Parish and School News

Archbishop visits St Peter Apostle Mission Parish Hoppers Crossing

Tuesday 11 September 2012

By Connie Skinner, St Peter Apostle Mission Parish, Hopper's Crossing

GREAT excitement was generated when our parish priest Fr Pius Kodakkathanath announced that we would be receiving a pastoral visit from his Grace our Archbishop, Denis Hart, which would include a weekday and a Saturday night Vigil Mass.
 
On Wednesday 29 August, His Grace commenced his visit by celebrating the regular 8.30am morning Mass. Afterwards a number of parishioners gathered to have a conversation with him.  His Grace was interested to know how long people had lived in the parish and their country of origin. He particularly commented on the wonderful diversity of cultures present in the parish and went on to state that each of them is a special gift to the Church in Australia. 
 
Later that morning an assembly was held with the students and staff from St Peter Apostle Primary School who gathered in the church to meet His Grace. 

St Peter Apostle Primary School Principal, Mr Michael McGrath, welcomed his Grace who was greeted with a sea of smiles and a round of applause.  Grade 6 students Chante, Grace, Erica and Marcus spoke with great pride about what makes St Peter Apostle School a special place.

Below is a summary of what they said:

At St. Peter Apostle we are given opportunities to further develop our strengths and to work on areas of challenge. We are surrounded with outstanding educational opportunities - from the variety of technology we can access each day, to the new, exciting classrooms and playgrounds that form part of our school. We are given so many opportunities to shine in different ways, whether it be academically or through sport, or in one of the many specialist areas such as drama, music, dance or our recent Art Show.
 
When we come to school we grow not only in knowledge but as people.  We have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and grow in confidence, respect, responsibility and courage. The Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit are developed within each one of us. Being a Catholic school we learn about the rituals and traditions of the church and have the opportunity to continue our personal faith journey. We come together in prayer to commemorate special days throughout the year and celebrate the Sacraments as special milestones.
 
We are continuing to develop links with our parish community. Many members of our Parish come to the school to speak to us about how our faith can be lived out in daily life.  They inspire us and help guide us on our faith journey.”

 
In his address to the school community his Grace reminded all present that, “We are all God’s children. God loves us as if we were the only person in the world.”

He also spoke about the importance of loving and respecting parents and teachers and always trying our best to achieve good results.  Above all we are called to do our best to love God and those around us.  The children sat still and attentive, taking in every word from one of God’s dedicated Shepherds. 
 
His Grace was also taken on a tour of the school by the principal and deputy principal Mrs Glenice Bonew. 

He enjoyed sitting with one of the Prep grades to listen to the 2012 ‘Read for Australia’ story,  ‘Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley,’ written by Aaron Blabey.

This uplifting story about courage and the power of friendship was enjoyed not only by the students but also by his Grace who laughed along with the young children. 

The Archbishop was most impressed with the faith filled and gifted children, committed staff, wonderful facilities and stimulating school environment.  The students enjoyed meeting His Grace and eagerly recalled their experiences.

Photos by Patricia McCusker and Leigh Skinner


Below are some of the children's impressions:
 
Angela  Prep
I liked the Archbishop’s beautiful big cross that he was wearing around his neck.  He has a big cross because he loves Jesus very much.
 
Alfie Grade 1
The Archbishop has a good, clear voice. He didn’t need a microphone.  He taught us about God.
 
Alther  Grade 4
I thought it was pretty special for the Archbishop to come to our school.  Not many schools get the opportunity to see the Archbishop.  He is a very busy man but he made the time to visit our Parish and School.  I think the Archbishop is like St Peter because he trusts in God and follows in His way.
 
Aren Grade 6
I really liked it when the Archbishop told us that God loves us like we are the only person in the world.
 
That afternoon his Grace was accompanied by Fr Pius and the Parish Ministers of the Sick Coordinator, Mrs Bev Jones, on a visit to the homes of a number of sick and housebound parishioners.  The people greeted his Grace with great joy and excitement. Many of them said that it was both a pleasure and an honour to have his Grace visit them.  Some had organised for their family to be present for the special occasion. His Grace made the people feel at ease with his gentle smile and enquiries about loved ones in the photos on display. One lady in particular enjoyed conversing with His Grace in her native Italian.  She was delighted to be able to communicate so easily with his Grace.  Holy Communion was given and prayers were shared.  The people wanted his Grace to stay and share a meal with them but unfortunately time did not allow.  His Grace thoroughly enjoyed meeting the people and spending time with them.  The time spent at each home was short but for those who had the pleasure of his Graces’ company it will always be a spiritually uplifting time, long to be remembered!  So ended his Grace’s whole day visit in the parish.
 
His Grace returned to celebrate the Saturday night Vigil Mass on 1September.  During his sermon he spoke about ‘Grace’ being a gift that comes from God.  We as Catholics are nourished by the Word and the Eucharist during our faith journey.  His Grace explained that the Word of God and the individual should be like two pieces of wax, that when melted by the fire of God’s love, become one.   Armed with the messages of God’s Word in our heart and strengthened by the Eucharist we are called to move beyond the walls of the church to share the unconditional love of God with all we meet, in the community and beyond.  He went on to praise the wonderful work of Fr Pius in the short time that he has been parish priest and the great commitment and support given to him by the parishioners.  It means a great deal to Fr Pius to have the support of the Archbishop as he strives to serve his flock and bring God’s message to life for them.  After Mass parishioners enjoyed fellowship and friendly conversation with the Archbishop.  His moved around the parish hall trying to meet as many people as he could.
 
The Archbishop’s pastoral visit to our parish was indeed a special one.  The young, and not so young alike enjoyed seeing the Archbishop and having the opportunity to speak with him.  We thank his Grace for the opportunity and wish him all the best as he continues his journey around the many other parishes of Melbourne.