Last Sunday, 24 August 2025, the Annual General Meeting for 2024 was held in the Gathering Space at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Around 30 parishioners attended, and we extend our sincere thanks to all who made the time and effort to be there. Special thanks to those who presented on the day: Phil Mann, Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC); Frank Peck, PPC member and Chair of the Safeguarding Committee; and Anton McKernan, Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee.
We also wish to acknowledge our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to produce the Annual Impact Statement. This year’s statement is not only informative but deeply reflective, especially through the contributions of our ‘homegrown’ parishioners. It’s a remarkable outcome achieved through collective effort. The statement is now available on our website.
Thank you to all who generously shared their wisdom and reflections. Your personal stories continue to inspire many of us – especially those discerning a deeper involvement in our parish community or those who may be a bit shy to step forward for more involvement in our communities.
We also share the news that our Music Director, John Weymouth, will be stepping down from his role, effective 21 September 2025. For 17 years as an organist, nearly six years as Director of the Basilica Choir, and as Liturgical Music Coordinator (Music Director) since January 2024, John has blessed our parish with extraordinary musical gifts, faithful leadership, and unwavering dedication to our worship life. Through joyful hymns, reflective anthems, and uplifting choral arrangements, John has helped lead us into deeper praise and connection with God.
We are deeply grateful for John’s service and the many ways he has enriched our community. While we will miss his presence in this role, we support him with love and prayers as he enters this next chapter. Please join us in expressing heartfelt appreciation to John in the coming weeks. We plan to honour him more formally at a later date, and will provide further details in due course.
With gratitude and blessings,
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sandy says:
There are a number of parishioners who are organized by the parish priest and the parish office to take communion to hospitals and nursing homes throughout the parish of Our Lady of Pentecost.
They do so with great joy; it is a deeply rewarding ministry.
I know that this ministry has been extended to private homes of sick or elderly parishioners in the past. Just check with Tricia the parish office. I’d be surprised if it couldn’t be managed!
Anne says:
Dae Father,
Would it be possible for my husband, John, and I to receive Holy Communion in our home? John is 85 and I am 83. We no longer drive, hence attend Mass online each week. John is in very poor health: he is quite deaf, on a walker and has significant respiratory and heart issues. We live locally.