The Community Life Ministry Team has enjoyed bringing people together across OLR parish communities through several recent parish celebrations.

In commemoration of ANZAC Day, OLR celebrated Holy Mass across our parish communities. ANZAC Day holds a special place in the heart of our nation and carries deep meaning within our Catholic faith. Following a time of prayer and reflection, the Community Life hospitality teams welcomed everyone to share a simple but meaningful spread of traditional Australian favourites—lamingtons, ANZAC biscuits, and a sausage sizzle BBQ. The gatherings after Mass gave parishioners the opportunity to spend time together, share stories, and honour the legacy of the ANZACs with dignity and gratitude.

Mother’s Day also brought great joy to our parish communities as families gathered after all Masses to honour the women in their lives. The Community Life Ministry Team hosted a High Tea following Masses, creating an opportunity for fellowship, appreciation, and celebration. Tables were prepared with soft pastels and floral arrangements, offering a welcoming space for mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures to be celebrated. Volunteers generously gave their time and talents, preparing sweet and savoury treats, sandwiches, cakes, and freshly brewed tea and coffee. It was lovely to see generations gathered together in such a relaxed and joyful setting.

Pentecost Sunday was celebrated across our parish communities, marking the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. As we celebrated this important feast, our parish community also gathered in gratitude to honour a priest who has touched many hearts. Fr Gerard Lai will be dearly missed, especially his natural charisma, his joyful love for children, his gentle and caring presence, and the way his heart always seemed wide enough to welcome everyone who walked through our doors. As he begins his new ministry in Maroochydore, we send him with our prayers, our affection, and our sincere thanks for the many ways he has blessed OLR parish communities.