2018 is almost gone, and gone fast! The liturgical calendar 2018 of the Catholic Church has ended with the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ The King. Last weekend, another liturgical calendar year 2019 started with the celebration of the First Sunday of Advent. Time flies indeed!

One big thing that happened this year was the official ceremony of the Amalgamation of two parishes (St. Monica's, Evatt & St. Michael's, Kaleen). The simple celebration was held in St. Francis Xavier College, Florey and was officiated by Archbishop Christopher Prowse on the 18^th February 2018.  The new parish is named OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP, NORTH BELCONNEN.

With the new Parish being amalgamated, it means that a new Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Finance Committee, Parish Liturgical Committee, and some other things needed to be organised as well. Luckily, I had them all organised easily because people in both Churches are very generous and willing to give their time and participation in forming the new parish.

The two schools are also working together as one. We have joined the Sacramental programs together. There were regular meetings and planning among the two Principals, RECs, School of Religion, Sr. Kate and myself. The Orientation evenings for the Sacramental programs had been joined and the celebration of the Sacraments are being offered in both Churches to families as well. It means that students and their families can conveniently choose which Church they prefer to celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. The idea is to get the message to our students and parents that we are one Parish with two Churches and Schools.

The two schools also had morning prayer and morning tea together this year. I have invited the two Principals to make it a regular activity, may be twice a year, to foster strong relationship between staff, teachers and students. So far so good!

Last year, the big screen TVs of St. Monica's Church were installed and it has been a big success up to this date. The children are more participative and attentive in the Masses and weekly prayers. The parishioners are very appreciative and happy about those big screens. I have haven't received any complains yet since installation, so I would like to think that everybody is happy about it. 

This year, St. Monica's Church has changed the 30 year old carpet. It was successfully replaced in July. We do have a new and beautiful carpet now. We hope and pray that it will last for the next 30 years or more. The baptismal area was also upgraded from carpet to tiles. The total cost of both tiles and carpet change was $40,000.

The Church of St. Michael's in Kaleen had some updates done as well this year. We polished the parking lines and signs. There are new six disabled parking spaces. The Church carpet and foyer were cleaned extensively. There were additional lights installed in the premises of the Church and Parish Office as well.

I would like to wish you all a blessed and fruitful Merry Christmas. A reminder to us all again that even though this season gets very busy and probably crazy, we must always keep in mind the real reason of Christmas Season, JESUS CHRIST! 

Through the intercession of our parish patron Our Lady of Perpetual Help, may she guide us always in our journey. And may she carry us in her maternal care and protection as we embrace and face what 2019 may bring to us.

Have a good Christmas holidays everyone. Enjoy, have fun and be safe. God bless you all!

Sincerely yours,

Fr. Luis 'Loi' Viovicente

Parish Priest