CELEBRATING 160 YEARS OF
FAITH COMMUNITY IN THE HAWKESBURY
WELCOME
We welcome you to the Parish of Richmond, the largest geographical Parish in the Parramatta Diocese, encompassing/comprising St Monica's Richmond, St Gregory's Kurrajong and St John of God North Richmond. Embracing our rich heritage and faith tradition and grounded in the love of Christ we strive through our deeds to bring about the kingdom of God in Faith, Hope & Charity.
The original foundation stone for St Monica's was laid in January 1859 and we are proud to have families in their seventh and eighth generations still active in our Parish.
WE ENDEAVOUR TO BE:
A living and nurturing community, expressing Christ's presence among us
A nourishing community of faith and prayer
A welcoming community of hospitality and outreach
A compassionate community of healing and pastoral care
AS 2020 DRAWS TO A CLOSE...
As we reach the end of the Church's Liturgical Year, we thank everyone who has helped in the life of the Parish throughout these unprecedented and trying times. Your generosity of spirit, co-operation, patience and goodwill, together with ongoing financial support is truly inspiring.
A special word of thanks is extended to our Priests & Staff who have worked selflessly and tirelessly to keep us safe and informed during this pandemic.
May God Bless you all.
PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS...
Following instructions from the Diocese there will be NO SECOND RITE of RECONCILIATION this year.
From Saturday 28 November 2020, Reconciliation at St. Monica’s Richmond will be from 5.00pm - 5.45pm throughout Advent. The Sacrament will also be available after weekday Morning Mass.
St Gregory's Kurrajong reconciliation will be held as usual, following Saturday morning Mass.
COVID-19 & Our Parish
To attend WEEKDAY MASSES at St Monica's Richmond no booking is required.
To participate at WEEKEND MASSES, online registration is required, this can be done via the REGISTER FOR MASS link below or through our Facebook page
Please note, one registration for one individual only. e.g. A family of eight fills in eight registration forms. Once the quota at each mass has been reached Google forms will not accept more bookings. In which case you may try another mass time or venue.
Mass bookings are printed by 3pm on Friday, so if you register before then you will be on the list at the Church door and all you have to do is sign against your name upon arrival.
If you register after 3pm Friday, simply write your name at the door of the Church if space on the sign-in sheets is available.
Current Directives
Effective from Saturday, 31 October 2020
St Monica's Richmond Maximum capacity 130 people.
St Gregory's Kurrajong Maximum capacity 28 people.
FAQs
Yes, churches in NSW are open under the four-square-metre rule, with up to 130 people allowed inside churches at any one time. Online booking is required to attend Weekend Masses, no booking is required for Weekday Masses.
We ask that parishioners not attend Mass (even if you have booked) if you are feeling unwell in anyway.
Social distancing is in place throughout all areas of our church in line with government recommendations and our COVID-19 safety plan. Pews have been taped off and seats have been removed to meet Government requirements at this time. Signage is provided at the entrance and on seats and flooring for parishioner’s guidance.
- Practice good hygiene, sanitize your hands before entering the church and wipe your area with the wipes provided.
- Ensure you sign in upon arrival, to assist with contact tracing.
- Observe social distancing at all times people of the same household may sit together.
- You must only sit in the church pews which have not been cordoned off at this time.
- Please take the parish bulletin home do not leave it in the Church or return it to the basket.
- Do not mingle when leaving the Church.
- Holy water has been removed from the entrances of the Church.
- Congregational singing is not allowed at this time.
- Holy Communion will only be distributed in the hand. We ask when approaching to receive Holy Communion that you do so in single file to ensure social distancing.
- Passing of collection plates has been suspended. Clearly marked collection boxes have been placed at the entrance's for contributions towards the 1st & 2nd collections, we also have online donation facilities available through our website.
- The Sign of Peace has been suspended at this time.
Following the current NSW Health advice, we highly recommend you wear a mask to, during and from Mass in addition to physical distancing.
Yes. The First Rite of Confession is available Saturdays at 9.30am at St. Gregory’s and 5.30pm at St. Monica’s.
Yes. Please contact the parish office for further details or to book in.
All but priests continue for the time being to be dispensed from attending Sunday Mass, but those who are at low risk of infection and able to do so are exhorted to take all reasonable steps to attend Sunday Mass.
If you are unable to attend, you can keep Sunday holy by setting aside some time for prayer at home, reading the Scriptures of the day, watching Mass on television or online and asking God for the graces you would normally receive in Holy Communion.
In this Advent season of hope, will you share the miracle of Christmas with families in need?
CatholicCare supports vulnerable families in their efforts to build better relationships and give their children a positive start in life.
Thanksgiving Offertory
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
Your gift supports our parish to share Christ's message of love and salvation with all
CONTACT
Parish Office:
1A Bourke Street, Richmond, NSW 2753
Phone: 02 4578 1410
Parish Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9:30 - 4:00pm
ST GREGORY'S
5 Old Bells Line of Road
Kurrajong, NSW 2758
ST MONICA'S
Cnr Windsor St & Bourke St
Richmond, NSW 2753
ST JOHN OF GOD
177 Grose Vale Road
North Richmond, NSW 2753