Parish News

COMING BACK!

2020 saw us experiencing a level of lifestyle that waspreviously unthinkable, filled with isolation, loneliness,depression and anxiety. It saw us missing: our family,friends, community, our freedom, our resources, ourcustoms and celebrations. We had limitations on ourmovements and food supplies. However, we also learntwhat was important to us- what and who we missed themost. Central to this were our family, friends, freedom andcommunity, and particularly for us as Catholics, our parishcommunity. As we begin 2021, we look forward with hopeto a better year. We have started the year with sensiblecaution but also recognising our need to “begin again”living the life we have valued prior to the pandemic.

Church attendance numbers are increasing each week and those attending are delighted to be reconnecting with their Mass community. We look forward to being able to have unlimited numbers at our Mass celebrations. 

The following prayer by John O’Donohue expresses a reflection on New Beginnings.

In out-of-the-way places of the heart, 

Where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,

Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,

Noticing how you willed yourself on,

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the grey promises that sameness whispered

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,

Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,

Your eyes young again with energy and dream,

A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is at one with your life's desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure,

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

Have a good week

Brian, Martin and Vicki

(To access the rest of the Parish Newsletter click here)