Love Your Neighbour Christmas Hamper Collection – For SVDP 2025
As our part, of being a vibrant community, the Service & Outreach Team are organising the Christmas Hamper Collection this year. All collections will then be given to our local St Vincent De Paul branches for distribution by the volunteers to the less fortunate and homeless within our community.
Christmas Hamper Items we invite you to donate non-perishable items:
e.g. cereals, long life milk, tea, coffee, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, canned fruit, canned vegetables, lollies, Christmas Cakes, Christmas Puddings, canned hams, cordial, soft drinks, biscuits, chips, nuts etc
Also, this year we are asking for donations to St Vincent de Paul Pantries situated in our local areas.
So, in addition to the non-perishable items listed above:
We invite you to donate items such as soup, canned spaghetti or baked beans, canned fruit, biscuits, spreads e.g. peanut butter, jam, vegemite, two-minute noodles, snacks eg muesli bars, fruit in juice cups pk 4, nuts, tea, coffee, toiletry items e.g. toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo etc.
These items can be placed in the plastic tubs at the back of the church.
The Service and Outreach Ministry thank you for your generosity on behalf of all those who will benefit from your gifts.
Please contact David via email cp*******************@**************et.au if you have any questions.
BBQ For The Homeless With Rosies
On a warm Friday night, seven parishioners from around the parish (and one seminarian) came together to work with Rosies to provide food for the homeless and disadvantaged here on the Sunshine Coast by firing up the barbeque and cooking up a feast for those in need.
For some of us, it was the first time meeting each other, but that unknown didn’t stop the coming together to help and serve those needing a hand in life. It was a wonderful experience to be able to give of ourselves in service to the wider community.
For myself being on placement, it was a great way to experience the ministry of service to those in need and to be apart of one of the many parish ministries here at OLR. As one of the parishioners described it as “Heart warming and heart breaking”, it was rewarding and fulfilling to see the smiles and thanks of those who came, but also heart breaking hearing the stories of struggle of those who, through no fault of their own, have ended up in tough and terrible situations. It was with great fondness that I remember the night and being able to give back, even in a small way, to the community here that has welcomed me so warmly.
God Bless, Oskar Borough
Please contact David via email cp*******************@**************et.au if you have any questions.
Parish Finance Council Update
The Parish Finance Council (PFC) met last Friday and approved the 2026 parish budget.
The budget has been carefully prepared, debated and discerned to ensure that our parish resources continue to serve the Mission of our parish. We acknowledge the work of Edgar Pitargue in drafting the budget and his diligence.
The budget approach is conservative – adopting lower income estimates and higher expenses, with a small cash surplus.
The 2026 budget moves us as a parish from maintenance to mission. We are budgeting for the greatest area of expenditure to be mission – or evangelisation.
Historically, property related costs have represented the largest spend area. The deliberate maintenance and capital works program of the last few years is a contributor in allowing the focus on mission in 2026.
Budget increases for growth in Hymns, Homilies and Hospitality, as well as ensuring our Ministry Leadership Teams (MLT’s) – Community Life, Faith and Formation, Service and Outreach, Youth and Young Adults, Children and Families and Worship – are well resourced to support all parish ministries.
Steve Kay – Chair PFC
Advent Second Rite of Reconciliation
As we prepare our hearts during the Advent season, you are invited to participate in the Second Rite of Reconciliation, a communal celebration that includes Scripture, prayer, and a shared examination of conscience, followed by individual confession and absolution.
Celebration Times:
Sacred Heart, Maleny: December 13th at 9:00am
OLR, Caloundra: December 20th at 9:00am
Stella Maris, Maroochydore: December 22nd at 5:00pm
All are welcome as we prepare for the coming of Christ with hearts renewed and reconciled.
Jubilee Pilgrimage at OLR Caloundra
On Thursday 11 December, we will welcome a group of parishioners from Stella Maris, Maroochydore as they make a pilgrimage through our Jubilee Archway at OLR Church. The pilgrims are expected to arrive at 7:45am, after which they will pray a Rosary leading into the 9:00am Mass.
Following Mass, at 9:40am, Fr Gerard will offer a short 15-minute reflection on the Jubilee Year and the significance of the Holy Door. The morning will conclude with morning tea at 10:00am.
All are warmly welcome to join this special pilgrimage celebration.
Seniors’ Group Christmas Carols Sing-a-long – 23 December
Join us for a festive morning on Monday, 23rd December.
We begin with morning tea after the 9:00am Mass in the undercover area—a lovely chance to gather and enjoy some fellowship.
Following this, the Seniors’ Group Christmas Carols Sing-a-long will take place at 10:00am in the Caloundra Church. Steve and the wonderful 7:30am choir will lead the singing, and there will even be a special surprise guest appearance.
All are warmly invited to come along and share in the joy of the season.
Marian Valley Bus Trip – 13th December
Departure: 6:00am – Return: 6:30pm
Location: Departing from the OLR Caloundra Car Park
Cost: $50 per person
Join us for a special pilgrimage as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the opening and blessing of Marian Valley. To mark this milestone, Pope Leo XIV has granted a plenary indulgence, and we look forward to welcoming the Pope’s delegate, Bishop Christopher Nikiel, who is expected to be present on the day.
To book your seat or for more information, please contact Therese (PL Caloundra) on 0425 794 608. We hope you can join us for this grace-filled day of prayer and community.
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 Ella Ann Piesche, Penny Wise Parish, Riley Jameson Parish, Pia Gabrielle Gigante-Watson and Olivia Mae Skalina, who will be baptised at the OLR and OLW this weekend.
Funerals:
Maximus Barford: 2nd December 11:30am at Sacred Heart Maleny Church.
Henry Kramer: 2nd December 2pm at Our Lady of Rosary Church.
Glen Milligan: 2nd December at Gregson & Weight
May they Rest in Peace.


