Reviving Our Faith – Restoring Our Heritage

The identity crisis is a consequence of our postmodern global culture. More and more people are losing touch with their tradition, culture and faith. In philosophy one even speaks of the deconstruction of identity. The loss of identity is also the loss of faith and truth. Deconstruction therefore means dismantling of Christianity and Christian doctrines, and de-converting Christian heritage and symbols to become a society and culture independent of God and free of Christian symbols and culture. It begins with the abolition of religious education, then the removal of crosses in public buildings and squares and the prohibition of religious freedom. The next step is the disempowerment of Catholic institutions. Its aim is to weaken the faith through the paternalism and the dictatorship of secular culture.

To counteract the continuous reduction of Christian faith, Christians throughout the ages have built churches to remind society of God and the Christian faith. Church buildings are at the heart of the church’s mission. They connect heaven and earth, where God and the world meet. They are the place for worship and many other activities of our congregations. We need churches. Church buildings are places of remembrance of God for the good of the society.

In our parish we have three church buildings. Among them is one that was built in 1844 and is considered a cultural heritage site. The old church is a testimony to the faith of our ancestors. The old church is also a symbol of our Christian heritage and the pride of our parish. We must preserve this heritage for our children and for society.

In the past we have already made attempts to raise funds to renovate the old church. 30k was raised for this purpose. This sum is also a clear vote for this project. I am determined to honor this vote and to put it into action. We have been doing work for some time now. We still have to repair the roof, the floor and the stain windows to make the old church functional again.

To realize this project, we need a good spiritual and business plan.

Spiritually we want to rename the old church to Chapel of Our Lady of Ephesus where Mary, Mother of God, spent her final days and, many believe, ascended in the Assumption. A hidden gem of faith, this is where Jesus entrusted her to St. John. The naming of the old church to Our Lady of Ephesus also considers the fact that the sandstones were a gift from St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.

We’re bringing Mary’s spirit to the Southern Cross—restoring the old church and reconsecrating it as the Chapel of Our Lady of Ephesus. Soon, the only place in the southern hemisphere dedicated to her sacred legacy, a beacon of prayer and devotion. The chapel becomes a place of prayer and inner contemplation. That’s why we want to include a perpetual adoration area in the Chapel as well.

Moreover, the chapel can also be used for Holy Mass for special occasions, funerals, weddings, baptisms and other spiritual celebrations for smaller groups. The outdoor areas are suitable for catering purposes.

For further details, please visit our parish website or https:// oldchurchfundraising.parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au/

I am very convinced of many interests also because of the uniqueness and character of the chapel. May Our Lady of Ephesus help us to complete the “divine” renovation of the old church: “Our Lady of Ephesus, Queen assumed into heaven, you who are Mother to all, guard and protect us from all perils, spiritual and physical. Intercede with your Divine Son for us who place in you all our trust and all our love. Amen.”

Have a great weekend

Fr Joe