MESSAGE ON THE 7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YR A)
Friday 17th February 2023.
My dear people,
The aftermaths of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria continue to affect us. The reports of more than 41,000 dead which arrived yesterday highlights for us the extent of this tragedy. We continue to pray for the repose of the souls of all those who have died, those who are left behind and all rescue workers who have gone there to help. There is information in the bulletin about how to assist financially, and I put the link here also: https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/turkey/
I would like to reiterate my gratitude to those who have completed the parish survey. As at this morning, we have received 102 responses. Our aim is to receive 400 responses as this will give us many insights about the matters surveyed. We hope to close the survey on 21st February, three Sundays after it opened. I strongly encourage you to take the time to fill out the survey as it will enable us to hear your thoughts and opinions. The survey will be handed out at Mass this weekend for those who prefer completing it manually. For those who would like to complete it on-line, here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KY7G5Z7
Our parish’s participants at the Divine Renovation Conference have returned with reports of having had a good experience at the conference. Over the next few weeks and months, we look forward to seeing the fruits of the conference being put into practice in the parish.
The Society of Christian Doctrine will soon start preparing candidates who do not attend the catholic primary schools of the parish for first Confession, first Holy Communion and Confirmation. The details are available in the bulletin.
This coming Wednesday, 22nd February is Ash Wednesday. The Masses in the parish, which will include the imposition of ashes, will be at 9:30am and 7:30pm. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the season of Lent, the season in the church’s calendar when we are invited to change our lives and focus more closely on our relationship with Christ. This entails turning away from sin and committing to actions of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I wish all of you a blessed season of Lent this year and pray that it will be, for us all, rich in blessings. Other parish activities for Lent are advertised in the bulletin.
We continue turning to our patron saint and asking for her intercession.
St Catherine of Siena, Pray for us.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Fr Richard Rosse PP