Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to visit a number of parishioners in our community, especially those affected by the Mass schedule changes. I would like to sincerely thank you for your generosity, openness, and warm welcome during these visits. These conversations have been very important, not only in helping me to get to know many of you personally, but also in allowing us to share our thoughts, hopes, and reflections about the life of our Church – both locally and in the wider community. I have found these encounters truly enriching and deeply encouraging.
One of the beautiful strengths of our parish is the sense of connection and care that exists among our community members. Our gatherings for prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the time we share afterwards for hospitality, including drinks and nibbles, are important moments that nurture friendship within our community. These simple acts of hospitality help strengthen the bonds between us and remind us that our parish is not only a place of worship but also a community of belonging.
As we move forward with the changes to our Mass schedule, it is important that we allow ourselves a period of transition. Adjusting to a new arrangement can take time, and I appreciate your patience, understanding, and willingness to adapt during this process.
I have also shared and discussed this matter with Fr Frank O’Loughlin, who has kindly offered his support. He is happy to assist our community by celebrating Mass at 6:00 pm once a month at Our Holy Redeemer Church, particularly on the last Saturday of the month when we gather after Eucharist for drinks and nibbles, until he is unable to do so.
Even so, I strongly encourage our local community to continue gathering for hospitality so that we can remain connected and continue to deepen our relationships with one another.
Sharing in ministries is also a very important aspect of parish life. I warmly encourage those involved in various ministries to feel welcome to serve at the other Masses that are available in our parish, including those who might find 8:30 am Mass at All Hallows Church is a bit too early. Your participation and commitment are greatly valued and contribute to the vitality of our whole parish community.
As we journey through this season of Lent, I wish each of you every blessing. May this sacred time help us prepare our hearts to celebrate the hope of the Resurrection of Jesus. In a world that often faces many challenges and uncertainties, may we continue to share that hope with one another and with all whom we encounter.
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Anna Mcgee says:
Our Parish of Our Lady of Pentecost is a very fortunate parish with access to all types of resources.
We are extremely fortunate to have available our wonderful priests who look after our spiritual needs,but,our supply of priests will eventually run out and it is vital that we look after the ones we have.
It would not harm anyone to change the times they attend mass to ease the pressure on our priests.
I know from personal experience how important it is to gather for hospitality as it is through hospitality that new parishioners have felt that they are really welcome in our parish.So we must continue the care and welcome that made our parish what it is.
Anna McGee
Eva Dyhr-Christensen says:
I’ve only just started coming to 6 pm mass and was sad to hear it’s not going to be an open. The time and location has meant I can come and fully participate in mass, minus my toddler (who stays at home with my husband). It’s been so life giving for me. I’ll miss it
Fil Natarelli says:
I am sorry I was unable to attend the meetings regarding changes to Mass times because I recall one of the reasons for changing the Sunday Mass at All Hallows from 9am to 8.30am was to allow the Priest more time to talk with Parishioners after Mass without rushing off to a 10.30 am Mass at either Holy Redeemer or Our Lady of Good Counsel. However I do wonder if changing ONE of the two 10.30 am Masses to 11.00 am would have allowed the 9am to remain at All Hallows (e.g. Holy Redeemer 11am, Our Lady of Good Counsel 10.30 am). Thank you .
Mary McInerney says:
Thank you Sang for your willingness to listen and understand our reality,