Remembering the men who laboured in the Lord’s vineyard

By Anita Sulentic, 8 December 2022
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and members of the faithful pray at the gravestones of deceased Diocese of Parramatta clergy during the inaugural Diocesan commemoration for Deceased Clergy at Castle Hill Cemetery. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

 

The first Mass for Deceased Clergy

The Diocese of Parramatta celebrated its first official Mass for our deceased clergy on Friday 25 November 2022 at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill.

Parishioners and 11 priests from around the Diocese, joined in prayer with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and Vicars General Fr Peter Williams and Fr Chris de Souza to pray for those whose lives were dedicated to selflessly putting the care of others before themselves, and bringing us all closer to Christ.

Members of the faithful are seen during the inaugural Diocesan Mass for Deceased Clergy at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

During his homily, Bishop Vincent spoke of the important role that men such as Bishop Bede Heather, and Fathers Louis Breslan, Dave Scott, Joe Walsh, Roger Wynn, Eric Burton, David Hume and others played in growing and nourishing the faith community within the Diocese of Parramatta.

“They endeavoured to be the presence of Christ to others. They were the men who laboured in the Lord’s vineyard and gave themselves in service of God’s people during the fledgling years of this young Church.

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, delivers the homily during the inaugural Diocesan Mass for Deceased Clergy at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

“As Saint Paul said, they have generously shared with us not only the Gospel of God but their lives as well. They have lived the paschal mystery to the best of their ability. They have shown us the true priesthood of Jesus Christ: compassion, humility and servanthood,” said Bishop Vincent.

RELATED: ‘Dear brothers and sisters’ – Bishop Vincent’s homily from 25 November 2022

As the Head of Clergy Health and Wellbeing for the Diocese, Mark Buhagiar was instrumental in developing the first official Mass to remember and pray for our deceased priests.

“Our priests have looked after us for their whole life. As Catholics and as parishioners, this is our opportunity to show our gratitude and care for those who have cared for us,” he said.

The Mass was followed by prayers at the gravesites of clergy buried in Castle Hill Cemetery. Attendees were able to view the gravesites and their inscriptions, one of which read, “A great priest. A true friend.”

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, blesses the gravestones of deceased Diocese of Parramatta clergy during the inaugural Diocesan commemoration for Deceased Clergy at Castle Hill Cemetery. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

These virtues were included in an address on the priesthood by Pope Francis in February 2022. He stated that there were four pillars or “four forms of closeness” he considers fundamental to the life of a priest. The four forms include closeness to God, closeness to the Bishop, closeness to other priests and closeness to the people of God.

He concluded his address by saying “the forms of closeness that the Lord demands are not an added burden; they are a gift that he gives to keep our vocation alive and fruitful.”

Within the Diocese, we are blessed with so many priests and clergy – past, present and future, that are bringing people closer to God. Please continue to keep all priests in your prayers, just as they keep you in theirs.

If you would like to make a donation to the Clergy Support Foundation, who look after our retired clergy and those that are unwell, please click here.

View images from the inaugural Mass for Deceased Clergy here or below:

CDPp_117

 

Read Daily
* indicates required

RELATED STORIES