by Marideth “Lilet” Laquian

The Year 2009 was greeted with a “big bang” and lots of lights with sparkles  and fireworks.
Another big event was Australia Day on the 26 January.
February is the month of love and the start for our Filipino Chaplaincy activity, the St Joseph Festival  Fundraising night on the 13 February 2009.
March is the month of the Big Event for our Chaplaincy , the Annual  Feast of St. Joseph , the husband of  Mary.

The excitement and enthusiasm of each Chaplaincy member who are very much  involved in the different committees is very evident on the first meeting  in  the Chaplaincy House.
Many ideas , concerns and voluntary work are overwhelming and has given a good start for the planning, implementation , and looking forward to the end result of the Big Event as a Success.
The different committees were formed, with new and old members working together in preparation for the improvement for a better if not the best Fiesta.
As one of the committee members, together with my husband, we felt the camaraderie and the genuine support of each member.
It is a wonderful feeling for a church member to be contributing in small or big ways on such an important and memorable event.

March 22,2009 , the Feast of St Joseph, the husband of Mary, the good and faithful servant.
The scene of a well organized and proper planning of an important event is shown on how the stage, the altar, the tents, and the different booths were set up. The conservative yet elegant decoration with a strong message at the stage exemplifies the strength and hardwork of the different committee members who worked day and night prior to the big event.
The scene of the different religious organizations with their members preparing for their own booth in order for them to share the blessings and grace that our Lord God provides in our daily life , that is the food prepared by the different groups for the fellowship after the mass.

Then the important participation of each and every church member, visitors and the priests and nuns who came from different localities for the Thanksgiving Mass.
The message of the most Reverend  Kevin Michael Manning, the Bishop of Parramatta is very clear and simple – It is indeed vital for all to learn from the example of Saint Joseph which demonstrates that fidelity and patience are vital virtues in family life.
The message of Fr. Raning Creta – Through the feast of St. Joseph, God is reminding us to become a community of hope.
As one of the workers , Fr. Raning Creta is a role model in uplifting the moral of an individual as an important creation of our Lord God. He is a silent worker but a great achiever in faith, an inspiration in His sharing of the Word of God .
One of the highlights of the event is for Fr. Raning to thank the different committees, organizations and individuals involved in the hardwork, enthusiasm and support of those involved.
The different speeches of the invited special guests were short but full of praise and support for the success of the Big Event.
What was most enjoyable and fun was the fellowship, how we gather the people of different walks of life sharing the grace of the Lord God prepared by the concerned and generous individuals.
The continuation of the event was a successful Talent competition, family games and activities for the children  participated by different age groups.
It was a beautiful , bright, colourful event and most of all a Blessed Day  !
Congratulations to all who participated and made this years’ Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary a SUCCESS !!!