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Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. It is a dual feast. It has traditionally been known as Palm Sunday because the Mass begins with a gospel text that recounts how palm branches were used to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. Palm branches symbolized goodness and victory (Revelation 7:9)

It has also traditionally been known as Passion Sunday because the Passion Narrative is proclaimed during the Liturgy of the Word.

As we listen to the narrative of Christ’s passion. We realize once again, that His triumph, His true victory, will come through the cross. We know that joy will turn to sorrow and back to joy. We know that through the horror of His suffering, followed by the glory of His resurrection, good will trump evil and life will trump death.

Take the palm fronds home and make them into crosses. The cross is meant to serve as a reminder of the Christ’s victory over death and for us to follow in his footsteps to carry the crosses in our own lives.


Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday features a commemoration of Jesus’ washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper (Jn 13:1-20), emphasising the radical kind of service required of his followers.

This Mass is, first, the memorial of the institution of the eucharist. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is also the memorial of the institution of the priesthood, by which Christ’s mission and sacrifice are perpetuated in the world. In addition, this Mass is the memorial of that love by which the Lord loved us even to death.

Each year, Archbishop Anthony Fisher blesses enough new oils for every parish during the Chrism Mass, which takes place at St Mary’s Cathedral. The sacred Oils of the Catechumens, Chrism and Sick are consecrated in the morning for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

The holy oils are then transported to individual parishes, where they are available for use during that year for baptism, confirmation and anointing of the sick.



PRAYER DURING LENT

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of this season. Thank you for knowing our hearts and our need for rhythms in our lives and drawing us into a deeper communion with you throughout the 40 days, as we reflect on our own wilderness. Help us to remember the gift of salvation in this season.

May we walk through this season intentionally, removing distractions that take our gaze away from your glory. May this time be one of outward focus; seeking you in those we often ignore. Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter. Give us hearts hungry to serve you and those who need what we have to give.

Jesus, draw us closer to your heart, so that we might know you better and understand you more completely. We pray that we would not only give things up for Lent but also give you glory through Lent Lord. May our actions reflect our hearts, and may we worship you through all that we say and do throughout the coming weeks.

Loving Redeemer. through your passion teach me self-denial, strengthen me against evil and adversity and so make me ready to celebrate your resurrection.



7th April 2024

Devotion – 12pm till 3pm

Mass – 3pm till 4pm

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

The year 2024 is a historic year as we celebrate 100 years of the establishment of the faith community of St. Ambrose, Concord West. God has shown great mercy upon our revered ancestors and us during this period and He will continue to bestow His Mercy upon us and our future generations. It is right and just to thank God for His gift of Mercy in a special manner on the feast of Divine Mercy.

Further, it is our common knowledge that a good number of our own brothers and sisters, most of whom have been baptised and received their first sacraments and even had their primary education in our parish school seem to be away from the practice of the faith and the community of faith. I, as the administrator of this parish, am responsible for the spiritual wellbeing of every parishioner whether they attend mass regularly or not. I don’t know exactly what they are facing in life right now, but I wish to let them know that they are in my prayers. Many times, I have knelt before the Merciful Lord at 3 p.m. to offer the special Divine Mercy prayer for the sick and for the return of those men and women to our faith community.

I firmly believe that most of those who seem to be detached from sacramental life of the parish do still love Christ and His Church. The flame of their faith is smouldering but not quenched. So, there is hope for them and I pray that God will blow into their smouldering flame of faith with His Divine breath and help it burn steadily. St. Ambrose, our patron saint, was able to ignite the faith of young and wayward Augustine through his prayerful intercession and spiritual advice. Inspired by St. Ambrose of Milan, let us implore God’s mercy upon the lapsed Catholics of our parish through our diligent participation at the Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations. Let us consider this as the launching pad to pursue each lapsed member of our parish community.

Our parish in collaboration with the Divine Mercy Team will be conducting the Novena to Divine Mercy in preparation for this great feast (please see the special Timetable). Parishioners who attend masses on the divine Mercy Sunday including the vigil will be privileged to receive a blessing from the first-class Relic of St. Faustina. You are also most welcome for the special divine Mercy program on Divine Mercy Sunday which commences at 12.30 pm and ends with the solemn High Mass at 3 pm.

May the Lord of Mercy bless you and protect you.

Fr. Chaminda Wanigasena
Parish Administrator



Love to sing? Then lend your voice to our choir!

Music has always had a way of enhancing the Mass, whether it is to uplift and restore or connect with soulful expression. It is a beautiful thing to have music in some way or another throughout a mass and we invite anyone, of any age to join our music ministry.

If you are wondering if this is for you then it doesn’t take much to call/send an email and get more information or have an informal chat. We would love to hear from you!
Contact Rachel by email or 0414 966 665.


Your Commitment to Parish Planned Giving

Reminder to support your Parish!

What is Planned Giving?

It is your opportunity to commit to the donation of funds at regular intervals. These donations are the primary source of income for the Parish. Planned giving allows the Parish to budget and plan for specific projects. For example: Faith formations, sacramental programs, events, ministries, publications, parish upkeep, repairs and maintenance and staff expenses.

Our parish exists to evangelise, support and serve the community. Funds are required for this work. Like anything else, this amount increases annually. Forms are available to download here or in hardcopy in the Church. Please complete and return to the Parish Office or put it in the gold boxes in the Church.

COLLECTION PLATES – PURPOSE AND USE OF YOUR DONATIONS

1ST COLLECTION – Pastoral Revenue Collection. This collection is used to pay for our priest’s living expenses, stipends, council rates and utilities such as electricity and water. This money belongs to the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Parish is not able to use these funds.

2ND COLLECTION – CHURCH COLLECTION including Tap & Go and B-Point Giving belongs to the Parish and is used for the day to day running and upkeep of the parish.  This includes Church/Presbytery insurances, employee wages, repairs and maintenance, church cleaning, liturgical items, flowers, printing, hospitality and special projects. Proceeds are banked into our Church Account.


Divine Mercy Devotion

Next celebration: Sunday 10th March 2024

Come let’s celebrate! Everyone is welcome. Enquiries – Please call Annie 0414652479 or Email.


If you or anyone you know within our Parish is experiencing distress or anxiety, Fr Chaminda is available to have a chat (parish office 9743 1023, please leave a message if unattended, clearly stating your name and contact number).