

Fr. Satheesh Antony OSH, PP

 

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Dear Parish Family, Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and ongoing support! Because of you, our parish continues to thrive and serve the community. As you know, this vibrancy relies on your generosity for which there are now many different ways of giving using modern technology. In recent times we have introduced Tap’n’go machines in our churches. We have now added a new, easy, and secure way to make a contribution to support our parish—through a simple scan of a QR code. This small code allows you to give a single gift directly from your phone at any time, wherever you may be. All you need to do is open your camera, scan the code and you'll be taken directly to our secure giving page. It’s fast, easy, and helps the parish to continue the great work we’re doing together. Of course, like Tap’n’go, contributions by QR code are a once only gift. If you would like your donation to be regular and automatic, please join our Planned Giving program which is easily arranged ...
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