The Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te “I have loved you” (Rev 3:9), focused on love for the poor, and was signed by Pope Leo XIV on October 4, 2025, and published on October 9.
The parish of Our Lady of the Way Emu Plains has for the last two years contributed to the life of the poor and marginalised of the Blue Mountains by their continued support of the Catholic Care Emergency Food Drive.
Once a month parishioners donate nonperishable food such as long-life milk, pasta, tinned goods, tea, coffee, snacks and personal care items – anything that can make life easier for those facing challenging times in their life.
After the last of the parish masses for the nominated weekend, these goods are then transported to the offices of Catholic Care, located at Springwood, on the following Monday. At Christmas, donations are also sourced for the Women’s Refuge at Katoomba together with small gifts for the children who otherwise would have nothing on this most important of days.
Image: supplied
Parishioners Kay Walker and Carol Burke liaise with the community outreach worker Karen Hurley, and volunteers make the trip from the foot of the mountains to transport the donated goods. More than 400 bags of groceries were donated in 2025.
Despite no longer being part of the Blue Mountains Deanery, the parish has continued its support as the need is still there. Catholic Care operates as a drop-in centre from Mondays to Thursday, where people can stop by for a cup of tea and a chat, and whilst there can avail themselves of the services available or be connected to community services and other resources when needed.
Whilst not a long-term solution it is assisting people at that precise moment and allows them to feel valued and supported by those who genuinely care about their wellbeing. The parish prides itself on putting faith into action with this important initiative, and on the appeal weekend a petition is placed in the prayer of the Faithful: “We pray for those who contribute faithfully each month to the Catholic Care food drive. May they be richly blessed for their generosity of spirit in helping those who are going through challenging times in their lives.”
As with any initiative there is always room for more people to become involved so any parish who would like to join in this wonderful program should contact: Karen Hurley on 0400 352 417, or email Karen.Hurley@catholiccarewsbm.org.au
