News

On the 9/10/22 Holy Family parish came together to celebrate the installation of Father Henry Adler as our new Parish Priest. The Mass was officiated by Bishop Brian Mascord and concelebrated with Father Henry, SVD, Father Rass, SVD Provincial Father Viet, SVD and Father Eric Skruzny, Rector of the Redemptorist Mater Seminary Sydney.

Approximately 350 parishioners attended the celebration which was enhanced by the Holy Family Parish choirs, who united to perform some beautiful singing and music which added to the atmosphere of solemnity and joy. Also, some young men from the Parish Samoan community added to the multiculturalism of the occasion, with a unique procession carrying the Book of the Gospels on a specially designed platform. As well there were some children and teachers representing the Holy Family school, who carried in the gifts of offering to the altar.

Bishop Brian’s homily focussed on the Sunday’s Gospel of Luke about The Ten Lepers, that it contained 4 major themes, Compassion, Healing, Prayer and the Outsider. He said that we can associate these themes in our lives today as in society there exists a different kind of Leprosy, some are despised, exploited, marginalised and treated differently because of their race. Bishop Brian also said that as a Body of Christ we should not stand for that, we are called to break down barriers, because when love grows, acceptance lives, then compassion and healing happens. The story of The Ten Lepers tells us that only one returned to give thanks to Jesus for healing him, so Bishop Brian reminded us that salvation, acceptance and healing is given to all not just a select few and he saw in our parish community many differences, but also acceptance. So as children of God loved cherished and treasured, we need to grow, and change.

The Bishop concluded his homily by saying that Father Peter Caruana laid a foundation of love and acceptance, now, with Fr Henry new possibilities begin. Father Rass then confirmed what Bishop Brian said, in that we have a sea of possibilities with Fr Henry, who then thanked everyone and was looking forward to working and journeying with us. Bishop Brian then conducted the Liturgy of Installation with Fr Henry.

Written by Karen (Parishioner)

Thank you to everyone that joined us for this special Parish celebration and a special thank you to everyone involved in the organisation and preparations for this Mass and morning tea.