St Vincent De Paul Annual Christmas Appeal – Thank You For Your Generosity
Last weekend, our parish held the annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed. Your generosity—whether through donation envelopes, prayers, or simple acts of kindness—helps bring hope and dignity to families in our local community who are experiencing hardship.
Throughout the year, our local Vinnies conferences continue their quiet but powerful work, offering food, support, and compassionate care to those in need. The Christmas Appeal, in particular, allows them to prepare Christmas Hampers that brighten the season for individuals and families who may otherwise go without.
If you were unable to contribute last weekend, donation envelopes are still available in the church and can be placed in the collection baskets at any Mass.
Thank you for your continued support of this important mission of charity. Together, we help share the joy, hope, and love of Christ with those who need it most.
Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
We joyfully announce that our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and RCIT (Rite of Christian Initiation of Teenagers) candidates will be receiving the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion— this weekend.
These sacred celebrations will take place during the following Masses:
- Saturday, 22nd November at 5:00 PM – Our Lady of the Rosary (OLR) Mass.
- Sunday, 23rd November at 5:00 PM – Unity Mass.
This is a blessed moment in the life of our parish community as our candidates step forward in faith to fully enter into the life of the Church. Let us keep them lovingly in our prayers as they complete their journey of preparation and embrace the fullness of Christian initiation. May the Holy Spirit guide, strengthen, and fill them with grace.
Ministry Invitation to Join Our Parish Compassion & Connection Ministry
In every season of life, Jesus meets us with compassion—and often He does so through the presence of others. Our parish is discerning a refreshed ministry focused not only on supporting those who are grieving, but also on offering friendship, connection, and gentle accompaniment to anyone experiencing a time of hardship or transition. This ministry will provide a safe, faith-filled space where people can share their story, feel heard, and experience God’s tender love through community.
We are inviting parishioners who feel drawn to this beautiful and meaningful work to consider joining the team as we shape this renewed ministry together. You don’t need professional qualifications—only a compassionate heart, an empathetic ear, and a willingness to walk gently with those who may be carrying sorrow or simply needing connection. Training and ongoing support will be provided.
This is a special way to say “yes” to Jesus by being His hands and heart for others. If you have ever felt prompted to offer care, companionship, or presence to those who feel alone, perhaps this is your moment to respond. Interested parishioners are invited to contact the Parish Office with an expression of interest.
New Seminarian – Welcome Oskar!
Hello everyone, my name is Oskar and I am a first-year seminarian at the Holy Spirit Seminary at Banyo training for the presbyterate for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. I am very blessed to be doing my Advent placement here at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. I was born at Alexandra Headlands and grew up on the Northside of Brisbane, and over my life have worked in a pizza restaurant, as a car mechanic, in supermarket retail and as a disability support worker. I have also studied and received a Bachelor of Art and game design when I lived in Melbourne. I moved to the Sunshine Coast at the end of 2016 and was baptised as a Catholic and received the sacraments on August 2nd 2020 at Stella Maris at Maroochydore, and was able to (among other ministries) lead the RCIA program in 2024 for 19 new Catholics. In that year, I made the choice to hear the word of God and explore my vocation at the seminary where I entered and was joined by nine others, each looking to explore this same calling. I am looking forward to meeting new faces and familiar ones as well on my placement, and hope for a fruitful learning experience here on the Coast with Fr Josh and Fr Gerard.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Cards
SVDP is again selling Columban Calendars and Christmas Cards at the OLR Church this year.
Please place donations in the Poor Box if you wish to purchase.
Please contact the Parish Office if you have any questions.
Join Our Greeters Team!
Do you have a warm and friendly heart? Would you enjoy welcoming others as they arrive at one of our Mass Centres?
Being part of our welcoming team is a wonderful way to connect with people and help everyone feel at home — and we’d love for you to join us! We’ll be holding a training and refresher session for both current greeters and new volunteers on Saturday, 29th November, from 10am–12pm.
For existing Welcomers please notify the Parish Office if you are unable to attend this essential Annual Training.
To learn more, please speak with your Pastoral Leader at your Mass or contact the Parish Office on 5430 9390.
Volunteer Safeguarding Training & Prayer Team Training
On Friday, 28 November, we will hold two important training sessions:
- Essential Volunteer Safeguarding Training – Open and required for all volunteers across the Parish.
- Prayer Team Training –Specifically for those interested in serving on Prayer Teams.
This combined day will allow people who are interested in serving on Prayer Teams and other ministries such as Rosie’s BBQ Outreach to be fully up to date with the essential safeguarding training required by the Archdiocese. This training is open to anyone across the Parish who wishes to serve in these ministries. The day will run as follows:
8:45am – Gather & Prayer
9:00am – Essential Archdiocese of Brisbane Safeguarding & WHS Training
11:30am – Brunch
12:00pm – Prayer Team Training
1:00pm – Finish
Volunteers can also choose to do Safeguarding training on-line. However, if you would prefer to go to the in-person seminar, join us for the morning & Brunch. If you have done your safeguarding training online but would like to attend prayer team training, please join us at 11:30am for Brunch and then the training session.
Registration is essential – please register HERE.
To complete your Safeguarding training online, still register by scanning the QR code, and we will send you the details to complete the training online.
—-
Have You Signed Up? Why Flocknote?
Parishioners and visitors are invited to scan the QR code to sign up and register with the parish. If you have any questions, please see Father Josh or Gerard. Please note that if you received the old MailChimp eNewsletter, you will automatically be included in the new Flocknote eNews group.
Click the link HERE to register.
A Year of Engagement
Lord God, I say yes to your will for me:
To live out my baptism in obedience to you.
As a member of our parish,
I commit myself to your mission of invitation:
To be vibrant like your Son, to extend myself in charity,
and to actively accompany people to encounter Jesus.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
On the Journey
We congratulate all our RCIA and RCIT Candidates who will celebrate their Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion— this weekend at Our Lady of the Rosary Church and Unity College Chapel.
We pray for the souls of our deceased priests, religious and parishioners.
Funerals:
Monica McLennan: 27th November 11am at Our Lady of the Rosary Church.
May they Rest in Peace.
Sponsors Of The Parish Newsletter:
