19 days after Pentecost, the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish, Westmead, observed and celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Pope St John Paul II, a great devotee of the Sacred Heart, said, “This Feast reminds us of the mystery of the love of God for the people of all times,” and at the celebratory Mass, Parish Priest Fr Walter Fogarty led the service reflecting on the infinite love and compassion that Jesus had for all humanity. After the service, a special feast was held for over 125 members of the parish to celebrate the parish community.
Bringing people together is important
Fr Walter said since COVID, it’s important to bring people together and celebrate the simpler things in life.
“The Feast Day is important for any parish,” he said. “We decided to hold a special celebration in the evening as not everyone can make it to Mass in the morning. Apart from observing the Feast Day, it is a sense of bringing everyone together for a common celebration.
“We have a diverse community and connecting with people is important. Our faith is called to share and connect to people’s lives. With a growing community and transient community, it can be difficult to do so we wanted to go beyond just going to Mass.”
The biggest event on the parish calendar
The parish church is located within the grounds at the Sacred Heart Primary School, Westmead. School Principal Natalie Mifsud and Assistant Principal Jodie Smith were there to support Fr Walter and the event.
Sacred Heart Primary Westmead Assistant Principal Jodie Smith (left) and Principal Natalie Mifsud at the Sacred Heart Parish Feast Day celebrations in Westmead. Image: Lisa Bright/Supplied
“The Feast of the Sacred Heart is the biggest event of the year,” said Natalie. “It is an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate with parents, students, staff and members of the Catholic community including Parramatta Marist, Catherine McAuley Westmead and Mother Teresa Primary schools. We had Mass in the morning then we had celebrations including a Catholic youth band playing and face painting.
“We gather together and reflect on how lucky we are to be part of the community. We reflect on what makes us special and how we are the heart and hands of Jesus.”
Fr Walter a guiding light
Natalie says that not all schools have a church on-site and have that level of access. She is appreciative of Fr Walter and commented that it is really special that he provides so much leadership and support.
“Fr Walter connects so well with all members of the community which is a highlight for us,” she said. “We wanted to come along to support Fr Walter as much as he supports us. We want that connectedness between the parish and the school.”
A new member of the parish, Soumya Rex, acknowledged how Fr Walter has provided tremendous support for her and her family since she moved to the area six months ago.
“Fr Walter has been of a great guidance since we moved here. He is a guiding light. The Parish is warm, friendly and welcoming. It is great to see such a big turnout tonight,” she said.
Local parishioners are seen at the Sacred Heart Parish Feast Day celebrations in Westmead. Image: Lisa Bright/Supplied
The evening included a generous feast and family activities including a selfie display, trivia sheets and a board where people could write on a post-it note what they enjoy most about the parish.
It was a wonderful occasion that brought the parish and community together to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart.
In 1675, Jesus told St Margaret Mary that he wanted the Feast of the Sacred Heart to be celebrated on the Friday after the Corpus Christi octave. In 1856, the Feast of the Sacred Heart became a universal feast.
“Mother Theresa said the heart of Jesus is an open heart. Having an open heart is important to welcome all.”
If you are new to the Westmead area and would like join the Sacred Heart Westmead Parish community, please visit: https://www.sacredheartwestmead.com.au/
Beckie Lee is a freelance journalist and contributor to Catholic Outlook.
