OLQP Parish Greystanes in Greystanes, New South Wales | Religious centre

OLQP Parish Greystanes

Locality: Greystanes, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 9631 8135

Address: 198 Old Prospect Road 2145 Greystanes, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.olqp.org.au

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25.01.2022 Thank you for your patience whilst our phones and internet was down in the parish office. We are super happy to say we are at last back online. God Bless.

25.01.2022 This weeks Peaceful Voices (bulletin) cover piece A cry for help and healing in Lebanon The cataclysmic explosion of ammonium nitrate stored at the port in Beirut this last week has energised the Lebanese people to change their government. One woman cried out that she never wants to go back to what was. The corruption in the country has gone too far. Another woman, long ago, cried out from this same area for help.... The Canaanite woman in todays Gospel from 2,000 years ago also hailed from Lebanon and Jesus was visiting this area with his disciples. Sir,, she said, Son of David have pity on me. In the religious tradition of his time, Jesus imagined his ministry to only include the house of Israel. This was a time of cultural awakening for Jesus. He was Jewish. His concern was Judaism. The woman was a Canaanite. He was now in Lebanon, not Israel. We are told that Jesus answered her not a word. It is difficult for us to admit such a tunnel vision from Jesus: it disturbs us to think of it. The Canaanite woman has wrong-footed Jesus. This is a cross-cultural experience and Jesus is outside of his Jewish bubble. She has caught him unawares... continue reading this and more at www.olqp.org.au See more

25.01.2022 Special attention for parents who's children will be undertaking Reconciliation this year. Please read this important information (updated info as at 11 February 2021). God Bless.

25.01.2022 National Catholic Men’s Gathering: 31 July 2021 The National Catholic Men’s Gathering for 2021 will be launched online on Saturday 31 July. Join a diocesan group with your Bishop, or with your Men’s Ministry/Parish group or individually. Three sessions will be provided online, along with reflection questions for group discussion or individual reflection. The gathering aims to inspire and encourage all Catholic men with a vision for personal discipleship, service and mission in the family, parish/diocese and the world. Register for free at www.catholicmensgathering.com.au

24.01.2022 OLQP Peaceful Voice 28th Sunday in Ordinary Times, Year A Cover Piece by Deacon Thong The Kingdom on earth and The Kingdom of Heaven In the ancient world, after defeating the enemies, the king would celebrate his victory with warriors and his court officials by throwing a special feast. The feast became the banquet of honour celebrating the victory of his kingdom. During the banquet time, he made recognition of and rewarded his officials and his warriors who contributed to th...e victory for the kingdom. The prophet Isaiah depicts the scene of the banquet, anticipating the powerful victory of Jesus who in His salvation defeats death. Once death is destroyed, there will be no more tears of sorrow and despair, but the tears of joy and hope. In Matthew’s Gospel today, we have learnt that God’s Kingdom is portrayed as the Kingdom on earth and the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus uses the Parable of the Wedding Feast organised by the powerful king to describe His Kingdom on earth before the coming Kingdom of heaven with His final judgment. The Kingdom on earth represents the Church with its door opening for everyone to join God’s banquet... Please continue reading this and more items in our Peaceful Voice at www.olqp.org.au See more

24.01.2022 Please "like" Institute for Mission for further opportunities to grow your faith!

24.01.2022 Friday Rosary- 12 Feb 2021

24.01.2022 The winners of the OLQP Primary School Colouring Competition will be announced at 8pm. Thanks Fr Paul for accepting the very difficult task of selecting the winners from so many wonderful entries!

23.01.2022 Annie Pinto from Mary, Queen of the Family parish in Blacktown talks about her interest in social media and her usage of EBSCO resources to grow in personal for...mation and nurture an interest in many areas. Check it out! To access the article she talked about go to: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx Need the user name and password to login? Send us an email: [email protected]

22.01.2022 IFM Faith Feed Please watch this encouraging short clip. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=883952965430402

22.01.2022 Mass attendance Requirements Keeping COVID-19 safe & uphold Government regulations. 1. 12 years and above, we strongly recommend you wear a mask. 2. Singing is NOT permitted by the congregation. 3. Stay home if you are unwell and seek medical advice.... 4. Maintain 4 square metres at all times from each other, unless in the same household. 5. Register your details and hand sanitise upon arrival. 6. Follow all instructions by staff, volunteers and posters around the church. 7. Come every fortnight to allow everyone an opportunity to attend. 8. Outdoor worshipping is not permitted. 9. Clean your area after Mass. Please assist us by cleaning other touched surfaces. 10. Maximum number permitted in Mass: 100 If you are turned away, please join us at another Mass service. Alternatively, you can partake via our Facebook or Website, olqp.org.au, where the following mass will be live streamed each weekend: 6pm Saturday Vigil Mass

22.01.2022 Reconciliation Program starting this year for those in year 2 (going into year 3 2021) and above. Attendance at the enquiry meeting is essential for registration. Tuesday 10th of November, 2020 7:30pm in the Church... OR Wednesday 11th November, 2020 7:30pm in the Church. N.B. Due to restrictions on numbers, please limit attendance to only one parent. Children are not required to attend enquiry meeting.

22.01.2022 The Most Trinity- 29 May 2021

22.01.2022 Help us celebrate the Season of Creation with your photos or art. Send us a photo or other artwork of your favourite nature spot in the Diocese of Parramatta to... include in an online reflection for the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi. Find out more at https://www.parracatholic.org/seasonofcreation/ See more

21.01.2022 Pastoral Conversion - New Vatican Guidelines for Parish Renewal Recently, the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy has issued a new document called The pastoral conversion of the Parish community in the service of the evangelising mission of the Church. The aim of this Vatican instruction is to assist bishops, priests, and parishioners in their effort of transmitting the faith in Jesus Christ. What does pastoral conversion mean? Well, we know that conversion involves a cha...nge of heart and mind. It is a spiritual opening towards Gods grace who transforms us. Now, the document adds to this traditional understanding of spiritual conversion a new dimension called pastoral conversion. Under the word pastoral, the document understands all forms of organization and structures that exist in a parish. By nature, structures are important for the functioning of institutions, organizations, and corporations. Yet, adaptations and changes are also crucial for the vitality and relevance of an institution. Parishes are not exceptions. Take for example our parish in Greystanes. Over the years, our parish has experienced changes in demographics and traditions. Today, Our Lady Queen of Peace is multicultural. It has moved from an overall strong Maltese presence to a multicultural setting. Furthermore, the society and ways of life have also changed. Our children and grandchildren see the parish only as one of the many forms to engage and to interact with Read more at www.olqp.org.au See more

21.01.2022 Fr. Paul - New Appointment in the Diocese Bishop Vincent Long has invited me, and I have agreed after carefully considered reflection and prayer, to accept an appointment as Rector of our Holy Spirit Seminary at Harris Park. It represents a unique opportunity to help shape young men for priesthood into the future in the service of our Diocese. Sometime after mid-October, I will take up residence at the seminary to begin to learn the ropes. In 2021, I will be undertaking fur...ther studies in formation to equip me for my new role as Rector beginning in 2022. This coming week the Diocese will advertise for a new Parish Priest for our parish. It has been a fulfilling six years at Greystanes. There will be time for more thanks in the days ahead. Pray for me, as I for you all. God bless, Fr. Paul See more

21.01.2022 See you at Rosary 7.30pm tonight, either in person or via FB.

21.01.2022 Part 5 of a five part series on the origins of Festa. Memories of Festa

20.01.2022 Did you miss some of the virtual OLQP Festa? Highlightes will be shared throughout the week.

20.01.2022 Mass times from Monday 28th December until Tuesday 12th January 2021 Mondays - 8:00am Communion Service Tuesdays to Friday - 8:00am Mass Saturdays - 6:00pm Vigil Sundays - 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am & 6:00pm... NEW YEARS DAY MASS - 8:00am & 9:15am See more

20.01.2022 HELP US KEEP EVERYONE SAFE! If you unwell, please get tested, follow medical advise and join us via live stream every Saturday at our 6pm Vigil Mass. May our Lord continue to protect each of you.

20.01.2022 OLQP Peaceful Voice Cover Piece - Forgiveness by Deacon Thong. This Sundays Gospel of Matthew reminds me of my own lifes story which I wish to share with you in this bulletin. As you probably know, there was a Vietnamese civil war from 1954-1975. Australian soldiers fought alongside the Vietnamese military personnel. After the defeat of the American troupe, the Communist party took over the whole country of Vietnam. As you can imagine, there was also a lot of suffering. Dur...ing this wartime, our Vietnamese people suffered much. Our lives were turned upside down. We lost our human dignity and freedom. The Communist party prohibited us from practising our religion. Our belongings and property were confiscated by their corrupt regime. Many men were sent away to the so-called re-education camps. Many were lucky to be able to return to their families. However, others were not so fortunate: they have never been reunited with their loved ones. They died in the camps! Because there was no future for us in Vietnam, I made the tough decision to leave my beloved country and threw our lives into a boat at the mercy of the ocean waves and waters. Like the uncontrollable water fills the ocean, so was my heart and mind full of hate and fear. To be honest, thinking about the past, I am still filled with hate, even though I have found my new home in Australia. How to forgive my enemies who had tortured, traumatized and separated me from my loved ones is my greatest challenge... Read this plus more in the weekly OLQP Peaceful Voice (bulletin) at www.olqp.org.au God Bless

19.01.2022 Peaceful Voice - cover piece by Deacon Thong. Most of us would have noticed that there are some changes and next steps happening in our parish at the moment. Whether it’s things like the invitation to respond to questions regarding the parish story, or to the proposal regarding the St Vincent de Paul bins, or to the call for volunteers to bless our spirit of front door welcome, or other things that are happening, we’re all being encouraged in our identity as the Church. The C...hurch and its energy and action is all of us. We obviously don’t identify as people of faith only to be served but also to keep standing up and saying ‘yes’ to our sharing the call of the Gospel. Let’s give thanks to God for all who serve in their different ways to make the parish possible. And this includes those who serve in quiet ways, such as those who commit to significant daily prayer for the parish to serve God’s will and purpose or those who strive to continue funding for the works of the parish in this COVID time when the funding base of the parish has become so reduced and threatened. As this year progresses, hopefully.... continue reading this and much more in the OLQP Peaceful Voice found at www.olqp.org.au See more

18.01.2022 IMPORTANT NOTICE - Latest COVID Update for Masses It is now mandatory to wear a mask to all Masses. Please come prepared from now until further notice. Thank you and God Bless.

17.01.2022 PLEASE READ: Though the Government has increased capacity at places of worship to 300, the 4 square metre rule still applies. Sadly by keeping to this rule we can only hold 100 worshippers within our church. Doors will be closed once capacity is reached. We will continue livestreaming every Saturday at our Vigil Mass. May our Lord continue to protect you.

17.01.2022 Farewell Deacon Andrew Please join us today at 6pm Vigil Mass or Sunday 10am Mass as we thank and farewell Deacon Andrew. NOTE: Masses are limited to the first 100 worshippers. The Saturday Vigil will be live streamed on FB and via our website.

17.01.2022 Please Spread the word: Latest Update Mass Attendance One Hundred (100) worshippers permitted at each Mass. Weekday & Weekend Masses: No pre-booking required; registration will be upon arrival. However, please be aware that once we have reached 100 worshippers, by law, we shall be closing our doors. If you are feeling unwell or have any cold or flu-like symptoms, or if you have come into contact with persons with COID-19 or COVID-19 "hotspots", we ask that you please follo...w Government and Diocesan guidelines and self-isolate. For NSW Government Health directives, please see www.health.nsw.gov.au. Once we reach the permitted numbers, we will sadly have to close our doors. Apologies, for the constant changes faced as we abide by the latest Government regulations. Private Prayer During Parish Office Hours Entry & exit is via church doors facing the Parish Office. Please register upon arrival in the book provided inside the church. The chapel is available for a MAXIMUM of 4 people at any time. Please use the church to pray once numbers in the chapel have been reached. Mass Times: Monday to Friday 9:15 am Tuesday to Thursday 6:30 am & 9:15 am Saturday Vigil 6:00 pm Sunday 7:00 am, 8:30 am, 10:00 am & 6:00 pm We pray you continue to stay healthy and look forward to seeing you at Mass.God Bless. See more

16.01.2022 Dear Friends, Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep. The above quotation needs no further comment and explanation. I would like to thank you for your prayers and friendship during my time here at Greystanes. You have been very kind to me! May the good Lord keep you in His love and may you always experience His goodness in your life. May His peace descend on you and remain with you always. I will leave OLQP on 12 November 2020. ...I am sure that we will meet again. Thank you, grazzi, merci, Hvala vam, , , Salamat, Go raibh maith agat, Mauruuru, grazie tanto, cam on Fr. Joe See more

15.01.2022 Baptism of the Lord

15.01.2022 IMPORTANT NOTICE - All Sunday Masses and baptisms are currently cancelled Sunday 30 August 2020 due to a positive case in St Paul's Catholic College. Thank you for your cooperation. God Bless.

15.01.2022 Beginning of Holiness - Mother Teresa https://www.youtube.com/watch

14.01.2022 Peaceful Voice Cover piece by Fr Paul Marshall Bad grapes may look like good grapes until we bite into them. God had bestowed on his people a great love and care - the same type of love a Vinedresser would have for his vineyard. But this vineyard failed to produce fruit and what grapes it produced were sour. Sound familiar? Last week I sat with a little family whose temporary visa had been rejected for the third time in the 7 years they have lived in Australia. For them it wa...s sour grapes. They were depressed and psychologically pummelled into the ground. No Centrelink; the wife has lost her Medicare cover; no Jobseeker; no JobKeeper; no identity; the prospect of going into a detention centre. The vineyard of our world and our Church has some sour grapes on it. But we still have good vintage grapes for the harvest too. Already three donors have come forward from our parish to help the family fight a high court case because they have no money. Jesus of Nazareth is the rightful heir to the Vineyard. But like the prophets before him, we killed Him. God continually sends us leaders in the persons of the prophets. But the prophets are unheeded, they are beaten. As Christians, more than ever, we need to bring out the vintage grapes. We need to look at new viticulture methods, too. Out of our treasure, new things and old. But, what happens, if after the vineyard owner has done all he can, there is a yield of sour grapes? .... Read more on this plus what's happening in our parish and the Diocese in the Peaceful Voice, found at www.olqp.org.au See more

14.01.2022 Part 4 of a five part series about the origins of Festa. Who is Festa?

13.01.2022 Peaceful Voice - Cover piece by Fr Paul Weeds Among the Wheat Weeds among the wheat describes our human nature. Even in the twelve apostles there was good and bad, service and dominance, loyalty and disloyalty, understanding and boldness. The communitys struggle will be a cosmic one between good and evil.... The `Weeds among the Wheat parable harks back to the early days of the Church. Some were for weeding the sinners out. Others of the community turned towards Jesus as the guide and light. Not only did Jesus not exclude sinners, he welcomed them. Have we examined the weeds in our own back yard recently? .... please read more at www.olqp.org.au See more

13.01.2022 Position Available - Sacramental Coordinator Please visit www.olqp.org.au for a summary of the role or alternatively contact the parish office via email for full details.

13.01.2022 Peaceful Voice 21st Sunday in Ordinary Times, Year A. Cover Piece by Fr Joseph Lam Spiritual Conversion and Leadership in the Church... It is voting time! In November, the US will elect a new (or perhaps an old) President. NZ will go to the ballots in October. In Queensland and in the NT, there will be elections of Premiers. Needless to say, politics and ideologies will play an important role in the selection of the leader. In the Gospel of this Sunday, Jesus chose Peter as leader of the Apostles, and indeed as Head of the emerging Church. From Simon to Peter, the Rock. Most of us find Peter to be likable and lovable from the moment we are first introduced to him. He definitely had his natural strengths. He was outgoing, gregarious, transparent, and enthusiastic. Most important of all, he loved Christ. Because of being impulsive and strong-willed, his faults were also obvious. That is what enables us to see such a contrast after he was converted. Because of that contrast, Peters example and writings are a great inspiration. .... continue reading this and more in our weekly Peaceful Voice at www.olqp.org.au

12.01.2022 OLQP Peaceful Voice cover piece - My ways are not your ways by Fr. Paul Marshall When the Master called me to Go and work in my vineyard I imagined that it would always only ever be in the vineyard of his parishes in our Diocese. I could never have imagined being a Rector of a seminary and being a mentor to young men aspiring to the priesthood. There are times when we just cant understand why God doesnt see things our way! But Isaiah, in our first reading this weekend, ma...kes plain that God doesnt think as human beings think: My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways. (Isaiah 55.8). Without warning thresholds can open at our feet. These thresholds are also the shorelines of new worlds. These new worlds offer unique blessings. One of the truly great blessings of our faith is the blessing of the priesthood. While priests are human beings with feet of clay and the failings of human nature, we are especially called to serve as living icons of Christ - to bestow blessings on those entrusted to us. We are called to offer blessings at the beginnings of life- for mothers to be; for birthdays; for First Communion time; for marriage; for solitude; for sickness; for old age; for death. The pinnacle of priesthood is to bring Christ as food for the journey to our people through daily Eucharist. But we must not leave Christ as Bread on the altar. We must find Him again and again-in our families; in our work colleagues; in the stranger and in someone who did you wrong. As Catholics we must re-discover Jesus again more profoundly in the Scriptures. We wont always understand Gods ways. They are as far above us as the heavens are to the earth. (Isaiah 55.9)... Continue reading this and much more in our weekly Peaceful Voice at www.olqp.org.au See more

12.01.2022 OLQP Peaceful Voice, cover piece by Fr Paul Moving forward as Church and as a Society Today is Social Justice Sunday. Covid-19 has brought an underlying stratum of mixed fear and anxiety into our lives. The Australian Catholic Bishops 2020 Social Justice Statement To Live Life to the Full-Mental Health in Australia Today, is particularly apt for the needs of our times. It calls people experiencing mental ill-health, those who care and work with them, and all people, to ope...n their hearts to hope. What needs to be done so that those who struggle with mental ill-health can take their place in our communities and wider Australian society? Bishop Vincent Long addresses some of these issues in a video he has produced for this weekend. Gods presence and assistance is made manifest in loving words and practical actions in peoples lives wherever and however we find them. The cross is not hidden but carried in community, becoming a source of revelation and wisdom for the community. .... continue reading this plus more at www.olqp.org.au. Click on Peaceful Voice tab for the full weekly bulletin. Thank you to our advertising supporters. See more

11.01.2022 OLQP Peaceful Voice - Cover piece by Fr Joseph Remaining in Christ, the Light of the World. Currently, I am completing a new book on Catholic Priesthood. I have been working on it for some years now. Because of the Royal Commission and the social challenges associated with Catholic priesthood, I endeavour to offer a biblical, philosophical, spiritual, and theological interpretation of the Catholic priesthood. Despite the known challenges and difficulties, I am hopeful that th...e Catholic view of priesthood can still contribute substantially to the spiritual wellbeing of the society. Reflecting on the gift of priesthood, Pope Francis says: ‘Ordination is a freely given gift from the Lord. It is not a job or an employment contract in which one must do something. Doing is secondary. First and foremost, I must receive this gift and safeguard it as a gift and from that in the contemplation of the gift everything else springs. It is a service and that the priests not become businessmen ministers, fixers or adopt other attitudes that make them stray from the Lord. When ordained, ministry is not seen and treasured as a gift, deviations emerge, starting with the worst ones, which are terrible, to the more everyday ones that makes us base our ministry on ourselves and not on the gratitude of gift and love for he who gave us this gift, the gift of ministry. As you know, Bishop Vincent ... Please continue reading this and more at olqp.org.au. Located under the Peaceful Voice tab. See more

10.01.2022 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time- Year B

10.01.2022 The Well - Come Holy Spirit Pentecost is the celebration of the person of the Holy Spirit coming upon the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room. From this incredible experience Peter, our first Pope, preaches his first homily to Jews and non-believers, converting thousands of them with a unified language and the words of the Old Testament. This reflective video highlights the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. https://youtu.be/QJ4k8YU_jHI Visit The Well for many great video's, talks and resources.

10.01.2022 Farewell Mass for Fr Paul tomorrow night at 6pm. Livestream will begin from 5:30pm. Please be advised that, as per regulation, our Church is still limited to a capacity of 100, thus there is a limited number of seats available tomorrow night. Tune in to our facebook page or website from 5:30pm to participate as we give thanks for Fr Paul.

09.01.2022 Special Notices: Maximum Capacity for our church is 100 people. The 4 square metres Government and Diocese rulings still apply. As we will only have 1 priest, Masses will be adjusted from Monday 26th October.... Monday - 9:15am Mass Tuesday - 6:30am Mass. The 9:15am will be a Communion Service Wednesday - 6:30am and 9:15am Masses Thursday - No 6:30am Mass. The 9:15am will be a Communion Service Friday - 9:15am Mass Saturday - 6:00pm Vigil Mass Sunday - 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am and 6:00pm Masses We will have a visiting priest to assist us over the weekend, please give Fr Mick a warm welcome. Thank you and God Bless.

09.01.2022 Join in the OLQP Festa Celebrations this week, starting with Rosary Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Don't forget to regularly visit the OLQP Festa FB page for all the latest activities. https://www.facebook.com/olqp.festa/

09.01.2022 Peaceful Voice, Cover piece by Anne Hines He is with us Today is Trinity Sunday, the day we celebrate the God we believe in, and in whose name we are baptised. One God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In today’s gospel, the risen Jesus entrusts his disciples with the mission of continuing his work in the world. Jesus' disciples are being sent to make disciples of all nations, to teach everything that Jesus has commanded. They will not be acting on their own for God will b...e with them. Jesus wants us to remember that whatever happens and however difficult the circumstances of our own life, he will never leave us. Jesus’ words: I am with you always gives us comfort, he is with us at this moment, no matter what is going on in our life right now. He is with us... Please continue reading this and much more in the OLQP Peaceful Voice found on our website www.olqp.org.au under the Peaceful Voice tab See more

08.01.2022 OLQP Peaceful Voice - Cover piece by Andrew, Seminarian `Abba Our Heavenly Father The crisis of fatherhood we are living today claims the future Pope Benedict XVI in a 2000 address, is an element, perhaps the most important, threatening man in his humanity. What harrowing words which should strike the heart of all men in the Church. Recent attention on marriage and gender in the Western world has seen many sociological and psychological studies highlight the significant ...impact fathers have on the overall flourishing of their children. Further studies have suggested that fathers have a greater impact on the spiritual life of their children than anyone else. Of course, these studies only affirm what most of us intuit from our common experiences. Even Freud, with his problematic views on religion and the human psyche, approached the truth of this reality. No amount of ideological and semantic word play can substitute the reality that the first person of the Holy Trinity has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind as Abba, Father. Christs declaration in the gospel to call no one your father on earth, because you have one Father- the one in heaven (Mt 23:9), reminds us that the honour of fatherhood is entirely derivative of our heavenly Father, and that our fathers are to be like Christ, so they too can reveal the face of God (Jn 14:8-10)... Please visit www.olqp.org.au for the full story and much more in our Peaceful Voice, bulletin. See more

08.01.2022 OLQP Primary School students were invited to participate in the Festa Colouring Competition. Congratulations to the winners for year groups K-5. We hope to open the competition more widely next year.

08.01.2022 Our church remains opened! While we were temporarily closed last Sunday, the church and toilet facilities were deep cleaned. Mass times are: Monday 9:15am... Tuesday - Thursday 6:30am & 9:15am Friday 9:15am Saturday Vigil 6pm Sunday 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am & 6:00pm During business hours the church is open for private prayer. We highly recommend masks are worn and you strictly follow all instructions regarding registering, cleaning and hand sanitising. Please get tested if you show any COVID symptoms. We pray you remain safe and healthy. God Bless.

08.01.2022 OLQP Peaceful Voice Cover piece by Fr Paul Marshall. Serving the Lord with our Talents. Gifts grow with use but wither with neglect. If we risk nothing, we gain nothing. Each of us has a measure of talent and engaging it engages the divine within us. Our first reading this weekend from Proverbs speaks of the woman of character who upholds the home and how many dedicated women have engaged the divine in their faith and service for our OLQP community. The backbone of so much pa...storal care, sacramental preparation, faith education, prayer groups, and administration come mostly from dedicated women. They form part of the Festa Committee, the dedicated staff at the parish office, who through some changes over the years have served OLQP so well; they decorate our lives through their sewing of banner and altar-cloths, their cleaning and flower-arranging, and their talent in music (even to composing some of our hymns on Sunday night Mass). Then there is their motherly care both in their own families and in the family of faith. We thank the feminine talents which serve God so creatively in so many ways! .... continue reading this and more in the Peaceful Voice found at www.olqp.org.au See more

07.01.2022 Peaceful Voice Cover piece by Deacon Thong. Stay awake for hope! This Sunday, once again Advent begins. This time helps us to prepare for the birth of Jesus who is coming as Saviour, bringing light into our Christian lives. Like our Mother Mary who cannot wait to receive her Son; she is so full of anticipation and hope. We also are waiting for Jesus, perhaps restless and anxious for the peace and joy we crave for. Like all periods of waiting we need to be alert and full of ...expectation. ‘Stay Awake!’ as we do not want to miss out this advent. We wait for Jesus to again to be manifest in the reality of our daily lives. This year our waiting is more urgent than usual. We are waiting with fear, suffering, with the threats of the worldwide deadly pandemic, potential environmental disasters and witnessing alarming disunity and rapid technological change ...and more. We need help and encouragement. It seems to me this Advent time is a strange waiting period. It gives us the mixed feelings: feeling of fear, of caution, of future uncertainty, and of hope. We must keep our distance from others, but we do miss the warm hug. We miss a friendly handshake... Please continue reading this and much more in our weekly Peaceful Voice at www.olqp.org.au

07.01.2022 Right now, many children are excited to be back to school after months of disruption. But others are anxious especially those Australian children who are grow...ing up in poverty. Despite their parents’ best efforts to support their child’s learning at home, many of these children have struggled to keep up because they haven’t had access to a home computer, internet or even a place to study. After months of remote learning, some have fallen further behind. These children need urgent support during the transition back to school and beyond, if they’re ever going to catch up with their classmates. Without that support, there’s a serious risk they will disengage and stop trying at school. Financial support to help with school essentials and access to our proven out-of-school learning support programs can help them thrive at school and gain the skills they need to catch up and keep up at school. https://bit.ly/2YaNZNI

06.01.2022 Epiphany of the Lord

06.01.2022 How much are we prepared to pay? The Pandemic seems to have regained its strength. Not just Melbourne, but also Sydney has become the fertile soils for COVID-19. Harris Park and Wetherill Park are now on the list of contagious areas. We are getting use to the daily briefing about the rate of infection by the Premiers and PM. New limitations and restrictions make up the News. There is hardly good news to be found. The gospel of this Sunday speaks about the precious pearl of li...fe. And, we are compared to merchants who were looking for these pearls. How can we find the pearl of life? In order to find it, we need first to understand how the pearl is made. A tiny sandstone finds its way under an oyster shell, and it is so irritating to the oyster that it works on the stone, and eventually one day this sandstone becomes a beautiful, smooth, shiny pearl. Pearls are costly to mankind, and it takes so many to make just one necklace. It is no wonder that the real ones are expensive. They are certainly priceless and precious to the one who finds them... read more at www.olqp.org.au See more

06.01.2022 University is wrapping up and the HSC is over! There's two upcoming programs from Western Sydney's 'Fire Up Ministries'. Check out these two short courses for men and women

06.01.2022 Parish Office Phones and Internet Issues. Please be aware that our telephones have been down since Friday 16th October due to major issues at the exchange and on our street. This is also affecting our internet. Due to the enormity of the issue we may be down for the remainder of the week. All calls have been diverted. Thank you for your patience and understanding.... The Parish Team. See more

05.01.2022 Position Available. Please contact the Parish Office for more details. Applications close: 10th December 2020.

05.01.2022 OLQP Peaceful Voice - Cover piece by Fr Paul Marshall God is Love and Our Mission is to Love If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to some of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written..how many aspects of the Love of God are we missing as we rush through life? God’s love comes to us under many guises. God is the melody and love-story behind all reality. How often do we walk Him by? This weekend at Mass, how many newcomers to our p...arish will we simply walk by because we are talking to old friends and too busy to see God in the stranger? You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. The second resembles it: you must love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets also. How do you say goodbye to a faith family when you are, yourself, an integral part of that family who strive to grow into the likeness of Christ? .... Continue reading Fr Paul's last cover piece reflection plus much more in our Peaceful Voice found at www.olqp.org.au See more

05.01.2022 A message from our Parish Priest - Fr Paul Marshall

03.01.2022 Meet Aaron Pinto, from Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. He has a passion for the arts and enjoys learning about ways to improve communication betwee...n people and groups. Today he shares his thoughts on our latest article from Ebsco resources on GRATITUDE. Just click:shorturl.at/kotCI to access full article. Don't have the user name and password? Send us an email to [email protected] See more

03.01.2022 This week's Peaceful Voice's (bulletin) cover piece A cry for help and healing in Lebanon The cataclysmic explosion of ammonium nitrate stored at the port in Beirut this last week has energised the Lebanese people to change their government. One woman cried out that she never wants to go back to what was. The corruption in the country has gone too far. Another woman, long ago, cried out from this same area for help.... The Canaanite woman in todays Gospel from 2,000 years ago also hailed from Lebanon and Jesus was visiting this area with his disciples. Sir,, she said, Son of David have pity on me. In the religious tradition of his time, Jesus imagined his ministry to only include the house of Israel. This was a time of cultural awakening for Jesus. He was Jewish. His concern was Judaism. The woman was a Canaanite. He was now in Lebanon, not Israel. We are told that Jesus answered her not a word. It is difficult for us to admit such a tunnel vision from Jesus: it disturbs us to think of it. The Canaanite woman has wrong-footed Jesus. This is a cross-cultural experience and Jesus is outside of his Jewish bubble. She has caught him unawares... continue reading this and more at www.olqp.org.au See more

03.01.2022 Dear Parishioners, I am happy to announce to you and many would know that Fr. Paul Roberts will be the new parish priest of our parish of OLQP, Greystanes beginning 15th Jan 2021. Fr. Paul needs no introduction as he has been part of this parish community for in many ways as a pastor and a friend. He has celebrated masses many a times and has interacted with most of you in various capacities, one of which was linking our parish with various IFM programmes and encouraging us to avail of the resources. We welcome Fr. Paul to our parish and as he assumes the leadership role. I am sure with his vast pastoral and human approach, he will nourish the spiritual needs of the community and further enhance the building of our parish family. Welcome Fr. Paul!

02.01.2022 Rosary- 28 May 2021

02.01.2022 Pope Francis has written this article in the New York Times, revealing his own experience with severe illness, his thoughts on those who resist safety restricti...ons, and God's call to us to 'dream big' and create something new from the COVID-19 crisis. https://www.catholicoutlook.org/pope-francis-a-crisis-reve/

02.01.2022 Notification: OLQP Sacraments of Initiation: Confirmation- Postponed until 2021 & for those yr 6 and above. Dear Parishioners, I wish to thank you, on behalf of the parish, for your understanding and cooperation during these uncertain times. We very much empathise with the struggles our parish community and fellow brothers and sisters across the world are enduring with the stresses of this health pandemic. The strength, determination and charity of all people has been tried..., tested and proved. May the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirt kindle in us the fruits of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23), as a witness to our faith in Christ our saviour. Many of our family and friends have unfortunately had many milestone events disrupted, not only important occasions of birthdays and anniversary celebrations, but those moments where we recognise most fully the importance of the divine reality in our everyday lives, such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms. The interruption of the sacramental life of the Church has proved to be a great suffering to all, and challenged us to experience our faith in new ways. We are called to deepen our individual spirituality in the domestic church, i.e. the home, and realise our priestly identity, inherited at baptism through Christ, in unique ways. It is with reservation that I have the unfortunate task of informing you that the sacrament of Confirmation for 2020, which would ordinarily occur sometime in October for those children in year 5 and above who have received the other sacraments of initiation, will be postponed. Taking into consideration the large number of candidates for the Sacraments of Initiation in this parish, which is a great blessing for us, for the best interest of the health and safety of our parish and with necessary health restriction, it has been decided it would be best to impose a delay on the reception of confirmation until year 6. I wish to thank you for your understanding in these matters, and ask for your continual prayers for the parish. The parish is here to support you in any way that we can, and we extend our support to you. Please keep updated on parish advertisements though our parish bulletin, website, Facebook page, as well as through our Catholic schools and SRE Public school programs. May our Blessed Mother, Queen of Peace and Spouse of the Holy Spirit, intercede for you before Her Son and grant you joy, peace and good health. God Bless, Mr A.J. RooneySeminarian for the Diocese of ParramattaActing Sacramental Coordinator

01.01.2022 Setting Our Course St Peter, it seems, would have to be one of the most humble of Christs apostles. His whole life flaunted as the personification of the wavering faith of the Church repeatedly throughout the gospels. In todays, gospel, though, we see the failures of the entire college of Christs disciples. The gospel insists that immediately before this the disciples had witnessed the great preaching and miracles of Christ with the loaves and fishes from last Sunday...s gospel and yet when they see him on the water, after Christ sought only a short retreat on the mountain, they do not recognise him, suggesting that it could be a ghost! How easy it is to forget Christ, even after witnessing and participating in the great miracle of the Eucharist each week! For some, as a result of the current health pandemic, the sacraments are but a distant memory, and though we seek refuge in the boat as we wait for things to get back to normal, how many will leave the comforts of their own home, to respond to Gods call to resume their sacramental pilgrimage? read more at .... www.olqp.org.au See more

01.01.2022 NEW VIGIL MASS - 4:30pm We are happy to announce, that we will be having a second Vigil Mass each Saturday at 4:30pm until Christmas. Maximum number of 100 worshippers per Mass. Please follow all COVID protocol as directed by posters, staff and volunteers. Please note: this is only during the lead up to Christmas. ... We are in urgent need of helpers for registrations. If you can help us at any of our Masses, please contact the parish office on 9631 8135. Blessings The Parish Team