“If one part is given special honour, all parts enjoy it” (1 Cor 12:26)

Embracing Our Identity in Christ

Two weeks ago, we heard the Scripture above in our second reading, and while these are Paul’s words, they are also God’s Word. The Word communicates to us something of our identity as Christians and as members of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Parish. In this new season, it is important that we both create and take opportunities to recognize and celebrate unity. As St. Paul also writes in the same chapter, “Though we are many parts, we are one body” (v. 12).

Planting a New Faith Community

In a parish where there is no ‘us and them,’ we take the opportunity to celebrate success and fruit in each community. On Wednesday evening this past week, 35 parishioners gathered at Notre Dame College (which has been open for two weeks) to discern their part in planting a new faith community in Aura. While our parish has approximately 1,100 people worshipping every weekend, Notre Dame College has over 200 families who are excited about being part of a new community—in 10 years, when the school is full, there will be over 1,500 families! It is our role as a parish to connect with these families and accompany them into a personal relationship with Jesus. I would like to honour the 35–40 people (some were unable to attend on the night) who have expressed their interest in taking an active part in our mission at Aura. Thank you for your courage to step out into the unknown and for trusting that we are being led by God.

Trusting in God’s Plan

We are all stepping into the unknown in our parish at this time, but I suspect that this is precisely where the Lord wants us. Being a little uncertain about the future gives us an opportunity to choose to trust in God, specifically that God will reveal what we need when we need it! Thank you for your courage and trust at this time.

Growth in the Hinterland Mass

Another experience of success and fruit at this time is what is happening at the 9a.m. Hinterland Mass (1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays in Landsborough; 2nd & 4th Sundays at Maleny). We are three weeks into our new Mass roster, and already we are seeing an upward trend in the number of people who are taking the opportunity to choose unity—i.e., celebrating Mass in both locations. Last weekend, we had a terrific problem: Our Lady of the Way Church in Landsborough was bursting at the seams with 117 people in the church! While we are navigating the parking challenge, the atmosphere and singing during Mass—so I heard from those who have shared this Good News—was amazing, as was the opportunity to gather after Mass to meet and greet each other. Congratulations to those who are taking active roles in parking assistance, welcoming, and hospitality.

Sharing Good News

As we celebrate and give “special honour” to those who are responding to God’s invitations to serve in this new season, I invite you to take opportunities to share Good News when you see it. In particular, please take photos whenever two or more gather in Jesus’ name (Mt 18:20). Photos help us to get to know each other, as well as tell a story for all to enjoy. Please email your photos (with the permission of those pictured) to the parish office with a short description of the event, who was involved, and why you gathered.

Peace and Blessings, Fr Josh.