Pastoral Presence at St Francis of Assisi Parish, Mill Park

Our pastoral vocation is expressed in the name by which the Church recognizes us in; “Sisters of Jesus Good Shepherd” This name is for us a memorial of Christ who died and rose again so us to gather together in unity the scattered children of God and gospel to live in communion in communion with Him at the service of his Kingdom. RoL4.

My presence at St Francis of Assisi parish, Mill Park, as a Pastoral Associate, mainly focuses on the ministry to the Sick, and on helping in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program.  It is an uplifting experience to see how our presence in the local church is visible and relevant in the secular world.

In my three months in the parish, I have witnessed how people of diverse backgrounds connect in finding Jesus in the sacraments.  My experience in Nursing Homes and visiting the sick in their homes has made me realize how enriching diversity truly is, and how the power of empathy and open-mindedness has led me to acknowledge God’s mercy and closeness towards the elderly and the sick as they yearn to receive Jesus. This has moved me to be a more Eucharistic person.

The celebration of the Paschal Triduum has brought us together by participating in the local churches where we are. The highlight of the Triduum at St. Francis of Assisi parish this year was the reception at the Easter Vigil of the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation of fifteen people after completing the RCIA program led by Fr Anthony Girolami, parish priest.  The parish holds six months of intense faith formation for the candidates. They are presented to the wider church community, within the Rite of Commission held at the Cathedral and presided by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter Comensoli. Truly, an Easter gift, expression of the gift of Jesus Good Shepherd, who died and rose again to be with us always as he promised to his disciples after the resurrection, often referred to as the Great Commission as found in Matthew’s Gospel. The final words of Jesus to his disciples are sending them out to make disciples of all nations and promising His continual presence as they carry out His mission. The same mission as members of the Pauline Family that our Founder reminds us through the words written in all Pauline chapels: “Be not afraid, I am with you always”. These very words I uttered to the fifteen brothers and sisters who, at the Easter Vigil, received the gift of faith, and challenged them to carry out Christ's mission with nothing to be afraid of, because we are an Easter people.

sr Rodelia D. Bordan, sjbp