Unity in diversity at Riverstone Pentecost celebration

23 May 2024
Parishioners are seen following Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost at St John the Evangelist Parish, Riverstone, on 19 May 2024. Image: Supplied

 

On the Solemnity of Pentecost last Sunday, the parish community of St John the Evangelist, Riverstone, were united in hearing the same Gospel in all our culturally diverse languages.

The Holy Spirit blessed the Riverstone community with the gathering of all at the table of plenty. As Parish Priest Fr Zakaria (Zak) Gayed was overseas, Mass was celebrated by retired priest Fr Andrew Robinson who, with his great generosity, provided a very inspiring and warm Homily and celebration for the parishioners and visitors, who overfilled the Church.

Fr Andrew Robinson celebrates Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost at St John the Evangelist Parish, Riverstone, on 19 May 2024. Image: Supplied

Pentecost is our feast of solidarity and a day of great reflection. Following Mass, parishioners marched with the flags of our country of birth and heritage around the parish grounds in a sign of spreading the Good News.

Following the procession, parishioners gathered at the multicultural community food table to share in God’s gifts of food and community spirit and celebration. God Bless us all.

Our faith teaches us at this time of Pentecost to believe that the Holy Spirit is given for the blessing of all human beings, just as Jesus warmly welcome all human beings as they are all God’s children.

Parishioners are seen during the procession of flags following Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost at St John the Evangelist Parish, Riverstone, on 19 May 2024. Image: Supplied

The community at Riverstone and surrounding districts in the Hawkesbury Valley have been and are a very strong and caring community of multiple denominations, all believing in the one God and all his teachings. And we believe that the Spirit is given for the blessing of all human beings. Pentecost at Riverstone transforms our community into a warm, unified, and mission-driven community and is the celebration of unity in diversity.

A special thanks to all involved at Riverstone in making this special day such an enjoyable and memorable occasion.

A big thank you to the two schools in our Diocese who kindly provided the Parish the use of their flags for the most Countries represented: CathWest Innovation College, Mt Druitt and St Clare’s Catholic High School, Hassall Grove.

In a message to parishioners, Fr Zakaria said he was proud of the community for making the Pentecost celebration a success and that he hopes the parishioners serve as good examples to the community.

“Pentecost saw the birth of a new community, the Church. This is the day the apostles left the supper room, where they had been hiding for fear of the Jews and went out fearlessly to preach the Gospel to the world.

“They could not have done this if they had not received power from on high, that is, the Holy Spirit. We too need the Holy Spirit in order to live as Christians. It is the Holy Spirit who binds us together and helps us to witness to Christ in the world.

“May God bless all those who have been giving good examples in our community and work hard to make this happen and we are proud of you for doing a great job and to keep the faith strong in our community as we continue to grow in faith and witness of the Lord.”

With thanks to the St John’s Riverstone Pentecost Celebration Committee.

 

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