A New Chapter Begins: Emmaus Parish Inaugurated in a Joyful Celebration of Faith and Unity

On Friday evening, parishioners from across our churches, schools and communities gathered in great numbers at St Fidelis Church, Moreland, for the historic Inauguration Mass of Emmaus Parish. It was a night marked by thanksgiving, celebration, prayer and hope as we formally began a new chapter in the Catholic life of Brunswick Moreland.

The evening commenced with a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross, accompanied by the rich and resonant sound of the didgeridoo played by Troy Kuhl. The Welcome to Country situated our celebration within the ancient story of this land, often described as the great southern land of the Holy Spirit, and reminded us that the journey of Emmaus Parish takes place upon country that has sustained communities and culture for countless generations. It was a fitting and profound beginning to a celebration grounded in both faith and place.

The entrance procession reflected the breadth and vitality of our new parish community. Students from our three parish schools entered proudly with banners held high, a visible reminder that Catholic education has been at the heart of Brunswick and Moreland for generations. These schools continue to form young people in faith, hope and service, and their presence spoke powerfully of the future of Emmaus Parish.

The Mass was led by Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli and concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Terry Curtin, who was formerly Auxiliary Bishop for Melbourne's Northern Region. They were joined by Father Tony Kerin, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Father Brendan Reed, Father Tien Tran, and Father Tony Feeney, currently residing in Emmaus Parish and Father Brendan Hayes.

Music throughout the liturgy was simply magnificent thanks to the leadership and direction of Music Director, Anthony Halliday.  The celebration was led by the Emmaus Parish Choir, the Emmaus Parish Children’s Choir and St Joseph's Collegium, the celebration was elevated by such a rich musical tapestry of voices, organ, trumpet, recorder and didgeridoo.

One particularly memorable moment came before the Gospel proclamation, when the sound of the didgeridoo echoed through the church in a contemplative prelude. Its deep and reflective tones brought a sense of stillness and anticipation, inviting the assembly to listen attentively to the Word of God. It seemed to announce that something important was about to unfold among us.

The Gospel proclamation was accompanied by the presence of a Message Stick, a traditional Aboriginal cultural symbol used to carry important messages between communities. In the context of the liturgy, it served as a powerful reminder that the Gospel itself is God's message entrusted to his people and carried from one generation to the next.

The second reading from the First Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians was proclaimed in Italian, acknowledging the longstanding contribution and continuing presence of the Italian community within our parish. For many decades, Italian families have helped shape the faith, culture and community life of our local churches, and this gesture honoured that rich heritage.

Another touching moment came during the offertory when the Emmaus Parish Children’s Choir sang We Are An Offering. Their young voices filled the church with sincerity and warmth. There is something uniquely moving about the voices of children. They have a way of drawing our attention, touching our hearts and reminding us of the trust and openness with which we are called to approach God. The Prayers of the Faithful were also led by students from our parish schools, highlighting the important place of young people within the life and mission of Emmaus Parish.

The liturgy was reverently served by our parish altar servers under the leadership of Master of Ceremonies, Jonah Tanfara. Their service contributed greatly to the dignity and smooth running of the celebration.

Celebrated on the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mass was intentionally crafted to honour the past while looking confidently towards the future. Throughout the liturgy, gratitude was expressed for the generations of parishioners, priests, religious and educators whose faith and dedication laid the foundations of what is now Emmaus Parish. As the inauguration booklet reminded us, the story of Emmaus Parish stretches back more than 150 years through the communities of St Ambrose, Our Lady Help of Christians, St Joseph's and St Fidelis.

In his homily, Archbishop Comensoli reflected on the Gospel of the Assumption and the example of Mary, who first carried the Word of God in her womb and then lived that Word faithfully throughout her life. He suggested that the future of Emmaus Parish depends upon our willingness to continue listening deeply to God's Word and allowing it to shape our lives.

The establishment of Emmaus Parish serves as a sign of unity. In a fragmented world often marked by division, the coming together of communities into one parish bears witness to the possibility of walking together in faith, working together for the common good and recognising Christ in one another. It is a living expression of the Church as a communion of people united with God and with one another.

Drawing on the second reading, Archbishop Comensoli also reflected on the reality that for something new to emerge, something else must pass away. Yet for Christians, death is never the final word. Through Christ, death leads to resurrection. As Emmaus Parish begins a new chapter, we do so carrying forward the gifts, memories and traditions of our founding communities while embracing new possibilities for mission and evangelisation.

A particularly significant part of the celebration was the Commissioning of the New Parish. Standing together, parishioners renewed their commitment to be a community of prayer, welcome, service and evangelisation; to recognise Christ in those who are poor, lonely and vulnerable; and to work together in unity, respecting the gifts of each person so that Emmaus Parish may be a sign of hope and a witness to the Gospel in Brunswick Moreland and beyond.

Following the Mass, celebrations continued in St Fidelis School Hall with a festive buffet reception. The atmosphere was warm and joyful as parishioners enjoyed food, conversation and fellowship. People reconnected with old friends, met new parishioners and shared in the excitement of this important milestone.

A special word of thanks goes to the Welcome and Hospitality Team led by Annette Tepper and the Parish Community Engagement Committee, whose hard work created such a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. We are also grateful to Village Bakery for generously donating two beautiful cakes for the occasion.

Parishioners and guests also contributed to a collaborative artwork, The Tree of Life, coordinated by the Education in Faith Committee. Throughout the evening, parishioners of all ages added their own contribution, creating a visual symbol of a parish formed by many people, many stories and many gifts, all united in Christ.

The inauguration of Emmaus Parish was more than a ceremonial event. It was a moment of grace that celebrated our shared history, renewed our sense of mission and opened our hearts to God's future. The excitement and hope present throughout the evening reflected a community ready to continue walking together on the road of faith.

As we begin this new chapter, we entrust Emmaus Parish to the intercession of Mary, faithful disciple of the Lord and patron of the great feast we celebrated. May she accompany us as we continue our mission of Opening Hearts, Opening Doors, becoming ever more a community of welcome, prayer, service and evangelisation for Brunswick Moreland and beyond.