from Fr Satheesh
My Dear Parishioners,
As we celebrate the Ascension this weekend the passage from the Gospel of Matthew is both a moment of farewell and a moment of mission. Jesus gathers the eleven disciples on the mountain in Galilee and gives them what is often called the “Great Commission.” Even after the Resurrection, the disciples are still human, some worship him immediately, while others hesitate. That small detail is comforting because it reminds us that faith is not always perfect or certain. Doubt can exist alongside belief, yet Jesus still entrusts his mission to them.
One of the most powerful parts of this reading is Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.” The disciples are being sent into an uncertain world, yet they are not abandoned. This promise continues for believers today. In moments of fear, loneliness, or uncertainty, Christians are reminded that Christ remains present and faithful.
This Gospel challenges us to ask how we are living out our faith in daily life. Making disciples does not always mean preaching publicly; often it means showing kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and integrity in ordinary situations. Through these actions, people can encounter the love of God.
Ultimately, this reading is a message of hope and purpose. Jesus calls imperfect people to continue his work, and he promises to remain with them always. It reminds us that faith is not about having no doubts, but about trusting God enough to keep following him.
Thank you for your continued support of the Diocesan Pastoral Works Appeal. We are deeply grateful for every donation you make to this worthy cause and for the generosity that helps support the important work of our Diocese.
We continue to keep in our prayers the children and their families who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion. We warmly welcome them to the program and to our Masses as they grow in understanding of the importance of the Eucharist in our lives and faith.
You are all welcome to the 40th Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving for the Diocese of Broken Bay on Thursday 28 May 2026 at the Cathedral at 7.00pm and followed by a light supper at The Light of Christ Centre, end of Yardley Ave, Waitara. This will be our last public gathering with Archbishop Anthony Randazzo. More details are in the bulletin.
As 2026 is an Australian Census year, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has expanded the annual Mass Count to include the age and sex of those attending Mass. Therefore, on the weekend of Pentecost, 23–24 May, our parish will also conduct an age-based census during Mass. The celebrant may ask parishioners to raise their hands or stand according to their age group. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Fr Boby will be on annual leave from 18 May to 20 June. We wish him a safe and restful holiday as he travels back to India.
Please know that our parish team is always here to support you. If you would like a pastoral visit or need assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to contact the parish office.
Have a wonderful week.
God bless you all.
Fr Satheesh Antony OSH
As we celebrate the Ascension this weekend the passage from the Gospel of Matthew is both a moment of farewell and a moment of mission. Jesus gathers the eleven disciples on the mountain in Galilee and gives them what is often called the “Great Commission.” Even after the Resurrection, the disciples are still human, some worship him immediately, while others hesitate. That small detail is comforting because it reminds us that faith is not always perfect or certain. Doubt can exist alongside belief, yet Jesus still entrusts his mission to them.
One of the most powerful parts of this reading is Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.” The disciples are being sent into an uncertain world, yet they are not abandoned. This promise continues for believers today. In moments of fear, loneliness, or uncertainty, Christians are reminded that Christ remains present and faithful.
This Gospel challenges us to ask how we are living out our faith in daily life. Making disciples does not always mean preaching publicly; often it means showing kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and integrity in ordinary situations. Through these actions, people can encounter the love of God.
Ultimately, this reading is a message of hope and purpose. Jesus calls imperfect people to continue his work, and he promises to remain with them always. It reminds us that faith is not about having no doubts, but about trusting God enough to keep following him.
Thank you for your continued support of the Diocesan Pastoral Works Appeal. We are deeply grateful for every donation you make to this worthy cause and for the generosity that helps support the important work of our Diocese.
We continue to keep in our prayers the children and their families who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion. We warmly welcome them to the program and to our Masses as they grow in understanding of the importance of the Eucharist in our lives and faith.
You are all welcome to the 40th Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving for the Diocese of Broken Bay on Thursday 28 May 2026 at the Cathedral at 7.00pm and followed by a light supper at The Light of Christ Centre, end of Yardley Ave, Waitara. This will be our last public gathering with Archbishop Anthony Randazzo. More details are in the bulletin.
As 2026 is an Australian Census year, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has expanded the annual Mass Count to include the age and sex of those attending Mass. Therefore, on the weekend of Pentecost, 23–24 May, our parish will also conduct an age-based census during Mass. The celebrant may ask parishioners to raise their hands or stand according to their age group. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Fr Boby will be on annual leave from 18 May to 20 June. We wish him a safe and restful holiday as he travels back to India.
Please know that our parish team is always here to support you. If you would like a pastoral visit or need assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to contact the parish office.
Have a wonderful week.
God bless you all.
Fr Satheesh Antony OSH