Holy Eucharist Parish overflowed with parishioners and school staff on March 20th. All had gathered on that sunny day to join in the 50th-anniversary celebrations. It was a special time to give thanks to God for the abundant blessings Holy Eucharist Parish has provided for the local community over the past 50 years, while also being a symbol of hope for years to come.
The celebratory Mass was presided over by Archbishop Peter Comensoli who was delighted to be with the parishioners on this special day. The Mass was followed by cultural presentations and food offerings from the south Sudanese, Vietnamese, Samoan, Filipino and Maltese communities. It was no coincidence that these festivities were held during Harmony Week. The parish’s inclusive and multi-cultural character was on full display.
While adults gathered to share stories and reminisce over their time serving in the parish community, children of all ages were taking advantage of a raft of activities set up by the parish, including; face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, and a photo booth. It was then off to the playground to join friends and make new ones.It is a wonderful opportunity for us to give thanks to our God. Today also brings together past and present parishioners, school community and families, priests and bishop, diocese and religious. What a truly memorable day!
The day brought joy to parishioners and pastors alike with Parish Priest Vincent Long commenting: “It is a wonderful opportunity for us to give thanks to our God. Today also brings together past and present parishioners, school community and families, priests and bishop, diocese and religious. What a truly memorable day!”
In preparation for this special event, the parish community has engaged in a review process of their current ministry and missionary activities so that they might be able to rediscover their strengths and open their hearts to find new ways of witnessing God’s mercy. The result of this process culminated in the Holy Eucharist Parish Vision and Mission Statement. It is hoped that a focused vision and mission statement will lead to a renewed faith celebrated each day in both word and deed.
This day was also an opportunity for the Redemptorist community to renew its commitment to the Archdiocese and to the people of the Holy Eucharist.
Here’s to 50 years of Holy Eucharist Parish, and looking forward to 50 more!
