What a wonderful turnout we had at the Toongabbie Ministries Drive and Parish Expo, held over the weekend of 8–9 November at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.  

The event brought together parishioners from all walks of life, united by their shared faith and a spirit of service.  

After each Mass, members of the congregation gathered to explore the many ministries and volunteer opportunities that make our parish such a vibrant and welcoming community. 

The Parish Expo showcased the wide range of ways parishioners can get involved in the life of the church, from the church cleaning and hospitality teams, to the choir, liturgy group, and altar ministry.  

Each ministry plays an essential role in supporting the spiritual and practical needs of the parish, and the event gave everyone a chance to learn more, ask questions, and consider how they might contribute their time and talents. 

A key highlight of the weekend was the St Vincent de Paul Society display, where the local Toongabbie Conference shared information about its many Christmas initiatives and ongoing outreach programs.  

With the festive season fast approaching, the Conference invited parishioners to take part in the annual Christmas Appeal, which provides much-needed support to individuals and families doing it tough.  

Attendees also discovered the many ways the Society’s members and volunteers make a difference throughout the year, from visiting people in need and delivering hampers, to assisting with emergency relief and community engagement programs. 

The Parish Expo was truly something special, marking the first event of its kind for the Parish and setting a heartfelt tone for future gatherings.  

Alysha Wong O'Connor, Member Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator, reflected that the day was a valuable opportunity to educate about the Society’s good work, inspiring many to get involved. 

“It was a lovely demonstration of a community coming together with the same goal to support those doing it tough, especially this time of year,” Alysha said. 

“It truly captured the spirit of the day, and how a group of dedicated individuals can make a difference.”  

Events like this remind us how vital connection and collaboration are within our parish communities. They give us the opportunity to celebrate the good works already being done, while inspiring new people to get involved and share in the mission of faith and service. 

If your parish or local Conference is planning a similar event and would like help setting up a stall, recruiting volunteers, or accessing resources, please reach out to the Member and Volunteer Experience Team at membership@vinnies.org.au.  

The team is always ready to provide guidance, materials, and support to help ensure your initiative is a success.