Special Occasions

Adjusting Our Sails Conference

“We must be vigilant and sensitive to the conditions around us, adjust our course accordingly and allow the winds of change to propel us forward. We cannot change the wind, but we can – and must – adjust our sails.” (Michael McQueen – Winning the Battle for Relevance)

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National Planning Meeting April 2019

And so Fr. Peter’s energy continues.  The Spirit hovered as the skilled and focused facilitator Phil Billington engaged with the National Coordinating Team: Dennis & Mary Morris (ACT/NSW), Gwen & Russ Winterscheidt (Queensland/Northern NSW), Frances & Michael Sullivan (Victoria), supported by Trish & Roger Guiney (spelling) and Alison (Tony being absent) Woolley (Vic), Janelle & Dennis Bergen, and Maryanne Breston (Qland). Coordinators from (NSW) included: Annette & Tony Gutteras: Denis & Elizabeth Farrer: Marg & Paul Casey, and Michael &…

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St James in Sebastopol Victoria Celebrates 25 Years of Family Groups

The Parish of St James in Sebastopol near Ballarat, Victoria, was abuzz with excitement on Sunday, July 25 as the members of Passionist Family Group Movement celebrated their 25th Anniversary during their Sunday Mass.   Coordinator, Anne Porter, spoke about the Movement’s history in St James’ parish and highlighted some of the wonderful experiences enjoyed over the years. After Mass, the parishioners and Parish Priest, Fr Kevin Maloney, joined the Family Group members in the church foyer for morning tea. Group…

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Mary Ingham’s Retirement Celebration

On Sunday Feb 25th 2018, St Anthony in the Field’s, the little church and parish where Family Groups were born saw a most wonderful celebration for the retirement of Mary Ingham after 46 years of involvement in the birth, development and support Passionist Family Groups in Australia, New Zealand and in a smaller way in the USA, England and Ireland. The gathering was co -hosted by the PFGM Interim Leadership Team

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St Mary’s Ipswich Celebrates its First Birthday

The parish hall was decked out with streamers and bunting. Music played as nearly 100 parishioners – ages 2-92 arrived Saturday afternoon, 9 November. Tables were festooned with imaginative cooking, baking, and confectionary. Parents rushed their children back from rugby practice and ballet lessons. Senior parishioners altered their schedules. Our clergy freed their diaries. The centrepiece of the festivities was an iced birthday cake, with just one candle – because we in the parish of St Mary’s and Holy Family,…

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125 Years of the Passionists in Australia

On Saturday 17 November 2012, members of several Family Groups from the Frenchs Forest Catholic Parish journeyed to St. Brigid’s for celebrations of 125 years since the arrival of the Passionists at Marrickville. The afternoon commenced with a Mass at 2.00 pm, which encompassed a portrayal of the Passionists’ work with a large variety of people from various backgrounds and cultures. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Joachim Rego cp, the newly elected Superior General of the Passionist Order, assisted by St.…

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Father Peter McGrath cp turns 70

It’s all in the fingers … Turning 70, there is no way I can count that many years on my fingers any more than I can count all the blessings that I have received over the years. I want to say a big Thank You to all of you who prayed for me, sent best wishes, came to our Mass and party and, in so doing, not only honoured yours truly but in particular my family and my beloved Mother…

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The 50th Anniversary of Fr Peter’s Ordination

Fr Peter McGrath, who celebrated his 50th anniversary of Profession as a Passion­ist, wishes to convey the following sentiments and share this reflection: When Tony Egar and myself celebrated 40 years of Ordination at St. Anthony in the Fields, Terrey Hills, we both wrote very similar comments on a little book mark that was printed for the occasion. I would like to update that bookmark and instead of beginning with 40 years, now have 50 years. “Fifty years is a millimetre for…

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A Second Farewell for Fr. Tom McDonough

It seems only yesterday that our Passionist Pastor, Fr. Tom McDonough, was farewelled in a very fitting ceremonial style from St. Anthony’s. Can you believe that was some eight years ago? Who could ever forget his departure from the outdoor altar on his first razor scooter down the purpose build ramp into the midst of the congregation? With vestments flying and the scooter more than flying, he was well on his way, UNTIL the ramp ended and poor Tom’s new…

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25th Anniversary of a Family Group

Amid a cool and slightly damp Sunday the spirit of Family Groups shone brightly at St Anthony’s on Sunday 26 July. The original Lunnon Family Group celebrated its 25th anniversary, attracting over 70 of its members from three generations. Original members, some of whom have moved on from the parish, children who grew up and are now making their own life, and recent additions in the shape of grandchildren, all responded to the call to gather, catch up and reminisce…

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