Bishop Greg Bennet's Pastoral Visit to St. Patrick's Parish

 

                           

                            Photo: Bishop Bennet with members of the parish pastoral council. 

 

Bishop Greg Bennet's Pastoral Visit to St. Patrick's Parish, Pakenham Leaves Lasting Impressions

Pakenham, August 21, 2023 

 

Bishop Greg Bennet's recent pastoral visit to St. Patrick's Parish in Pakenham, from Thursday, August 17 to Sunday, August 20, 2023, was met with enthusiasm and warmth by the parish and school communities. 

 

During his visit, Bishop Bennet engaged in a series of impactful activities to strengthen the parish community's sense of faith and unity. The bishop's itinerary included meetings with key bodies such as the Parish Council, the Finance Committee, and the Safety Officer. His discussions emphasized shared visions for the parish's growth and development.

Bishop Bennet's engagement extended beyond administrative matters as he paid visits to educational institutions within the parish. He spent time interacting with students and staff at St. Clare's Primary School and St. Patrick's Primary School. He interacted with the Confirmation candidates at both the schools, answering their questions.

 

 

On Saturday, August 19, he presided over two Confirmation ceremonies, conferring the sacrament upon 85 candidates. The spiritual significance of the occasion was a profound milestone for the candidates and their families in their faith journeys. 

 

 

Megan Escalante, the principal of St Patrick's primary school, stated that "Bishop Greg's Homily was wonderful, where he used the ana

logy that the children can pair their hearts with Jesus just as we pair our mobile phones with a speaker". She further comme

nted on Bishop Greg's patience with them and happily gathered for photos with families and staff from both schools.

 

 Bishop Bennet's pastoral presence extended to the parish's liturgical life, as he led weekday and weekend Masses. His homilies resonated with the congregation, offering guidance and inspiration for their daily lives. Following the Sunday morning Mass, parishioners were delighted to join the bishop for coffee, promoting an atmosphere of shared purpose and togetherness. 

 

Bishop Bennet's engagement extended to the broader community as he visited housebound parishioners, spreading comfort and connection. Moreover, his diligence was evident as he checked and signed the Baptism, Confirmation, Death, and Marriage Registers, underscoring the importance of accurate record-keeping in the parish's spiritual journey.

 

Fr Janeesh Jose, Parish priest of St Patrick’s parish said "Bishop Greg's presence within the Parish community was a source of immense joy. The opportunity to closely interact with him during those days was truly inspiring, and understanding his deep spirituality was enlightening."

 

 

 A special moment occurred when the newly built sacristy was blessed after the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. This act symbolized the parish's shared dedication to spiritual growth, marking the start of a new chapter towards their much-anticipated church renovation project. 

 

Before concluding his visit, Bishop Bennet took a moment to explore the workings of Paddy's Kitchen, a community initiative serving those in need.  

Tresa Andrews, the coordinator of Paddy's Kitchen, said," We are humbled by the visit of Bishop Greg. It was great to see him witness the subsidiarity and participation of this beautiful St Patrick's Community of Pakenham." 

Witnessing the outreach efforts firsthand, the bishop left with a deeper understanding of the parish's commitment to compassion and service.

 

 

The parishioners' overwhelming happiness and warm reception of Bishop Bennet's visit serve as a testament to the deep connection he formed with the community. His impactful presence during these days will undoubtedly resonate in the hearts and minds of the St. Patrick's Parish, Pakenham community for years to come.