St John's Wood / The Gap Parish

04/09/2026

🌟 Celebrating 40 Years of Faithful Service 🌟

St John's Wood / The Gap Parish
For more than forty years, Tricia Wogan has been a pillar of faithful service in our Mater Dei community. Her ministry has been rich, generous, and deeply woven into the prayer life of our parish.

🎶 As Music Coordinator and a devoted member of the choir, Tricia has sung every Sunday with all her heart, lifting our worship with beauty and devotion.

🙏 As Liturgy Coordinator, she has guided our celebrations with care, reverence, and quiet leadership, helping shape the rhythm of our communal prayer.

Her commitment has strengthened the bonds of our parish family, and we give thanks for her steadfast presence, her love for the liturgy, and the joy she has shared with us all.
As Tricia steps back from her coordinating role, we are delighted to welcome Cathy Kruip, who has taken up the baton with grace and dedication. Cathy has already begun serving with great care, ensuring continuity and offering her own gifts to this important ministry.

Last weekend, we honoured Tricia with deep gratitude and celebrate Cathy as she steps into this role.

May God bless them both abundantly as they continue to serve the Mater Dei community in their own ways.

04/09/2026

Bulletin



Welcome parishioners,

Season of Creation- Living Water

We have much to be grateful for living on a planet that sustains and nurtures such beautiful life. Yet, as history has shown, we can’t take anything for granted. Humans have been guilty of the extinction of many plants and animals over the centuries.
Greed and rapid expansion are responsible for some of our worst misdeeds.
One of our great saints, Francis, who lived more than 800 years ago, led the way with his interaction with nature. He was the founder of the Franciscans but was also famous for his love of animals and the environment. Because of him Pope Francis initiated the Season of Creation which began yesterday and runs to October 4, the feast day of St Francis.
In his message to mark the annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and the start of the Season of Creation, Pope Leo XIV said the disruption to the harmonious balance of creation is accelerating and the world is witnessing many crises and human suffering.
The pope has invited Christians to “contemplate the gift of life and to cherish the earth that sustains it, for they are tangible ways of offering praise to our Creator.”
As we see each day in the news, wars, famine, drought and floods continue. Only last week Nepal and China were hit by a massive flood caused by a disintegrating glacier. The exact death toll is still unknown, but the event showed Mother Nature at its most destructive.
It is up to each of us to do our bit to ensure we leave the planet in a better state than when we took our first breath. Our legacy to our children and grandchildren has to be for a sustainable, environmentally friendly place to live.

On this Father’s Day, we pray for all fathers and father figures: may God bless them with wisdom, patience and strength, and may their live be a
reflections of the unconditional love our Heavenly Father.

Blessings from Father Anthony, Silvana, Ann and Majella

https://app.flocknote.com/note/38298717

28/08/2026

Bulletin



SOCIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY

This Sunday is Social Justice Sunday which is fundamental to Catholic social teachings. An article appeared in the newsletter three weeks ago flagging the bishops’ concerns about Australian society becoming more fragmented, but their statement is worthy of further mention.
In their statement, Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division , the Bishops have asked for a renewed focus on ways to make Australia a more cohesive society.

In the statement’s preface, Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said, “This statement invites us to see our current social climate as an opportunity to witness to the Gospel.

“We offer Jesus and the hope born of his death and resurrection. When we choose forgiveness over enmity, hospitality over isolation and solidarity over vilification, we help to create the conditions in which a more peaceful society can prosper.”

The statement mentions the Bondi Beach shootings in December and the alarming rise in Islamophobia and other forms of racism. Also listed are a range of actions to build social cohesion, which it argues can only come through practising a “culture of encounter”.

“It entails drawing close to others who have very different life experiences from ours. It means deep solidarity with them, seeing their plight with our hearts and not just with our eyes, listening intently and not just hearing, not passing by, but stopping to engage with them with great compassion, not pity.”

Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service chair, Bishop Tim Harris, said the Church had a key role to play in building a culture of listening and inclusion.

The core of Catholic social justice includes Human dignity; The common good; Solidarity; Subsidiarity; A special focus on the poor; and Peace and care for creation.

The statement and other resources can be found at Social Justice Statements
Source: ACBC Media Blog.

Message from Archbishop Shane,

This week we celebrated the feast days of both St Augustine and of his mother, St Monica. Her feast day is the day before his, which reflects her role in preparing and guiding St Augustine’s journey of faith. She offered a model of faith and encouragement through her patient and persistent prayers that he would turn to God. These back-to-back celebrations first invite us to commemorate St Monica’s prayer and witness, before turning to celebrate the fulfilment that God eventually brought through St Augustine's conversion and service. After many years of restlessness and of trying out many different pathways, St Augustine finally realised that he could only find the rest for which he longed by opening himself to God’s love. St Augustine is sometimes referred to as the Doctor of Grace, because of his profound insight into how much we depend on God’s abundant, graciously given love and forgiveness, which we could never earn. His experience of his own weakness and failings made him ready to open himself to the healing that only God’s love could bring about.

Blessings from Father Anthony, Silvana, Ann and Majella.

https://app.flocknote.com/note/38197614

21/08/2026

BULLETIN



Welcome parishioners,

Message from Archbishop Shane,

The Queensland bishops meet together formally four times each year, with one of those meetings held in a regional diocese. Being present in a place is an opportunity to show our personal support and encouragement for the local Church. It also helps make tangible for us the lived experience of the people and communities that are affected by the various decisions we make. This week, we were in Townsville for our annual regional gathering, where we received a warm welcome and generous hospitality. As part of our visit, we visited Palm Island and Fantome Island, which are about 20km offshore. Palm Island was established as an Aboriginal reserve after the First World War and has been served by Catholic priests and religious sisters throughout the century since then. We celebrated Mass in St Anne’s Church with the children from the parish school, who shared Indigenous music and dance with us. We also visited the now uninhabited Fantome Island, where religious sisters had cared for residents of a leprosarium and other medical isolation facilities for 50 years. These places are steeped in the memory of much suffering, but are also a testament to the resilience of the local community and to the faithful commitment of those who have worked to provide spiritual and practical care to particularly isolated and vulnerable people.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Multicultural Mass this weekend we will be holding the Catholic Campaign NEXT SUNDAY.

DON'T FORGET: NO 10AM MASS AT MATER DEI OR 5PM MASS AT SPC.
ONLY ONE MASS ON SUNDAY AT 10AM SPC

Blessings for your week ahead
Father Anthony, Silvana, Ann and Majella.

https://app.flocknote.com/note/38124345

14/08/2026

Bulletin



Welcome parishioners,

Message from Archbishop Shane,

This week, I attended my first Brisbane show and was struck by the tremendous sense of community participation and pride in the Ekka. It is a particularly significant event this year because the Ekka is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The show had a very big crowd in attendance and is clearly still fulfilling its core purpose of uniting city and country through a celebration of agriculture and community. After the Governor had formally opened the show, a prayer of blessing was invoked on a plough drawn by two superb Clydesdale horses. This traditional blessing is performed alternately by the Catholic and Anglican archbishops, so I paid careful attention to what will be involved for next year. The blessing is an opportunity for acknowledging God as the source of all life and growth and for giving thanks for all whose labour contributes to the crops and livestock that are so important for us. As the show continues, we pray for a growth in unity across our community and for blessings and encouragement for all those whose skills and commitment are showcased at the Ekka.


The Australian Catholic Bishops have released their second 2026 Social Justice Statement, titled Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division . Read now.

Don't forget Mass at SPC 9am Saturday 15th August, for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.


For our multicultural Mass next weekend (Sunday 23rd August) if you can bring a meal to share that would be wonderful.

PLEASE NOTE: Next weekend our parish will support the Annual Catholic Campaign. Funds raised will directly impact our parish and local communities. The Campaign supports the holistic formation of our future priests, care for our elderly and retired priests, provides access to a Catholic education to children in need and hope to those suffering physcially and emotionally in our community.
Envelopes will be available at the back of the churches. You can take one home this weekend and return it to the collection plate next weekend.
We thank you in advance for your generosity.

Blessings from Father Anthony, Silvana, Ann and Majella

https://app.flocknote.com/note/38035725

07/08/2026

Bulletin



Welcome parishioners,

Message from Archbishop Shane,

Twenty-five years ago, an innovative partnership between the state government, the Sisters of Charity, and the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters led to the opening of Holy Spirit Hospital Northside, which later became St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside. That spirit of partnership and collaboration has also characterised the hospital’s close relationship with the adjacent Prince Charles public hospital and with the many specialists and surgeons who have provided services in the hospital. The Sisters of Charity, inspired by Mary Aikenhead, saw Christ in those who were sick, vulnerable and in need. Their vision focussed on accompanying people, particularly in times when they might feel most fragile and alone. St Vincent’s Northside has remained small enough to be faithful to that vision through deeply personal care for patients and their families, but at the same time has had the resources and vision to be at the cutting-edge of evolving technology such as using robotics in surgery. Some of the original staff and specialists have been present throughout the hospital’s history, which testifies to the commitment of staff generally, and to the positive experience of being part of the St Vincent’s team. As we celebrate this anniversary, we pray that all who enter St Vincent’s Northside may continue to encounter the compassion, hope and healing love of Jesus.

Parish Pastoral Council Update -Divine Renovation

Our Parish Pastoral Council is currently undertaking the Divine Renovation program under the guidance of Father Anthony. Together, we are prayerfully discerning how the Holy Spirit is calling our parish to become an even more vibrant, welcoming and mission-focused community.

As part of this journey, we are explopring practical ways to strengthen our parish's vision around Growth, Community and Youth , helping more people encounter Jesus Christ, deepen their faith, and experience our parish as their spiritual home.

Over the coming months, you may notice new initatives, opportunities to share your ideas, and ways to become involved in parish life. This is not simply a program but an ongoing journey of renewal that belongs to our whole parish community.

We ask you to keep Father Anthony, the Parish Pastoral Council and our parish family in your prayers as we seek to follow where the Holy Spirit is leading us. Together, may we continue to build a parish where all are welcomed.

FAREWELL
Last Sunday we farewelled Maureen and Terry Foley as they move to their next chapter of life at St Vincents retirement village. It was a lovely farewell with a gift from the parish and a yummy cake to celebrate. God bless you both!

Blessings from Father Anthony, Silvana, Ann and Majella

https://app.flocknote.com/note/37954147

31/07/2026

Bulletin



Welcome parishioners,

Message from Archbishop Shane,

This is Catholic Education Week , which is an opportunity to reflect on the great blessing of our kindergartens , schools and universities, to give thanks for those who contribute to them and to pray for the young people who are learning and growing through their experience in Catholic education. The theme of this year’s Catholic Education Week is ‘Share Your Light, Inspire Others’. It encourages us to look for God’s light in ourselves and in each person around us and to share that light, just as God has shared it with the world from the first moment of creation, bringing light out of darkness. While all good education aims for growth in knowledge, skills and other human qualities, Catholic education sees this development as completed and fulfilled by recognising and celebrating that we ourselves and each of those around us is a beloved daughter or son of God, created to be in relationship with God and with one another. God’s light is entrusted to each of us, so that we can continue his loving gift of bringing that light wherever we find darkness. In Catholic Education Week, let us celebrate and thank all the students, families, staff and administrators who contribute to the work of Catholic education across our community, continuing the legacy of many generations whose commitment has built up our kindergartens, schools and universities.

SPC Family Mass this Sunday at 8am

This weekend we say a fond farewell to Terry and Maureen Foley, who, after many faithful years as cherished members of our parish family, are moving into a retirement village.

Both now in their 90s, they have been a quiet but inspiring witness to faith, kindness and generosity. Through the years they have shared their time, talents and friendship, enriching our parish community in coutless ways. Their steadfast love, presence and commitment have been a blessing to us all.

While we will miss seeing them at Mass and parish gatherings, we are deeply grateful for everything they have given to our community. We pray that this new chapter of their lives will be filled with comfort, peace, good health and the loving care of those around them.

Please join us in thanking them for their many years of faithful service and friendship. May God continue to bless them abundantly, and may Our Lady watch over them always.

With our love, prayers and every good wish from your parish family.

God Bless!

We also wish Silvana a safe and happy holiday as she heads to Portugal to see her family.

Blessings from Father Anthony, Silvana, Ann and Majella.

https://app.flocknote.com/note/37873801

29/07/2026

St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School, The Gap, Brisbane
Mater Dei Primary School, Ashgrove West

29/07/2026

29/07/2026

✝️ Catholic Education Week

As part of Catholic Education Week, our students and staff were delighted to join our friends at Mater Dei for our annual parish school gathering—a tradition we have proudly shared for the past four years. 🙏✨

Each year, one of our schools has the privilege of hosting this special day, providing a wonderful opportunity for our communities to come together in faith, friendship and celebration. 🤝💙 It is always a joy to strengthen the connections that make our parish community so special.

A heartfelt thank you to the students and staff at Mater Dei for your warm hospitality. From the delicious 🌭 sausage sizzle and refreshing ice blocks enjoyed by our students to the beautiful ☕ morning tea for staff, every detail made us feel so welcome.

We are truly blessed to be part of such a caring, connected and faith-filled parish community. 🙌💙 Thank you for a wonderful day...we're already looking forward to next year! ✨ Brisbane Catholic Education

St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School, The Gap, Brisbane
Mater Dei Primary School, Ashgrove West