As I finish my time as Chair and member of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) for Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, I want to thank you all for the privilege of serving in these roles.
Having completed my initial three year term, I had advised Fr Sang and the PPC, that I would step down after a one-year extension. Due to increasing work commitments, I have brought this forward, and on 14 April informed the PPC of my decision to step down as both Chair and member.
I took on the role seeking to make our Parish more relevant to the parishioners – particularly younger families and our wider communities. I have particularly enjoyed moving around the various Masses, getting to know parishioners and sampling the hospitality on offer at each church (there is some friendly competition in hospitality, I suspect, but every community is fantastic!).
Over the past three years, the PPC has worked collaboratively to foster the community of Our Lady of Pentecost Parish. Together we have helped direct the merging of three parishes into one, uplifted our safeguarding programs and compliance, and supported the Finance and Investment Committee overseeing the Stewardship Program Committee. We have also supported the establishment of the Parish Social Justice Committee, and more recently, worked with Fr Sang on the rationalisation of Mass schedules. Much has been achieved, and there is still much to do!
I fully intend to remain an active member of the parish, and you will continue to see me at various Masses – please do say “hello”. My involvement as a Parish Life Team member at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Surrey Hills Wattle Park St Vincent De Paul Conference, and my usual Mass ministries will continue.
I wish to extend my thanks to Fr Sang, to his predecessor Fr Brendan, and to the Assistant Priests we have been fortunate to have. I also thank the current PPC members – Liong Lim (interim Chair), Faye Dennis, David Rush, Geoff Rankin and Ann Hanlon – and wish them all the best in their continued commitment to our parish. My thanks also goes to Anton McKernan and the Finance and Investment Committee, and finally to our dedicated Parish Office team, past and present. You are all wonderful.
Although we have onboarded new PPC members this year, we are still seeking additional members to ensure representation from each of our Church communities. I encourage all parishioners to consider joining the PPC. The PPC works best when there is a diversity of backgrounds and views, helping to guide and foster the life of our Parish. If you are interested, please speak Fr Sang.
Thank you all for your support and understanding. I look forward to standing back and being known simply as “Carol-Ann’s husband” – my previous nomenclature.
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
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Kerry Bourke says:
Thank you Phil for all your generosity and input into our combined Churches of the Parish of Our Lady of Pentecost.
David Rush says:
Many thanks, Phil for your leadership and active participation