Bonding time: the Nativity in Townsville. Artist: Jan Hynes
Dear friends,
The recent tragedy at Bondi Beach has shocked and deeply saddened our nation, and we are still in grief. Jan Hynes’ painting, “Bonding time: the Nativity in Townsville,” perhaps offers an Australian connection, imagination and hope. Asking what might the nativity look like if it were to occur in our country today, she comes up with a scene set in a roadhouse somewhere along one of our remote highways. Here the sojourning Mary gives birth in the Parenting Room depicted in the background. The toilets in a petrol station are not the most hygienic places and we would only use them in the case of an emergency. Surprises! This was how God wanted to enter into our life in ordinary or messy ways. It was also very humble of God to show himself to mechanics as his first witnesses. This aspect of God helps us appreciate him as a God of love and mercy rather than of almighty. And note too, Joseph is holding the child. This is surely a statement about modern practices where the father is present at the birth and there is a keen interest in both parents being involved in the process of bonding. There is also a lot of joy and wonder in this painting. Notice how all the characters are gazing at Jesus, who is located right in the centre. Outside of this focus on the newborn Jesus there are also some clues to his ultimate destiny. The plant in the background seems to be a symbol of Palm Sunday. Furthermore, Mary is carrying a shopping bag with the message ‘Blood: Saves Lives’ printed on it. This bag contains a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. These symbols are likely to be connected to Jesus’ future Passion and the Eucharist.
As I come to the end of my ministry at St Brendan’s and Holy Rosary, I would like to thank the parish staff, Sr Pat Dimeck, and all volunteers across a range of ministries at St Brendan’s and Holy Rosary. Thanks for your commitment and dedication, and to your families for their support. Please continue to pray for Fr Andrew and me during this transition. I wish each of you, those you love, and those who visit our parishes the deep joy, safety, and peace of this Christmas.
Fr Thang
Today, we not only give thanks to God but also express our deepest gratitude to you, Fr Thang, for your remarkable four years of service to our community, St Brendan’s and Holy Rosary.
Father, you joined us during one of the most challenging times in recent history—the COVID pandemic—when our Masses were online, and our sense of connection was tested. In those uncertain days, your leadership and pastoral care gave us hope. You reminded us that even when we were physically apart, we were spiritually united.
Over these four years, you have guided us with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith. You walked our parish through tough times, including the amalgamation process—a time of change that was not easy for anyone. You helped us merge traditions, including bringing our Saturday Mass together, ensuring that we remained one united family in Christ. Your patience and understanding during that transition showed true servant leadership.
You also faced the ongoing challenges of repairing and maintaining our aging infrastructure, which is never easy. Yet, through your perseverance and commitment, you ensured that our parish remained a welcoming and safe place for worship and community life.
Your ministry has been extraordinary:
• You have celebrated (or taken part in paperwork) 110 weddings
• Celebrated (or taken part in) 140 funerals
• Celebrated over 200 baptisms
• Pastoral care for 95 retired priests
• Recently assisting End of Life Chaplaincy for RHM and PeterMac
We, as a community, have had to share you with others, and through this, your reach and impact have extended far beyond our parish walls. You have celebrated our joys, comforted us in sorrow, and strengthened our parish through your dedication. Your kindness has touched us, and your example has shown us what it means to live as true disciples of Christ.
As you move forward to your next parish, please know that your impact here will remain for years to come. We will carry your words, your prayers, and your love in our hearts always. We wish you every blessing, passion and zeal as you continue to serve your new parish and do all things for the glory of God.
On behalf of the entire parish St Brendan’s & Holy Rosary, thank you, Fr Thang, for your extraordinary service and for walking with us through these four unforgettable years. May God grant you with good health and bless you abundantly in all that lies ahead.
Lan Bui
On behalf of the Combined Pastoral Council and Finance Committee
Dear Friends,
I called last week's celebration Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell, and that’s exactly what it was because it had to be both. It’s a moment to say such a heartfelt thank you – to God in the first place, but then in the same breath to all of you. The singers and varied musicians from both Holy Rosary and St Brendan’s truly added to the spirit of the celebration. I was deeply touched by a tribute from Lan Bui, representing the Combined Pastoral Council and Finance Committee. The Staff, Sr Pat and volunteers have worked so hard for this occasion, including the refreshments in the School Hall. I have to express publicly something of the gratitude which is within me for all the joy and hope, the rich fulfilment that came my way as your priest. Looking back on the last four short years, I have to say that, by far and away, my abiding memories are of the countless blessings we brought to our Mass last week. I would like to thank you for accepting me as I was, and for being willing to share with me in my dual roles – parishes of FlemKen – soon will be one unified parish, providing pastoral care to over 90 retired priests in the Archdiocese, and in recent weeks, to look after the end-of-life situations at RMH. For me, being your priest was such life-giving work, working alongside you in building up God’s reign right here in FlemKen. Thank you very much for your collective gifts. Please continue to pray for me as I will for you. Let us entrust ourselves and our future into God’s hands. With deep gratitude.
Fr Thang Vu
Fr Andrew Jekot has been appointed as Parish Priest of St Brendan’s and Holy Rosary and Coordinator of Retired Priests, while I will take on Springvale Parish as Parish Priest on 12 January 2026. Please keep us in your prayers. Thank you. Fr Thang Vu
"A picture is worth a thousand words." Well! There are plenty of pictures here. Many thanks to Stella Lillywhite for taking these wonderful photos... Skilled indeed! At the conclusion of National Volunteers’ Week, a big thanks to all volunteers at St Brendan’s Day. Cheers and blessings. Fr Thang
Peace be with you all! Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to all the earth. Peace be with you! This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarmed peace and a disarming, humble and persevering peace. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still keep in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome! The Pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that Easter morning. Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God’s hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us too, and then each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people always in peace. Thanks to Pope Francis!
I would also like to thank all my brother cardinals who have chosen me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you, as a united Church always seeking peace, justice, always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries.
I am a son of St. Augustine, an Augustinian, who said “with you I am a Christian and for you a bishop”. In this sense we can all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.
To the Church of Rome a special greeting! We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receive like this square with open arms. All, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.
And if you allow me a word, a greeting to everyone and especially to my dear diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, where a faithful people accompanied their Obispo, shared their faith and gave so, so much to continue to be a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.
To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always tries to be close especially to those who suffer.
Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close to us, help us with her intercession and her love. So I would like to pray with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world and let us ask this special grace from Mary, our Mother.
Holy Father Leo XIV
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning [April 21, 2025], the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God." Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
10th Nov 1942 - 27th Jan 2025
The parishes of Flemington and Kensington have lost a great champion and church custodian when Gerard English was found dead during the week. His passing comes as a deep shock even though his health had been deteriorating for some time now, and we are sadden by the loss. A big blow for Gerard had come two years ago when following an accident he was forced to give up his licence for medical reasons. But he had still attended daily Mass up until the day he died.
Gerard was raised in Essendon and his family were attached to the St. Monica’s, Moonee Ponds parish. He attended St. Bernard’s College and became a trained architect, being an expert in the design of curtain walling. He was also a great traveller, having visited most countries, travelling in unorthodox ways such as on cargo ships! He spent considerable time in Thailand and was fluent in Thai.
He had lived in Kensington since 1993 but had usually attended St. Brendan’s Church. He took responsibility for opening and closing the church, performing tasks around the sacristy and many other jobs around the church and presbytery, including Mass commentating.
He was a tower of strength in the local St. Vincent de Paul Parish Conference, each weekday fielding the calls for help from central office and visiting countless families and individuals in distress, especially in the Debney Park high-rise towers.
The two parishes have lost a cedar of Lebanon, and they have sent their prayers and condolences to his sister Mary and his niece Mary-Fran and her family. Our Dear friend Gerrard was very much loved and appreciated for all the work and support he did for both our churches.
May Gerard English rest in God’s peace and be given the eternal reward he so richly deserves.
He was a man for all seasons.
After serving six months as Catholic Chaplain to Royal Melbourne Hospitals Precinct, Fr Zaher will take on a new appointment as Assistant Priest of St Mary’s Parish Greensborough and St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Greensborough North, including Sacred Heart, Diamond Creek. We pray that this new appointment will bring him grace, peace and joy. Here are some pictures of the Farewell Mass.
Bishop Martin Ashe's recent pastoral visit to our parishes was a blessed, purposeful, and joyful time. It helped our parishes shine a light on the many positive ways we are carrying on the mission of Jesus Christ within our communities.
On Friday, Bishop Martin celebrated Mass at Holy Rosary for our two primary schools. Then he followed visits to each school, where he learnt of the wonderful work of our school leaders and teachers in educating and caring for their students and the diverse backgrounds and circumstances of the more than 300 students across the two schools. In the afternoon, he met with me and the staff and checked the registers and safeguarding documentation. Friday concluded with Bishop Martin meeting with the Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee members over an evening meal at St Brendan’s school.
Saturday featured meeting community members and volunteers at the Canteen of Welcome at St Brendan’s and with the two parish St Vincent de Paul Conferences and Holy Rosary Ten Ton organisers – to see and hear how we give witness to our faith in reaching out to the poor and needy. Then, there was a forum with parishioners—it was very pleasing to see about 25 attendants—to discuss important questions about where Jesus is found in the life of our parish and about how and where the parish might be in 5-10 years. Bishop Martin’s thoughtful discernment through these discussions was most appreciated by those present. Visits to Lynch’s Bridge and selected families from FlemKen were a highlight of Saturday afternoon, and in the evening, Bishop Martin celebrated Mass at St Brendan’s.
Sunday featured our Holy Rosary Feast Day celebrations. Bishop Martin celebrated Mass to the accompaniment of some of the beautiful music and great participants and shared in our vibrant lunch in the Holy Rosary school hall.
We thank Bishop Martin for his time with us and for reminding us of key messages: that we celebrate the good news of Jesus by being a welcoming Church; that we are called to be an evangelising community; that we gather in worship to be formed in our faith; and that – despite being smaller parishes compared to many – we should celebrate all that we are doing well, and continue to strengthen our parishes in those areas that call for growth.
I sincerely thank all involved in so warmly welcoming Bishop Martin into our parishes and for making his pastoral visitation so positive and enriching.
Cheers and blessings
Fr Thang
On the 15th October, 2024, Maria Pavone turned 90 years old. A parishioner since her arrival in Australia in 1956. First at Holy Rosary and after her wedding at St. Brendan’s in September 1957, she has remained an active parishioner. Over the years she has been involved in different ministries, for example: the Italian Mass and choir, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, member of the Italian Catholic Federation, Fundraising groups, Thanksgiving campaigns, different parish prayer groups and festas, not forgetting over 30 years of voluntary work with CO.AS.IT visiting parish families and aged care homes. Life has had its challenges and blessings…remaining a widow since the age of 32 after the sudden passing of her husband, she has been blessed with a daughter, Angela and her husband, 2 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A person with untiring strength who has always given to others never wanting for herself. It was her wish to celebrate this milestone in the place she calls: HOME where strength and guidance has been given to her by God over the years. May God continue to guide and shield her as she continues to trust in His divine plan. (Angela Grasso)
On National Volunteer Week (20-26 May), it is quite fitting to say a Big THANK YOU to our many helpers who gave their time and skills for St. Brendan’s Day preparations on Saturday, Mass and Lunch together on the day, it is truly appreciated. The spirit of the day was truly wonderful with 290 people, especially the presence of the school community, their musical tribute indeed brought deep joy to all. We give thanks to God for all who have contributed to St Brendan’s story, who have worked to build this community of faith and who call St Brendan’s home.
Dear Friends,
Last Sunday’s Holy Rosary Day was a wonderful celebration in the life of St Brendan’s and Holy Rosary – Parishes in Partnership. Many thanks to the cleaners, musicians, sacristan, servers, florist, commentator and lector, people who prayed the prayers of the faithful in different languages, the staff, Pastoral Council Members and all volunteers who have catered for the refreshments. May God bless you all. Fr Thang
We welcomed back Fr Jaycee Napoles who was the main celebrant and homilist. The Prayers of the Faithful were prayed in Tagalog, Spanish, Vietnamese, Esan, Italian and English. We also had two presentations to Fr Jaycee and Fr Joe who will conclude his Hospital Chaplaincy at Royal Melbourne Precinct.
Praise and Thanks to our Lord for the faith-filled celebration of St Brendan’s Feast Day last Sunday. Let us count our blessings that so many people came together to honour our patron Saint whose sailing out in searching God’s direction, leads us in faith and intercedes for us. I wish to thank all those who worked very hard to prepare for the day. It was the phone calls, emails, preparation of venue, working bee, refreshment, music, readers, special ministers, servers and general organization. As always, we acknowledge our ancestors for their work in the parish and the call is for us to continue their legacy of hospitality. As a personal experience through St Brendan’s Day I am looking forward to our future gatherings especially Holy Rosary Day on 8 October 2023. With many thanks for your support and participation. Fr. Thang.
“The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” (Ps 118:24) Thanks be to God, after months and years of lockdowns and restrictions, the communities of St Brendan’s and Holy Rosary gathered to celebrate one of our feast days. The Mass count was 220! It was a wonderful day with beautiful weather. A Big THANK YOU to our many helpers who gave their time and skills in putting St. Brendan’s Day Mass and Lunch together, it is truly appreciated. The spirit of the day was truly wonderful. We give thanks to God for all who have contributed to the St Brendan’s story, who have worked to build this community of faith and who call St Brendan’s home. It was a lovely way to say Goodbye to Fr Hien Vu and Sharon Kane (former Parishes Secretary). Here are some photos.
During Lent, guest speakers will provide a brief reflection on the Sunday gospel passage—exploring its context and themes, and how it might encourage us in our Lenten journey.
To hear the Podcast go to https://soundcloud.com/user-842576877/lent-w3-the-woman-at-the-well
Administration Office: 103 Wellington Street Flemington, VIC 3031 | 0451 237 577 | flemken@cam.org.au © Flemken Catholic 2019. All Rights Reserved.
