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I Say, I Say, with MARK REIDY
The Power of Prayer
to help the
Worst Situations Page 17
On the outskirts of Perth, filled with migrants and young families, it’s
A proud day for St Helena’s
St Helena’s Parish Priest Francis Nguyen, colleague Fr John Arulraj and altar server Stacie Braganza enjoy the occasion of St Helena’s dedication and official opening last Sunday.
By Robert Hiini MORE than 12 years after Ellenbrook Catholics celebrated their first Mass in the area, the long hoped for church of St Helena of the Holy Cross was opened with great joy last Sunday, March 25. Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB began by blessing the large crowd gathered outside, receiving the plans of the church and unfastening the ribbons tied across the church doors. The faithful packed the pews, rear aisles and entrance way as the
Archbishop stood at the baptismal font, ready to bless the growing community inside. During the Mass, after a litany lead by seminarian Matthew Hodgson, the Archbishop uttered the prayer of dedication before anointing the altar with the Oil of Chrism, covering it and lathing it with his bare hands. Parish priest Fr Francis Nguyen and Fr Tony Vallis then anointed the walls before Archbishop Costelloe incensed the altar, followed by members of the parish building committee who dressed
it with cloth and candles. “Before anything else, we are disciples of Jesus; committed to following Him, to serving him and to loving Him,” Archbishop Costelloe said in his homily. “He is the treasure that we want to hold close to our hearts as a parish community. He is the treasure for which we are prepared to give up everything else.” Ellenbrook Catholics began worshipping in a small classroom at St Helena’s Catholic Primary School in 1999, graduating to its multi-purpose area four years ago.
The parish began under the late Fr Gerard Beeson (1999-2002) who was succeeded by Fr John Liszka (2003-2005) and Fr Francis Nguyen (2006–present). “It’s been a long journey and everyone has worked so hard,” Fr Nguyen told The Record last week, paying tribute to past priests, parishioners and the building committee. “We are so pleased to have a place where we can worship God; a welcoming place for prayer and devotion.” Parish Council chairperson Liz Lambert thanked the
PHOTO: ROBERT HIINI
building committee and the entire parish for bringing their hope to fruition, describing Fr Francis’ commitment as “unwavering”. “At times, you thought the building committee was crazy, sometimes we thought you were crazy too,” Ms Lambert said to much laughter, thanking the priest for his practical and spiritual leadership. The project had been a “moving and joyous experience”, Ms Lambert said, adding she had never seen “a group of people work so hard or so enthusiastically”. Photos: Pages 10-11