One of the oldest Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) groups in Western Sydney has marked its 55th anniversary with a Mass attended by past and present members and their friends, from all over Sydney and beyond.
The Emmaus Prayer Community, which began as the Pendle Hill Prayer Group in Greystanes in 1971, celebrated the milestone on Saturday 24 October at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church at Greystanes.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, celebrated the Mass with Parish Priest Fr Paul Roberts, and the Chaplin of CCR in the Diocese of Parramatta, Fr Ambrose Owusu-Ansah. Music was played by The Young Fernando Trio, with prayer and praise led by Dilani.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, with Fr Ambrose Owusu-Ansah (left) and Parish Priest Fr Paul Roberts (right). Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
In his homily, Bishop Vincent said that Charismatic Renewal is part of the Church’s program in following the New Evangelisation. He encouraged the congregation to grow and be spirit-filled and contribute to the life of the local parish communities. He urged all to grow in unity as one body in Christ, contributing our diversity of gifts by allowing love to navigate this diversity.
On the road to Emmaus, Jesus opened the eyes of two disciples; as we look at Jesus’s life in His coming, dying, resurrection and sending forth The Holy Spirit, may our eyes be opened as we walk with Jesus and be daily transformed, Bishop Vincent said.
The emergence of the Charismatic Renewal in America in 1969 was soon followed with groups meeting in Melbourne and Sydney. The group in Greystanes began in July 1971 as the Pendle Hill Prayer Group with three adults and 12 young people. As it grew, a committed core group was formed and in October 1977 the name Emmaus Prayer Community was adopted.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
At a retreat in Bowral in 1979 the community received five guiding pillars: truthfulness, trustfulness, kindness, gentleness and prayerfulness, with commitment as the foundation of community life. They met on Sunday evenings. The community grew rapidly and soon developed family groups and a prayer ministry that was available to everyone.
Over the years Emmaus has contributed significantly to parish life through music ministry, Life in the Spirit seminars, discipleship groups, spiritual formation, healing prayer and outreach.
Bishop Vincent with parishioners following Mass. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
In 1986, a second group began on Thursday mornings and has continued faithfully until the present. Other prayer groups sprang from the Emmaus community as the Charismatic Renewal spread across Sydney and beyond.
Chairperson of CCR Parramatta Diocese Gerry Galam, and Chairperson of CCR NSW Anne Marie Gatenby, gave messages of congratulations, encouragement and hope to all present at the celebrations.
Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
“It was lovely seeing people from different prayer groups and communities gathering to celebrate 55 years with Emmaus, it was truly a Holy Spirit-filled celebration,” Anne Marie said.
After the Mass, Desirée Molloy gave a brief overview of Emmaus history, there was a scrumptious feast of food, while the congregation was able to reminisce with some captivating pictures of Emmaus over the years, which brought back fond memories for many.
The celebration of the Emmaus Prayer Community anniversary is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission, Formation and Community. Visit Synodality to find out more.
Click here for view more images from the event.
