Parish News
The Parish Sacramental Programme
A different approach for changing needs
This week will mark the conclusion of this year's round of children in our parish receiving Sacraments for the first time. Over 430 children received either the Sacrament of Confirmation, Holy Communion, or Reconciliation in our parish. The programme used this year was more parish based than in previous years, with a focus on family involvement, and was supported by our schools.
In our review of the programme however and its implications, it was noted that for many children and their families the sacraments were isolated events. We have therefore decided to drastically alter the programme for next year. Next year's approach will focus on families to help them in their journey of faith. It will be run entirely by the parish, and the schools will support this as they teach their regular religious education to the children. It will be aimed at fostering an experience of a personal encounter with God.
So next year, we as a parish will offer two rounds of this programme during the year for those seeking one of the Sacraments. Both the parents and their children will be involved in this eleven-week programme. It will be conducted by the parish and so requires an effort from the whole parish. If the Sacraments bring us close to God, then we collectively as a parish and individually too must welcome those who are new in our community and are seeking to belong.
More details will follow, so watch this space….
PREP Open Day
On behalf of the Parish Religious Education Programme (PREP), the team would like to extend their thanks to all those parishioners that responded to our recent appeal for Catechists/ General Volunteers to assist with this important ministry at Mater Christi.
To raise awareness of this programme, an inaugural PREP OPEN DAY was held on the weekend of 19th and 20th October. A special vote of thanks to the parents of our present cohort for 2024 that generously provided a very sumptuous Morning Tea after the 10:00am Mass.
Click below to see some photos of the morning event. If you missed the event and are interested to find out more, please email our co-ordinator at: prep.yangebup@perthcatholic.org.au.
Breathing New Life into the Ministry of Altar Server
Training and social activities for new and current servers: 11am-12:30pm Saturday 9th November 2024
The Altar Server ministry is a unique and privileged opportunity for children, youth in their teens, and adults to practically participate in the liturgy in a way that actively fosters a deep and personal relationship with God through the Church. By carrying out very specific duties with reverence and diligence, servers learn how the liturgy is much more than just ceremonial ritual. They learn that God is truly present in the celebration of Mass and that to worship Him is the joy and centre of the Christian life.
Follow the links below to read more about this ministry and how to sign up for the upcoming training session. Click here also for more information about this ministry at Mater Christi.
Parish Annual General Meeting
Sunday, 6th October 2024 - 2pm
The parish had its first AGM in almost 25 years this Sunday in the Mater Christi Community Centre. Reports were presented from Fr. Peter, the newly establish Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Council. Follow the link below for the Parish Priest's report and the slide deck of the meeting.
Social Outreach
Winter soup kitchen and sponsored meal for Yangebup Family Centre
A group of volunteers made a generous effort again this winter providing soup after the Saturday and Sunday evening Masses. Building on last year's experience and in an effort to foster social engagement, a bowl of freshly cooked soup and some bread was available after these evening Masses for a very affordable $2.50. The proceeds of this went to sponsoring a 'Community Eats' meal at the Yangebup Family Centre. This was the first time the parish collaborated with the local council to support families and those in need of some help. It was a terrific success and I dare say, a great step in preparing a path for future social outreach.
Follow the link below to view photos of these events.