I don’t know about you, but the last few weeks seem so very busy. In such demanding moments, it becomes crucial to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on the abundance around us. Just this week, a letter from Project Compassion arrived, expressing gratitude for our contributions. These instances serve as poignant reminders of our blessings, especially when contrasted with the struggles faced by many others. 

Simple acts, like Project Compassion, serve as striking reminders of our identity as a Catholic community. Rooted in the virtues of Christ—compassion, empathy, love, kindness, and justice—we are called not to revolutionise the entire world, but to play our part in it. 

Often, it's the seemingly insignificant gestures that leave the most profound impact. Recently, I had the privilege of conversing with some students, delving into their perspectives on embodying our vision: 'Inspired by Christ, we aspire for excellence in learning, living fully in community.' Their candid reflections stirred me deeply, revealing a purity and sincerity that is nurtured by the values instilled within our community, nurtured by the divine love. I am eager to share these insights at the upcoming Living the Vision Awards this Friday.

I leave you with some kind words from Caritas Australia…

Your incredible generosity this year has once again demonstrated the profound impact that we can have on our Global family. Together, we have raised millions of dollars, as we continue to build a powerful movement that creates lasting change and empowers vulnerable communities to overcome barriers and achieve greater independence for all future generations.  

Your contributions have made it possible for Caritas Australia, as part of the world's second largest humanitarian network, to work closely with our partners on the ground who are already actively assisting those who need it most. The impact of your generosity is felt deeply and widely, creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond what we can see .

Because of your support during Project Compassion, countless lives have been transformed: your support has helped provide clean water to those in desperate need, improved healthcare access, supported young mothers in gaining the skills to build a better future for their families, and contribute to educational initiatives that create brighter futures for generations to come.

Thank you once again for your community’s continued support. We are profoundly grateful for your ongoing commitment and hope to have your support for project compassion in 2025.

 Minnie Vinnies Winter appeal:

On Monday of week 10 the Minnie Vinnies team will be organising a beanie and scarf day.

This is where students are encouraged to wear a beanie and scarf to school with their uniform. 

If students choose to participate then they are encouraged to bring in something to support the Vinnies winter appeal. These items can be brought in over the coming days.

These could be … Noodle cups, soup, canned or non perishable foods, beanies, scarves, socks, Muesli bars, gloves or mittens, blankets

The students are dedicated to aiding the less fortunate by providing them warmth and nourishment during this chilly winter.

What’s been happening…

Confirmation

This week  many of our Year 6 students from our school and surrounding schools received the sacrament of Confirmation. This, along with Baptism and Eucharist, is a sacrament of initiation.

May the Holy Spirit who came down upon Mary and the apostles at Pentecost, the same Holy Spirit we received in our Confirmation, stir up the grace of God deep within our lives so that the Church may be fruitful in her mission to bring the message of Jesus Christ to our world.

Please keep the following parish candidates in your daily prayers:

Aowyn B, Jack B,  Eliza, D, Mahli D, Monte H, Xavier K, Sofia L, Maggie L, James M, Clancy M, Elijah M, Auden R, Kai R, Nate R, Chayce S, Lochlan V, Louis Z

Parish news

If you would like to receive our Parish Bulletin emailed to you each week, as well as the Saturday evening Mass each week, please email our Parish Office, thirroul@dow.org.au and make your request in the email.

♥     Doing it tough?  Need a hand up? Ring our local Vinnies 4228 9355

The St Vincent de Paul Society cares and helps all people in need.

♥      Blessing of Married Couples celebrating their Anniversaries  and those celebrating Birthdays  is celebrated each month during Masses on the second weekend  (except May, when they are held on the first weekend of May).

Want to be more involved in our Parish…

Parish Groups

Catholic Women's League

The Catholic Women's League (CWL) meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 11am in the McCarthy Centre [Parish Hall].

The CWL is a community of women within the Catholic Church. CWL works across all levels of society; local, state, national and international  and provides a voice for Catholic Women in Church and society by: Read more:

St Vincent de Paul

The St Vincent de Paul Society meets at every Tuesday afternoon at the Presbytery, 325 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul.

Read more:

Rosary Group

Every Friday morning after 9:30am Mass at St Michael Church, the Rosary is prayed.  All are welcome.

Knights of the Southern Cross (KSC)

The Thirroul - Bulli - Corrimal Branch of the Knights of the Southern Cross meets at St Joseph’s Church Hall Bulli on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. 

Read more:

Some insight from Fr Ken

QUESTIONS ABOUT LAST SUNDAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS

First Reading Job 38:1,8-11

“The Lord addressed Job in a storm.” If God addresses you in the stormy times of your life, do you progress, regress, or just hang on for dear life?

Even though it doesn’t seem so, do you think God will limit your “storms”?

Second Reading 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

How do people who “no longer live for themselves” qualify as “new creations”?

“The love of Christ impels us.” What does the love of Christ “impel” you to do? What actions do you perform because you love Christ that you might not otherwise perform? Relieve someone’s suffering in some way? Work for ecojustice? Do something to change the climate crisis?

Gospel Mark 4:35-41

The disciples thought they were going down with the storm and they were afraid. Can you relate to that? As he was with the disciples, is Jesus with you when “violent squalls come up” in your life? What does Pope Francis say can happen if we cry out to Jesus like the disciples did?

Today we can ask ourselves: what are the winds that beat against my life? What are the waves that hinder my navigation, and put my spiritual life, my family life, even my psychological life in danger? Let us say all this to Jesus; let us tell him everything. He wants this; he wants us to grab hold of him to find shelter from the unexpected waves in life. The Gospel recounts that the disciples approach Jesus, wake him and speak to him (cf. v. 38).

This is the beginning of our faith: to recognise that alone we are unable to stay afloat; that we need Jesus like sailors need the stars to find their course. Faith begins from believing that we are not enough for ourselves, from feeling in need of God. … When we cry out to him, he can work wonders in us. It is the gentle and extraordinary power of prayer, which works miracles.

RECIPE: TUSCAN SHRIMP WITH GNOCCHI

450g gnocchi; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup cream; ½ cup seafood stock or broth chicken stock or vegetable stock; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons plain flour; 2 cups spinach; 1 jar (200g) sun-dried tomatoes, with juices slightly drained; 450g shrimp; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.

If using shelf-stable gnocchi, boil water in a large pot and cook gnocchi according to package directions. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and stir, sautéing about 1 minute, just until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Pour in the cream and seafood stock, and stir to combine. Add the grated parmesan cheese and flour, and whisk until both have melted into a silky smooth sauce.

Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, stir. Add the shrimp and stir to combine. Drain the gnocchi and add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently fold the gnocchi into the shrimp sauce to coat the gnocchi. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

What’s happening in our Parish

Mrs Ronelle Peardon:  Acting Religious Education Coordinator