Newsletter John Pierce Centre June 2026 Ephpheta Appeal May Thank you to everyone who has supported JPC through our Ephpheta Appeal across May and June; raising much needed funds to support Deaf people and their families. The John Pierce Centre is the only Deaf Catholic Centre in Victoria. A place that continues to provide community activities and specialised pastoral support. Often filling the gap for clients without NDIS. Without access to a centre like ours, many Deaf people would simply miss out on opportunities that the broader community take for granted. Please donate before the end of the financial year to claim as a tax deduction! Go online to www.givenow.com.au/ephphetaappeal or scan the QR code   Introducing the new JPC Chaplain—Fr Tuong Nguyen My name is Tuong Nguyen, and I am originally from Vietnam. I currently serve as Chaplain to the John Pierce Centre for the Deaf Community in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, alongside my ministry as Assistant Priest in the Partnered Parishes of St Mary's Thornbury, St Joseph's Northcote, and St Anthony's and Holy Spirit, Alphington and Thornbury East.   Before entering Corpus Christi College Seminary in 2019, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Science, and worked for several years on a large animal farm. Although my journey to the priesthood took many unexpected turns, the seeds of my vocation were planted early in life through the faith and example of my grandfather, who faithfully took me to Mass each morning while I was growing up in Vietnam.   I was ordained to the priesthood on 20 September 2025 at St Patrick's Cathedral by the Most Reverend Peter A. Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne.   What brings me the greatest joy in priestly ministry is accompanying people through the significant moments of their lives and being present to them in both their joys and struggles. This is especially true in the celebration of the sacraments and in gathering with the faithful for Sunday Mass, where we encounter Christ together as a community. I look forward to meeting you around the centre at JPC.   What’s been happening? Farewell to Fr Wayne Edwards Fr Wayne has been with JPC for seven 7 years as our Chaplain and priest for Mass. We had a lovely farewell for him at Mass as we welcomed Fr Tuong as the new Chaplain. We thank Fr Wayne for his many years of service to the centre and hope to still see him around the centre for special events in the community.   Grill’d Fundraising Day Thank you to the Pankina community that supported JPC by buying lunch at Grill’d. We managed to score $100 from Grill’d from all of the tokens put into the barrel! Fantastic!   JPC Annual General Meeting JPC held our AGM on Sunday 17th May. Thank you to those that attended. We had a great presentation by Philip Waters—Deaf Victoria, and Alyce Jenkins—Alfred Hospital, about Deaf community access in hospitals. The DLO program at the Alfred Hospital and other hospitals across Greater Western Melbourne aim to make access easier and smoother for Deaf people coming into the hospital for appointments. If you need support at a hospital, ask for the DLO.   Cyber Safety workshop The recent Cyber safety workshop in our series was presented by Danni Wright. Attendees were provided with important information about staying safe online. How to look out for scams and fake information. With more issues arising online it is vital that the community are kept up to date about how best to keep their details safe and not get scammed. If you need support with a scam you can speak to the JPC staff who can assist in referring you to make a report.   Congratulations to Gail Finn Gail received the JPC Community Award at the AGM in May. After retiring from JPC, Gail has continued her commitment to the centre by volunteering. Gail has a strong personal faith and has volunteered as the lead liturgical coordinator. Each month Gail organises and third Sunday Mass at JPC. She puts together the Deaf liturgy script and the PowerPoint displayed during Mass, and supports the team for every Mass. Gail also continues to organise the monthly service at Regis Aged Care for the Deaf community members. Gail recognises the importance of connection for Deaf people and is always happy to support the staff with her extensive knowledge of the JPC’s history and community. Thank you Gail, for everything you do!     Story of Impact: Volunteer Visitor Program “Margaret and Tania meet for coffee on Mondays for a chat. The program is working well and Margaret is enjoying Tania’s company. Tania is a lovely lady who is very caring. Thank you again for arranging the JoCare partnership.” From Mike Bampfield (husband of Margaret)   If you, or someone you know, would benefit from a volunteer visitor, please contact JPC today at admin@jpc.org.au   Easter Sunday Easter Sunday was enjoyed by many community members who attended Easter Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. We then had a lovely community gathering for lunch at the Mary McKillop Heritage Centre. We enjoyed pizza and a catch up with community. Thankyou to everyone for joining us.   Rest in Peace Community Deaths Sr Margo Gibson OP (teacher of the Deaf) 28 May 2026 Rita Cohen - 18 April 2026 Rosemary (Beth) Cook - 3 June 2026 Rodney Miller (son of Janet McDonald) - June 2026 Kath Tribler - 25 June 2026 It can be a difficult time when we lose those that we love dearly. If you are in need of support or someone to talk to, please contact the Pastoral Care Team at JPC. You can come to our centre at a time that suits or we can come to you at home or meet at a place that suits you. We remember always, those that have been a part of our lives, as their spirits are weaved through the story that is our Deaf community.   Who is the John Pierce Centre for?? JPC provides a range of activities for our community. From Arts and Crafts to Playgroup and Men’s and Ladies’ gatherings and outings. We also have workshops and information sessions. As well as church and sacrament services, and pastoral care support. Even though we run a church in the centre, you DO NOT have to be Catholic or Christian to attend. Our activities, workshops and support can be for anyone.   We encourage you to join a group or attend a workshop and connect with the Deaf community!   What’s coming up? Cyber Security Refresher Join us for a workshop presented by Commonwealth Bank about current risks to community. Date: Wednesday 22 July Time: 10-11am Where: JPC 25-35 High Street Prahran Morning tea provided Death Walking End of Life Journey Join us for an interesting workshop presented by Jen Blyth who is bringing guidance to Deaf Community around choices, access and understanding at the end of their life. Making sure you can die how you want to. Date: Wednesday 22 July Time: 11:30am-2pm Where: JPC, 25-35 High St Prahran Lunch Provided Ephpheta Mass Sunday 16th August at 11am In August we celebrate our Ephpheta Mass which is about “being open”. The door of JPC is always open to the Deaf and hard of hearing community for whatever you need. Come and join us to celebrate JPC and being open to the word of God as well as being open to supporting our Deaf community and each other.   Bring your lunch and a plate to share with the community.   Regular Activities: Pankina Meets on Monday (3 out of 4 weeks) 10am-2pm  29 June—bingo 6 July—cards 13 July—bingo 27 July –Christmas in July 3 August—cards 10 August—bingo 24 August—bingo 31 August—cards 7 Sept—bingo 21 Sept—bingo 28 Sept—cards   Ladies Get Together Meets fortnights on Wednesdays either at JPC or outings around Melbourne  8 July 22 July 5 August 19 August 2 September 16 September 30 September    Signee Tots Meets once a month on the first or second Sunday  12 July 9 August 13 September 11 October   Men's Group Meets monthly on Wednesdays  17-19 July Trip 22 July 19 August 16 September 7 October   Art & Craft Meets fortnightly on Fridays  10 July 24 July 7 August 21 August 4 September 18 September     Mass Services & Centre NewsSacraments Did you know that you can have a baptism, funeral, memorial service or wedding at the John Pierce Centre. We provide support for all sacraments in the catholic church so please get in contact with us for more information.   Sunday 5th July St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral & watch on Channel 31 (44) Sunday 19th July JPC 11am at JPC or watch on www.Facebook.com/JohnPierceCentre Sunday 2nd August St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral & watch on Channel 31 (44) Sunday 16th August JPC—Ephpheta Mass 11am at JPC or watch on Facebook Sunday 6th September St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral & watch on Channel 31 (44) Sunday 20th Sept’ JPC 11am at JPC or watch on Facebook Winter is a season of reflection, rest, and renewal. As the world slows down and nature enters a time of dormancy, we too can find moments to draw closer to God. The cold and darkness of winter remind us of our dependence on the Lord for warmth, provision, and light.   Leave a bequest By leaving a gift to John Pierce Centre in your Will, you will have a lasting impact, supporting our centre for years to come. It is a powerful reflection of the values and principles you treasure. It enables you to create a legacy of love and care for those in need. For more information, please contact our office on 03 9525 1158 or email admin@jpc.org.au Thank you.   Join the Board No Experience Needed Interested in joining the JPC Board or Board subcommittee to support the work of the John Pierce Centre? Contact us today! No experience is necessary, just a passion for supporting the Deaf Community and the work of JPC. Meetings are every two months so just 6 meetings a year.   Contact JPC for more information manager@jpc.org.au   JPC would like to thank the community members for allowing us to use their photos in this publication and we also acknowledge the use of image by rawpixel and other images from magnific.com   JPC would like to thank the following organisations for their support through grants and sponsorships… Ephpheta Foundation Grant Gorman Foundation Grant www.jpc.org.au admin@jpc.org.au www.facebook.com/JohnPierceCentre