Ottoway catholic Parish
Parish Community
This parish has been under the pastoral care of the Resurrection Fathers since 1978.
The aim of our Parish Family is for us, as God’s people, to participate in Christ’s saving work and to give each other spiritual and material help. The Parish embraces its role in the care and education of its families and their children which come from several different ethnic groups. The largest groups are from Poland, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indochina.
Parish Pastoral Council
The Council plays an enormous part in the management of our Parish. Its main aim is the spiritual welfare of the faithful and to help in strengthening the participation of various parish groups.
Liturgy Group
Members of this group are: the Parish Priest, Organist, Altar Boys’ representative, Catechism Co-ordinator, Readers’/Narrators’ Co-ordinator, and the Church Decoration Representative. The group meets before important events to prepare the liturgy and decorate the church.
“Polanki” Choir
This choir was formed in 1984 and its members come from various parishes in Adelaide. The Polanki Choir sing at important parish events and fests as well as other community celebrations.
“Knights Of The Immaculate”
This group was formed in the Parish in 1990 and participates in important feasts, helping in the preparation of the Liturgy as well as Special Devotions. It also produces a monthly religious programme on the local radio station. Members of the Group pray for all those who seek their prayers. Meetings of the group are held monthly.
Seniors’ Group
The St John Paul II Seniors Club was established in 1985, and was the first Polish Seniors’ Club in Adelaide. It meets on the last Tuesday of each month. The Meeting begins with Holy Mass and is followed by a 3-cousrse meal. Activities include: Bingo, communal singing, and information sessions on subjects pertaining to the aged. Day excursions are also organised – some for 1-day, others for 5-days (to Canberra, the Gold Coast, etc.). This group forms an integral part of Parish life.
Altar Servers’ Group
Altar boys and two “Masters of Ceremonies” take part in serving at Sunday Masses, on Special Feast Days and Devotions.
They meet once a month to improve their altar duties with theory and practice sessions. Of course, there is always time for a shared meal and some fun!
Rosary Group
The Rosary Group in the Parish prays together in Church as well as in private homes for special intentions. They also help with organising Parish celebrations.
Charity Group “Orfanato”
“Orfanato” is one of the largest parish groups. This charity group sends aid to an in orphanage in Sao Paulo in Brazil which houses over80 homeless children. The group also offers help to those experiencing tragic situations.
“St. Vincent de Paul” Group
The few members of this regularly visit families requesting assistance.
Vietnamese Community Group
This group was formed by a small number of Vietnamese parishioners and those living in the vicinity who came to daily masses as well as Sunday masses celebrated in English. This group has grown substantially since 2015 and wanted to have Mass said in their own language so that they could be joined in prayer with their parishioners in Vietnam as they prayed for the beatification of Father Francis Truong Buu Diep.
Father Francis gave his life to save 70 catholics from the Tac Say Parish in 1946. His sacrifice is similar to the one of St Maximilian Kolbe who is the Patron Saint of our Parish.
With the support of Father Marek Ptak CR and the Parish Pastoral Council, as of 13th November 2015, permission has been granted to celebrate Mass in Vietnamese on the second Friday of each month. There is also the opportunity for confession in the Vietnamese language prior to mass.
This group has significantly grown , especially during the Covid 19 pandemic. Today this group is one of the largest, the youngest and the most active groups in the Parish. They are actively involved in all special celebrations, processions and work around the grounds of the church. They also have a representative on the Parish Pastoral Council.
For better communication, important information is printed in the weekly bulletin in Vietnamese. May God through the intercession of the Vietnamese Martyrs, support their faith in the spirit of love and unity.
Kitchen Group
Members of this group work in the Parish kitchen preparing tasty Polish food at all Parish celebrations and some Sunday Luncheons. They also bake cake for Sunday lunches.