Cultural diversity celebrated at Seaton
Local
The cultural diversity of Seaton parish was highlighted when the Archdiocesan visitation team spent time with the community this month.
The visitation commenced on Sunday June 9 with four celebrations of Eucharist, one of which was celebrated in Italian and broadcast on Italian Community Radio to enable people who are housebound, those in nursing homes and others to listen and pray in their first language.
Administrator delegate Father Philip Marshall said lively music and choirs led the singing and enhanced the celebration of each Eucharist which was followed by a “cuppa and conversation”.
“We heard the stories of many who had migrated and for whom this parish has been called ‘home’ for several decades,” he said.
“Whilst once a predominantly Italian speaking community, this richness has deepened through the cultural diversity brought with families who have migrated in more recent times from India and the Philippines.
“Parishioners shared that they now refer to the parish as multicultural and parish activities and celebrations reflect this diversity.”
On the ‘long day’ visit, the Archdiocesan team spent time with parishioners who are immersed in a number of ministries as well as visiting people in residential care and people in their homes.
Dinner was held with Parish Pastoral and Finance Council members who spoke of what is appreciated about the parish, what is observed as challenging and to identify needed resources.
The visitation concluded on the Sunday with Mass followed by a multicultural lunch featuring cultural dancing and singing, as well as an ‘open mic’ session.
Parish priest Fr Roger Manalo CS, thanked the groups who contributed to what he described as a very happy, entertaining day.
“As a spiritual community it was revealed that we can work more effectively together in our common mission of serving the reign of God,” he said.
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