First Week of Lent

We begin our annual Lenten Project Compassion journey by learning about the story of Jamila and her family. Jamila, 22, is a Rohingya woman, living in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. A single mother, she fled armed conflict in Myanmar to save herself, her elderly mother and eight-month-old baby. 

With the support of Caritas Australia, through Caritas Bangladesh, Jamila was able to access emergency food and shelter. She also received counselling, emotional support and learnt sewing skills, to help her earn an income.  Jamila now feels less alone, with a sense of community around her. She is able to ‘Be More’ to her little family.  

• 860,494 people remain in the densely populated camps, in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, especially due to COVID-19. (UNHCR)

“Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au

Sad News

On Friday morning our former Parish Priest, Fr Ian MacKintosh, passed away suddenly in Victoria.

Many of us would remember his dry sense of humour, stories of the war (sometimes told at school Masses!), love of Richmond Football Club and cricket. 

We always knew when Richmond was playing on Saturday evenings – Mass would finish in record speed so he could watch the match live!

Fr Ian helped many of us in times of crisis, and never sought attention or accolades. He made a point of learning people’s names, and would often write them on the back of his hand to jog his memory. Together with our beloved Fr John, he visited families from school who were preparing to celebrate Sacraments. 

He deeply cared for our parish community, and visited as many parishioners as possible. Most afternoons, Fr Ian would hop in the car and head off for pastoral visits. I remember him telling me that he had a list of Catholics who lived in the parish, and he would knock on doors, even if he didn’t know them. He didn’t mind if they shut the door quickly – he said it was important they knew he cared enough to visit. During his time at Dernancourt, Fr Ian visited hundreds of families. 

His deep sense of Pastoral Care guided his life and work. 

Fr Ian had great admiration for the work that teachers and volunteers did in the parish. He always thanked us for our time and efforts. 

I can only imagine the welcome that Fr John (whom Fr Ian referred to as ‘The Giant’) gave Fr Ian when he joined him in heaven! Together, Fr Ian and Fr John were an amazing team. They complemented each other and were ‘great mates’, as Ian would say. 

I’m sure you will join me in thanking God that we were blessed to share in the life of such a faith filled, humble and loving servant. We extend our prayers to Fr Mathew and the Oblate community at this time.

Rest in peace dear Fr Ian.