Bateman and Kwinana senior parishioners in front of St Vincent’s Church. Photo: Bateman Parish.
By Mary Golding and Theresia Titus
Forty-six senior parishioners from Bateman Parish, St Thomas More Church, have last month visited senior parishioners from St Vincent’s Church, Kwinana Parish, on 5 July.
Bateman senior parishioners used buses to go to Kwinana, which were provided by Corpus Christi College.
Bateman Parish Priest Fr Phong Nguyen and Kwinana Parish Priest Fr Daniel Boyd arranged the gathering.
Bateman and Kwinana senior parishioners during concelebrated Mass at St Vincent’s Church. Photo: Bateman Parish.
“The senior parishioners wanted to do an outing so Fr Boyd and I contacted each other and get the idea,” Fr Phong said.
Bateman parishioners were captivated by the setting of St Vincent’s Church upon their arrival as the natural Australian bushland surrounding the church.
The visit included a concelebrated healing Mass, where many of the seniors took the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Blessing of the Sick.
Bateman and Kwinana senior Parishioners received Holy Healing Anointing during Mass at St Vincent’s Church. Photo: Bateman Parish.
After the Mass, the participants then enjoyed a session of morning tea.
“Morning tea was organised by Kwinana St Vincent’s Church parishioners,” Fr Phong said.
It was a particularly happy gathering as both priests had served in both parishes.
Bateman and Kwinana senior parishioners during morning tea session prepared by Kwinana parishioners. Photo: Bateman Parish.
Fr Phong had served at Kwinana Parish for seven years prior moving to Bateman Parish.
Fr Boyd had also served in Bateman Parish prior to his ordination.
“I was at Kwinana Parish St Vincent’s Church before [my ordination to the priesthood] so I know some of the senior parishioners,” Fr Phong said.
The outing visit generated a positive ambience with many happy memories and friendships were renewed.
“They were happy to see each other,” Fr Phong said.
Senior parishioners from Bateman Parish have invited Kwinana parishioners to join them in celebrating Mass and a Christmas luncheon late in November.