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 Habemus Papam! We have a Pope. With great joy, I join the Church worldwide in welcoming Pope Leo XIV as the 267th successor of St. Peter. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the College of Cardinals has discerned a leader deeply rooted in faith, unity, and service.  

When Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony, his first words, “Peace be with you,” echoed the greeting of the Risen Lord. It is a reminder that the Pope’s primary mission, like St. Peter and his successors, is to proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His smile and serene presence have already touched hearts, offering the world a message of hope and renewal.  

The American born Pope Leo XIV’s motto, as a bishop, “In the One, one”, beautifully reflects his call to unify. From the people of Rome to his Peruvian diocese and beyond, his opening address spoke of peace, walking together, and God’s unfailing mercy and love. His focus on unity and his commitment to the themes of synodality show a desire to bring collective harmony to a diverse, global Church.  

The new Pope’s experience is as varied as it is profound. His time as an Augustinian monk, Prior General of the Augustinian Order and Peruvian bishop and his significant Vatican roles exemplify a balance of his mystical, pastoral, administrative and linguistic charisms. This rich and diverse background uniquely equips him to guide the Church with wisdom and compassion.  His choice of Leo XIV reminds us of Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) whose long Papal ministry was foundational to the articulation of Catholic Social Teaching.  

We now enter a time of prayer as Pope Leo XIV prepares for his formal installation and begins his ministry as the Bishop of Rome. With gratitude for the legacy of Pope Francis, we move forward with confidence, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead us through this Jubilee pilgrimage of hope. I ask all the faithful to join me in praying for Pope Leo XIV as he undertakes this God given mission.  

May God bless him, and may his Servant leadership bring abundant grace to the Church and the world.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse

Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn

8^th May 2025

CLAIM THE DATES - In anticipation of your diaries filling up with appointments for the coming year, please note the following dates for the Sacraments of Initiation in 2025:

Term 1 – First Reconciliation

Parent Information Night – Sacrament of First Reconciliation - Tuesday, 11 February, 6pm via MS Teams

Presentation Masses – Saturday, 1 March, 6pm OR Sunday, 2 March 9.30am and 5.30pm, Holy Trinity Church

Reconciliation Retreat – Friday, 28 March, 9.30am-2.30pm, Holy Trinity School Hall

Sacramental Celebration – Tuesday, 8 April, 6pm, Holy Trinity Church

Term 2 – Confirmation

Parent Information Night – Sacrament of Confirmation – Tuesday, 6 May, 6pm via MS Teams

Presentation Masses – Saturday, 24 May, 6pm OR Sunday, 25 May 9.30am and 5.30pm, Holy Trinity Church

Stole Night (parent and child) – Thursday, 5 June, 5.30pm, Sts Peter and Paul School Hall, Garran

Confirmation Retreat – Friday, 20 June, 9am-2.30pm, Holy Trinity School Hall

Sacramental Celebration – Tuesday, 24 June, and Wednesday 25 June, 6pm, Holy Trinity Church

Term 3 – First Eucharist

Parent Information Night – Sacrament of First Eucharist - Tuesday, 29 July, 6pm via MS Teams

Presentation Masses – Saturday, 23 August, 6pm OR Sunday, 24 August 9.30am and 5.30pm, Holy Trinity Church

First Eucharist Retreat – Friday, 12 September, 9am-2.30pm, Holy Trinity School Hall

Sacramental Celebration – Saturday, 20 September, 6pm, and Sunday, 21 September, 9.30am and 5.30pm, Holy Trinity Church

PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.