Welcome to Our Parish Family – Jim, Reeva & Rebecca

Some families find us by moving into the suburb. This family found us through a screen, from another state.

Jim and Reeva Cecil had never set foot in our church when they first watched it online. From Adelaide, they followed the consecration of our church. When the curtain of the Madbaha was drawn back and the altar was revealed for the very first time, they were both moved to tears.

From that day, they continued watching — the Holy Qurbana, the feasts, and the ordinary Sundays of a parish they had never yet visited.

Their journey has also been marked by a deeply challenging season. After waiting a decade for the joy of pregnancy, Reeva and Jim were blessed with the news that they were expecting their daughter, Rebecca. Tragically, just months later, Jim was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma.

During this difficult period, Fr. Siby Kurian walked alongside their family and supported them through their journey.

When Fr. Siby was appointed to Melbourne South-East, Jim and Reeva continued to follow his ministry. Last month, they finally arrived here — and the altar they had once wept over while watching on a screen is now the altar where they kneel and worship with us.

Jim, Reeva and little Rebecca, welcome to our parish family!

Wherever you have come from, you are now among family. Our altar, our feasts, our faith and our community are yours. We are truly blessed to have you with us.

“Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7



Their remarkable story of faith has been shared beautifully in two places and is well worth reading and watching:

📖 The Southern Cross — https://thesoutherncross.org.au/people/2024/05/31/silver-linings/

Shalom World 🎥 https://youtu.be/o-9aO3nJ4G8?si=IhoyBo-960yi5cjY