More than 100 men gathered at St Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, Georges Hall, in Sydney’s southwest for the monthly meeting of the parish men’s group, marking its first anniversary.
Members and guests of The Men of Mary Queen of Heaven prayed the rosary, heard a talk from Fr Ben Saliba, assistant priest at St Mary’s Cathedral and master of ceremonies for Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, and enjoyed a barbecue.
Founding member Ben Ross recalled the group’s beginnings, saying he had no doubt it was “a prompting by the Holy Spirit, the spouse of Mary.”
“In November 2024, ahead of the parish’s first community Christmas carols event in more than 20 years, a men’s choir was formed, made up of eight men who had been somewhat unwillingly volunteered by their wives and other community members,” he said.
After one rehearsal, amid discussion about faith, the shared desire for a deeper relationship with God, and declining Mass attendance, the idea of a men’s group emerged.
“Six of us met later to brainstorm and discuss our vision. We set a date in February 2025 for our first event — a men’s rosary and Mass followed by a supper.”
The group meets regularly for Mass, Eucharistic adoration and benediction, the rosary, Bible study and Lectio Divina, strengthening friendships among participants.
Fr Ben Saliba was invited to speak at the anniversary gathering to launch the group’s second year.
Drawing on Ephesians 5, he reflected on the role of men as fathers, husbands and leaders, particularly their call to “lead their wives to sanctification.”
“It is the man’s responsibility to lay down his life for his bride, as Christ did for the church,” he said. “With such responsibility, you are called to that very thing each and every day: death to self.”
Parish priest Fr Peter Krigovsky said the group had already borne fruit in parish life.
“Men are helping with barbecues and setting up for events. They are doing groundskeeping around the church and presbytery. They are more active,” he said.
Mr Ross said the group was planning monthly events for the year ahead and welcomed new members and visitors.
Event details are published on the parish’s social media accounts.
