Hey guys,
Hope you are all keeping well!! Here is a quick update of what I have been up to here in Australia:
Bishop Joe
By now many of you would have heard of the passing of Bishop Joe Grech. Bishop Joe was the one who organised my placement in Australia, he was my mentor, friend and 'family' here in Australia. It was a shock to have lost 'the Bish' but he did make his vision for the Church here in Sandhurst, and his passion for Jesus very clear. He will be sorely missed but he is held deep within the hearts of many, and his mission to cause "hearts to be enflamed with the love of Jesus" will continue through my life and ministry!
Parish
It's been three months since I was ordained a priest and what a journey it has already been. With the release of a new album (Reach Out), the return to Australia, the appointment to St Brendans Parish in Shepparton (regional Victoria), the sudden death of our dear Bishop Joe, preparing for alight tour schedule, and eventual release of my first ever live album and DVD.
There is much going on and that can distract from my priority which is the parish I am assigned to. St Brendans is a large parish about two hours from Melbourne. There are a few Italians, Africans, true-blue Aussies (of course) and, yes, some Maltese!!
The parish priest and I look after the spiritual needs of the parish (and 2 other churches), 3 schools (aprox 2,500 students), 2 hospitals and a few age-care facilities. I am loving it here in Shepparton; the people, the green grass, beautiful lakes and am so excited about what God has in store!!
Chart-Topping Songs
- The song God Does Not Make Rubbish which I wrote and recorded with the late Bishop Joe Grech made it to SECOND place on Australia's ITunes top Inspirational downloads. It stayed in the top ten for a week.
- Letting Go (from the 'Reach Out' album) made it to number 35 on the same chart.
- Stronger (feat. Vince Leguesse and also from my 'Reach Out' album) has now made it toMalta's top 10. As I write this letter it is currently number 9, but we hope it will climb up the charts over the next few weeks :)
On another musical note, I am also very excited that I have recently signed a distribution and publishing contract with Willow Connection. They will allow me to concentrate on my parish ministry and push my music to new grounds.
That's it for now...
Please visit www.ThatsWorship.com for more updates, music, videos, podcasts and more!
God bless you!!!!!!!
Fr Rob
