St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Toongabbie 

It is my desire that, in this our time, by acknowledging the dignity of each human person, we can contribute to the rebirth of a universal aspiration to fraternity. Fraternity between all men and women.

These are some of the opening words of Pope Francis in his recent letter on Fraternity and Social Friendship. 

Just like the rest of us, Pope Francis has been experiencing the Covid pandemic and reflecting on it: A worldwide tragedy like the Covid-19 pandemic momentarily revived the sense that we are a global community, all in the same boat, where one person’s problems are the problems of all. Once more we realised that no one is saved alone: we can only be saved together. 

During Advent as we prepare for Christmas, we invite you to take a little time to reflect together on the Pope’s recent letter to each one of us. 

You can do this in one of two ways:

• Attend a face-to-face session in St Anthony’s Hall on Wednesday 9^th and Wednesday 16^th December, from 7.00 to 8.30 pm, (Numbers will be cut off at 50 and Covid regulations will apply) OR
• Attend the same sessions by Zoom from the comfort of your home. 

In either case, you need to register, so that we can manage the numbers for safety in the Hall or send you the link to take part in the Zoom meeting. 

To register, please go to https://bit.ly/toonie_advent20 or call Luisa in the office 9631 3316

No need to wait for the sessions, to read more, go to https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2020/10/04/fratelli-tutti-brothers-and-sisters-all/

On 27th September, the Church marks Migrant and Refugee Sunday, a day each year when we bring to mind the needs of those newly arrived in our country and those seeking safety and protection amongst us.

Please click on the following links for further information

Covid help card and the story from a detainee. 

Join us for prayerful discernment about our spiritual gifts.

The Pastoral Planning Office are offering an opportunity for Gifts Discernment to affirm and explore the gifts God has given us to bring to life God’s mission. Join us for 3 evenings beginning on Wednesday 9^th September  from 7.30pm – 9pm. You can register these for evenings at www.tinyurl.com/celebrate-and-discern

Thank you to all the generous parishioners who continue to donate food and hygiene products so selflessly for the families in need in our area. Along with the usual list of items that are needed (see the list near this message), we particularly need winter blankets, oil, basmati rice, and long-life milk.