Catholic Outlook Magazine Lent & Easter Edition 2022

‘Still a wonderful place to pray and stay’
The Lourdes Over-50’s group celebrated its 24th
year in August 2021 but were unable to meet in
person during lockdown. Long-term parishioners
John and Mary Jordan helped to form the group as
an opportunity for older parishioners to get together.
“It was a way to gather our friends in the one spot,
because if you went from house to house, you’d
never be at home,” they explain.
They kept in touch, ready to meet again when
restrictions eased because, “it’s important to be
able to get together again,” says John.
He was also involved with introducing the ministry
of welcomers to the parish, which he says has made
a huge difference as he gets to know new people.
“During lockdown, it was quite lovely to still keep
in touch with parishioners through emails and
phone calls. It’s such a nice feeling to belong to
the community.”
Fr Henry ‘makes us better humans’
The parishioners feel lucky to have had Fr Henry
Huu Duc Tran as their parish priest for 16 years.
“Fr Henry is very giving with his time and energy,”
Youth Coordinator Sarah Lenthall says. “You can tell
he loves his parishioners and this community.”
Laura says, “Like Jesus, Fr Henry likes to be among
the community, among the people. He has a great
connection with everybody in the community,
from the school to the young adults and the older
parishioners. He’s very humble and very authentic.”
Ian adds, “Fr Henry is an inspiration on how to live
our lives through his lived experiences and his story
as a refugee coming to Australia. He has inspired
and supported the faith journeys of so many of our
young people.”
Marian presence ‘omnipresent’ in
parish community
The parishioners have a strong sense of Mary
being present in their parish, both with organised
Marian-themed liturgy and prayer groups, but also
through the active and purposeful involvement of
the parishioners.
Members of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish team (L-R)
Sacramental Coordinator Artelle Lenthall, Parish Secretary
Alison Lette, Youth Coordinator Sarah Lenthall, Parish
Secretary Erika Hien, Parish Priest Fr Henry Tran and
Accounts Officer Kim Dang. Image: Supplied.
The Lourdes Young Adult group, which meets every
second Friday of the month, gathers young people
from the local area and beyond. After sharing a
meal together, the group will then delve into topics
ranging from mental health, climate change and
interfaith dialogue from a faith-based perspective.
The young adults in the community have a passion
for social justice, which is showcased in their
involvement in the St Vincent de Paul Society’s
Community Sleepout, as well as hosting a food
drive with their Islamic neighbours during Ramadan.
“The whole parish is united in social justice
activities,” youth team member Ian Epondulan
explains. “It’s a witness to their faith that a lot of our
parish is very passionate about social justice.”
Parish Secretary Alison Lette describes the strong
teamwork in the parish. “Everyone is willing to help
out one another at any time,” she says.
Says Laura, “I feel that seeing so many women
volunteering in our church, as well as those
who work for the church, somehow reflects her
presence. Like Mary, they too have said ‘yes’ to this
calling of ministry.
“Mother Mary and Our Lady of Lourdes has
definitely worked wonders in the women and the
young girls in our community.”
CatholicOutlook Magazine
congratulates Our Lady of
Lourdes Parish for celebrating
their 60th Diamond Jubilee on
13 February 2022. We pray that
Our Lady of Lourdes continues
to fill the parish with grace.
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