I have come to bring fire

‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! (Lk 12:49). Although the image of raging fire may evoke as sociations with destruction, fire can also be a force that purifies, transforms, and even beautifies reality: The accomplishments of goldsmithing, crafts, gastronomy, and medicine are greatly attributed to the power of fire. It is not surprising that Jesus uses this imagery to convey the renewal he wishes to bring to our lives and to the world.  This renewal involves choosing him, acknowledging him as our Lord, and allowing him to grow within us — with the help of the Holy Spirit—because he has shown us how to be human beings created in the image of God, along with the promise of an eternal destiny.

As baptised, we received the fire of the Holy Spirit on our baptism day. We pray for the Holy Spirit to help us ignite this fire. One saint encourages us, “This is what you pray for: to become fire, a living flame providing warmth and light. So, when you feel unable to continue, when you are fading and can’t add more fragrant logs to the fire, toss in small twigs and leaves of vocal prayers to keep the flame alive.” Perhaps we wish for this fire to burn strongly within us, with all its power, but prayer can sometimes discourage us if it doesn’t seem to produce the expected flame. It is also good to ask a question. Which is more beneficial: a large fire or a small flame? Sometimes, a tiny, discreet flame, though seemingly weak and unstable, can be a useful tool like a medicine that brings healing and restoration.

Blessings Fr Jan

ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN

The Annual Catholic Campaign reminds us that we are part of the larger Church. Our parishes work together to support vital ministries and services. Funds raised will support ministries that directly impact this parish, such as:

• Training future priests,
• Caring for elderly priests when they become frail and unwell,
• Helping struggling families access a Catholic education and
• Caring for those suffering physically and emotionally in our local community.
• There is also the option to make a non-tax-deductible gift to help fund grassroots ministry.

When making your gift, please put your donation inside the envelope provided so it remains separate from the parish collection. If you add your details to the envelope you will receive a tax receipt in the mail.

Flocknote Get Connected!

Have you registered online as a member of our parish? All parishioners are invited to register using Flocknote, our new church designed, Australia-wide data programme. One way to register is to use your phone and scan the QR code below. It will take you directly to the parish sign-up page. You will then receive an email with a confirmation code that allows you to securely enter your family details.

COME AND SING TO MARY

On the parish calendar for 12 September, there is a planned hymn-singing evening to Our Lady. The idea of this event is to sing Marian hymns from various cultural back grounds. Darra Jindalee is fortunate to have
many parishioners from different heritages. Our Lady holds a special place in the hearts of all parishioners, regardless of where we come from. I am sure that each group has its own hymns that have come from its heritage, e.g. Polish Catholics have many hymns dedicated to Our Lady. I believe that would be the case for the Filipinos, Vietnamese, Koreans, Croatians, Samoans, etc.

I invite you to come forward and sing one or two Marian hymns in your own language that comes from your heritage. Please contact: darjin@bne.catholic.net.au or ph 07 3715 8517

After signing in at the church, we will enjoy mulled wine to keep warm on a chilly September evening. Fr Jan

RCIA

Our RCIA programmes commences next Tuesday August 26 at 7 pm., Jindalee Church Hall. Our topic for Session 1 is “In Search for God”

If you consider joining or know someone who might be interested in becoming Catholic, a special programme has been designed to prepare candidates for the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.)

This programme is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It is a basic formation programme offered to those seeking to become Catholics. Are you considering becoming Catholic? Do you know someone who would like to learn more about the Catholic Faith? Please contact the Darra-Jindalee Parish office via email darjin@bne.catholic.net.au or phone 07 3715 8517.

The participants meet weekly on Tuesday evenings to explore the Catholic faith. During these sessions, they engage with facilitators and a priest as they progress through the stages leading up to Lent and the Easter Vigil (April 5, 2026), when they will celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation.

ARCHITECTS

Looking for Architects. As part of the process to obtain approval for constructing the new hall at Darra Church, the parish needs to submit a report or opinion assessing the impact of the new building on the heritage-listed Darra Church. This report must be prepared by specialised architects who have expertise in dealing with historical buildings. If you are a parishioner in this field or know someone who is, please inform the parish office on 07 3715 8517.

Honouring the Memory of Fr Dan

As we reflect on the incredible legacy of Fr Dan, who faithfully served as our parish priest, we are inviting all parishioners to help us build a lasting tribute to his memory.

We are currently gathering photos, audio/video recordings, printed materials, and personal stories that capture Fr Dan’s time in the parish. Whether it’s a photo from a special Mass, a recording of his homilies, a bulletin he wrote, or a story you remember—every piece helps tell the story of his impact on our community.

Please email to Valentinaslozada@gmail.com. Every contribution—no
matter how small—helps us build a meaningful archive for current and future generations.

Let’s come together to honour Fr Dan’s life and the incredible role he
played in shaping our parish family.

DARRA JINDALEE PARISH MEDIA
The Darra Jindalee Parish take and use images and videos to celebrate
achievements, promote works and events, and other purposes to help achieve the Church’s mission.

Images may appear in, for example, newsletters, bulletins, posters, on
the Parish/Archdiocesan website, on social media platform, on a live streaming video platform and other promotional media/materials.

The parish has appointed Luisa Laughren and Natania Butler of NatImage to capture images and media files which are then respectfully stored and managed on behalf of the parish as per Archdiocesan media protocols.

Should you not wish to be in any of the future parish media images and videos please advise the parish office at ym.darjin@bne.catholic.net.au.

9am Mass Darra
The Parish is very short of Ministers of Holy Communion for this
Mass. Three Ministers are needed each week to assist Father with Communion.  This has only been made possible for this roster (Jan to Mar) by volunteers coming from other Masses to help out.

The Parish urgently needs six (6) parishioners to join this roster
to help Father every 4-5 weeks.  Please consider volunteering by contacting the Parish Office your help is very much needed and will be appreciated.