*Father’s Day celebrated at Sacred Heart Cunnamulla.*

Late afternoon walking the dog along the main street of Cunnamulla I listened to the evangelist who visits regularly speak about the Bible. I had to admire his commitment, and I began to reflect on what events had touched my heart over the past months, writes Sr Maureen Andrews MFIC in Horizons.

First, there was a joyful baptism in Thargomindah. The petite Liliana Pike looked so lovely in her long lace dress, lace headband complete with a f lower and a smile on her face. Her two brothers were busily searching the Baptismal register to see where their details were recorded, and soon the adults joined them. There was such joy and total concentration during the ser v ice. My hopes were raised that the memory of this event might stay with them for a long time, and they may realise how loved they are by God.

*Father’s Day at Sacred Heart Cunnamulla.*

Secondly was the Father’s Day liturgy in the school. The careful planning of the service and the songs ensured that the children were involved. A small group of fathers and grandfathers arrived. What touched me was the reaction of the fathers when their children came and placed a rather large medallion around the neck of their father. It was so good to see the fathers embrace their children, cuddle them and express their gratitude.

Thirdly, Jenny Shellshear, our long-term reliever invited the parents of her class to a “Night at Our Toy Museum”. The event was hosted by the year 2/3 class in August. The event was the culmination of a unit where students researched how toys changed over time. They were required to write an informative text about their toy of study, dress like it and use an app to produce a short video of them playing with it. It was a great success and well supported by our parents and caregivers.

Finally, I admired the group of Aboriginal women who spent 31 days of prayer for 24 hours a day in the Shire Hall Supper Room. An invitation was open to all. Perhaps this w ill play a part in the next sessions we have for the Plenary Council discernments. So, we learn that grace abounds in the ordinary events of our lives, and we are filled with gratitude.

Sr Maureen Andrews MFIC (Missionary Franciscan of the Immaculate Conception) is the Pastoral Leader at Sacred Heart Church, Cunnamulla in Queensland.

This article was first published in Horizons, the publication of the Diocese of Toowoomba.