Last Sunday (21 January) on the feast of our Parish’s patron saint, St Agnes, at Masses in churches and chapels throughout the Parish ‘Service before Self’ was launched as our Value in Focus for 2024.

In December each year the Parish Priest (Fr Paul) and CEO (Tony Leahy) reflect on our six Parish Values to discern which will be our focus value for the following year.

Fr Paul, picking up on the scripture quote (John 13: 14-17) aligned with this value, says, “As Christ washed the feet of his disciples, we are called to do simple acts of service for others”.

“It has been five years since ‘Service before Self’ has been in the spotlight as our focus value and both Tony and I felt a focus on service before self in 2024 was ideal for what we, as a parish, hope to achieve and do for others,” says Fr Paul.

Adding to this Tony says, “in choosing this value, we are also acknowledging the legacy of service the Parish has been known for whilst reminding ourselves why we are here”.

“This value reflects our commitment to prioritising the well-being and betterment of others above our personal interests.  Fulfillment and purpose can be found in acts of service,” says Tony.

“2024 is a time to renew our vow to continue to deliver for those we serve”, concludes Tony.

By placing emphasis on ‘Service before Self’ in 2024, as individuals and as a parish, we are afforded the opportunity to be intentional in our endeavours to live the aspirational attitudes and behaviours of this value outlined our Parish Values booklet.

In 2021, our Parish candle and six values candles, sourced from “The Abbey” at Jamberoo (southern highlands in NSW), were blessed, and each year on St Agnes’ feast day the candle of the chosen value is lit at Mass.