Priests sharing faith, friendship and food

By Wendy Shaw

Lasagne, tiramisu and a healthy dose of banter were on the menu as priests from across the northern area of the Archdiocese gathered for lunch in Launceston last month.

Vicar General and Launceston Parish Priest Fr Shammi Perera explained that 14 clergy from near and far attended the meal at the Launceston Parish Pastoral Centre, next to the Church of the Apostles, on 25 March. It is the first of a regular monthly get-together.

“This is a tradition Fr Terry Southerwood started some years ago, that sort of died out,” Fr Shammi said.

“Archbishop Tony Ireland was keen to see it restarted. The first luncheon was held upstairs at the Launceston Parish Pastoral Centre with priests coming together and sharing a simple meal and a bit of camaraderie.

“There was a friendly vibe, a sense of brotherhood and a bit of banter. It was a good gathering.

“Archbishop Tony will join in future gatherings.”

With hundreds of kilometres and long drive times separating parishes—from Smithton in the North West to Scottsdale and Ringarooma in the North East as well as Swansea on the East Coast and Strahan on the West—Fr Shammi said the main hurdle for the get-togethers was distance.

Eight gatherings are planned for this year. The first two are in Launceston, with the remainder hosted at other parishes.

Fr Shammi said a similar program has run in the southern parishes of the diocese for some time, with regular luncheons organised by Kingston-Channel Parish Priest Fr Mike Delaney.