Important information regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) – communique #6 Hello again, As you know the environment of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is ever-changing and I would like to provide you with an update on how we are addressing COVID-19 locally. Before I do however, I want to let you know that we are conscious of wanting to communicate effectively and [...]

Important information regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) - communique #5 Over the weekend the Australian Government announced new Stage 1 restrictions on social gatherings that, although they are to be reviewed monthly, it is expected that these measures would be in place for at least six months. You can get the details of these restrictions at: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-220320, but what does [...]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) communique #4 (20 March) The Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) met again this morning and I would like to provide you with an update from that meeting. Please see above for a video from Fr Paul providing notification of the cancellation of Mass for this weekend and also an update on future plans for Mass [...]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) communique #3 (18 March) I would like to bring you up to date on the issues discussed at the most recent meeting of Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This team has been established to deliver this communique as the official communication from the Parish offering guidance and instruction regarding the Coronavirus. [...]

March 20 is International Day of Happiness Research shows volunteering makes you happier With the United Nations’ ‘International Day of Happiness’ just around the corner on Friday 20 March, it’s a great time to consider how doing things for others enhances personal happiness. According to a study conducted by Syracuse University in 2007, people who give are [...]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update #2 Last week, the Parish convened its Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) to highlight any issues pertaining to the COVID-19 Coronavirus and to ensure staff are kept up to date with the latest advice as to what we are doing locally. The Team has identified that the key priority is to do all we [...]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update #1, including changes to Mass Dear Colleagues, Families, Residents, Parishioners and Volunteers, No doubt you will be aware of media reports and discussions at Federal and State Government level surrounding the activation of the Australian Government’s Emergency Response Plan for the COVID-19 Coronavirus. While not wanting to cause alarm, St Agnes’ Parish and its [...]

What Lent means to me Tony Worner - Leader of Lay Formation As the season of Lent begins each year, I am always reminded of the song Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season), by Pete Seeger of the Byrds. (The lyrics are based on the first eight verses of the third chapter [...]

Real Schools provide thought-provoking day at MacKillop College Last Monday, 24 February, MacKillop College staff participated in a Professional Learning day lead by Adam Voight from Real Schools. The day was focused around restorative practice to enhance positive relationships in the classroom such as enhanced learning and a contribution to individual wellbeing which are foundational to the [...]

Why St Agnes' Catholic Parish has a unique and trusted Education Pathway Coordinating Executive Officer for St Agnes’ Parish Education Stephen Pares says the unique educational pathway offered by St Agnes’ Parish has long been trusted and respected, and will continue to be ground-breaking in the next stage of its next stage of renewal. Below is an [...]

Parish lodges DAs with Council as part of CCA Masterplan for future of aged care in the Hastings St Agnes’ Parish has lodged Development Applications (DAs) with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to refurbish Emmaus on Colonel Barney Drive and to develop the vacant land next to it as a village style community for those living with dementia and [...]

Sandra says all you need to be a volunteer is an open heart Parish volunteers come from all walks of life and work in many different roles; some faith-based and some not. One such volunteer is Sandra Hartas. When Sandra found she had a bit more time on her hands through retirement, she used the opportunity to [...]