From the Parish House

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the census initiative on the weekends of 22/23 February and 1/2 March.  Your time and effort in responding to the census are invaluable, and your commitment to the process reflects a deep care for the well-being of our parish.  This data of information will enable us to better understand demographics of our community.  It will be used to administer the Sacraments and pastoral care, for future pastoral planning, to keep you informed about parish activities, initiatives and services through newsletters and other communications, and to coordinate volunteers for parish ministries.

Apart from those who registered previously on our database, we have 115 newly registered individuals or households.  This number is very encouraging.  It does rekindle and renew hope and optimism for the future of our parish.  We, of course, should not treat this as another mere number on the database, but each new registration should remind us to be more aware of the mission of our parish which, as Pope Francis reminds us in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, is “a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel” (114).

Once again, we thank you for your time and effort in this achievement of the census initiative.

I am pleased to inform Parishioners of Our Lady of Victories Camberwell that Boroondara Council will next week commence work on the reconfiguration of the intersection of Burke Road and Reserve Road.  The works involved will see the barriers at Burke Road being moved further down Reserve Road closer to Camberwell Primary School.  This will provide access to parking spaces in Reserve Road, and the road pavement from Burke Road will be widened to allow for two-way traffic with a turning circle in front of the former Our Lady of Victories Primary School.  The works are scheduled to be completed within the week which is timely as we approach the Easter ceremonies.

I thank you for your patience over these last few months as negotiation with the Council has been undertaken.

By Fr Sang Ho