Yet again a successful Parish Christmas luncheon was held at Carmen’s On the Park Restaurant, at Barnwell Park Golf Club.

Thanks to the organisers, Anne Manenti and her committee, 80 people enjoyed a lovely Christmas style lunch with pork or chicken and pudding and custard, while being entertained by singer Kerrie Graham.

The Parish luncheon is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and unwind. We were so lucky with the weather as the preceding day saw Sydney suffering the onslaught of the most rain in 100 years, over such a short period.

Monsignor John said “Grace”, literally, and then reminded us how fortunate we were to have this opportunity to socialise and share a good meal.

There were the usual lucky door prizes and a surprise Christmas treat. The Social Committee had wrapped 80 individual Christmas presents, one for every one there: it was a lucky dip. Some of us received a fun type gift and others were lucky with a more expensive gift. All in the fun. I received a lovely scarf and Kevin a shopping bag and pastry cutter. Very appropriate. People enjoyed opening their presents and exchanging laughs, while many others enjoyed a dance.

We also celebrated two significant birthdays, Vince Sita, a parishioner who was turning 89, and Monsignor John, who did disclose his age in his thank you speech.

Another thank you presentation was to Otto, who looks after the church garden and always brings his home grown vegetables to distribute at Bingo.

Finally a beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented to Anne Manenti by two of her committee members, Helen Behan and Denise Norman. This was in gratitude to the time and effort Anne gives to the parish. Of course, she also very much acknowledges the support of her hard working committee.

Many thanks once more to the Social Ministry for organising another wonderful, fun filled function demonstrating that our parish, St Patrick’s is a family type community, where all are welcomed.