The Parish’s second annual pancake breakfast built on the success of last year’s.

Around 60 people and a cat named ‘Faith’ gathered on Shrove Tuesday (13/2) for the 2^nd annual pancake breakfast in the Parish BBQ area behind the Parish Administration Building. Some faces were familiar, still others were new to the area and seeking to connect with our community.

With over 150 pancakes cooked the ‘not quite 5,000’ were fed, spirits were nourished with smiles, conversations, and warm hospitality.

The morning offered a menu of simple fare: yoghurt and muesli fruit cups, fresh fruit, gluten free Pancakes, a range of toppings (nutella, jam, cream, and maple syrup) tea, coffee, and fruit juice. There was a coffee van, too, for people wishing to purchase a ‘better’ coffee. People came and went throughout the morning.

The event would not happen without Deb Ward’s catering skills, Tony Worner’s organisation, and Fr Paul’s pancake flipping prowess. Thanks also goes to Julia Tierney, Jenny Marks, and Anne O’Brien for their help during set up.

It was also great to see Therese Freeman, Daniel Barakat, Elizabeth Johnson, Tony Worner, Tess Koning and Tony McAlister from the Parish Pastoral Council, as well as Fr Prodencio and Fr Roland, getting involved and taking the time to listen to parishioners.

At the breakfast, in preparation for the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, a ‘thought board’ posed three questions for people to respond to if they wished. Here are the questions and some of the responses given on the day:

Pray: Who or what will I pray for?

Peace in the Middle East and the world; the poor; our family, our home, our future; all who are suffering silent battles; suffering souls in purgatory; families doing it tough; the homeless; for unity of mind, heart, and spirit.

Fast: What will I give up or let go of?

Give up – Chocolate; hot Chocolate; lollies; meat, alcohol, and ice cream; desserts; technology/screen time.

Let go of – old wounds; impatience and anger; gossip.

Give: What will I do to give to others?

Be kind; help a family in need; support local charity and other fundraising eg St Agnes Foundation, Project Compassion; donate some of my toys to charity; share Christ’s love.

If you couldn’t make it to the breakfast, think about these questions for yourself, commit to living out your own responses during Lent, and see for yourself where this takes you.

The purpose of Lent is to grow in goodness and love, to strengthen our relationship with God and others, and to remember the sacrifice of Jesus by being more Christ-like in our words and deeds.

Lent runs from 14 February to 28 March.