Clergy

I am saddened to share with you some important news concerning the health of Fr David Catterall, parish priest of St Mary MacKillop Parish, Oran Park. As many of you know, Fr David has been battling metastatic prostate cancer since September 2023, undergoing chemotherapy and ongoing treatment to manage the illness. Unfortunately, recent tests have revealed that Fr David now has Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), which has come as a shock to him and his family.

Given the seriousness of this new diagnosis and the intensity of the treatment required, Fr David has made the difficult decision to step down as parish priest. His resignation will take effect from today (14 October 2024). To ensure a smooth transition, I have appointed Fr Feleki Tautunu as administrator of the parish. Fr Feleki will be supported by Deacon Sam Gennaoui, the Oran Park parish office team, and ministry leaders during this challenging time for the parish.

Fr David, his father John, and their family will be deeply grateful for your prayers during this difficult period. Fr David shared a personal message with parishioners over the weekend letting them know of this development.

If you would like to send messages of support, please contact Fr David via email or post through the Oran Park Parish office ([email protected] | PO BOX 889, Narellan NSW 2567). As his treatment has begun, Fr David will not be accessing his mobile phone.

I encourage our diocesan family to join with me in praying a special novena to St Mary MacKillop and Eileen O’Connor. This novena can prayed over any consecutive nine days, however, we will be starting the novena today (see below).

Yours in Christ,

Most Rev Brian G Mascord DD Bishop of Wollongong 14 October 2024

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP

Ever generous God,

You inspired St Mary MacKillop to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to be constant in bringing hope and encouragement to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.

With confidence in your generous providence and joining with St Mary MacKillop we ask that you grant our request for the healing of Fr David Catterall.

We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we, too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.

Ever generous God hear our prayer.

We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO SERVANT OF GOD EILEEN O’CONNOR

Gracious God,

You have poured out your love on all people and shown your compassion for the sick and dying.

Through the intercession of Eileen O’Connor, we ask you to look lovingly on our friend and pastor Fr David Catterall, and if it be your will, to return him to health.

Let your healing power work, so that he may be restored to us.

We make our prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.