Parish News

What’s happening in the Parish

This week, we are reminded how fragile the gift of peace is. On Thursday, we honoured Anzac Day, a day when we remember all those who have served and continue to serve our country in times of war and as peacekeepers throughout the world. … In addition, as we celebrated Easter, the people of Sri Lanka and our world were shaken with the news of the bombings in Sri Lanka and the loss and devastation they caused. Like the victims of the shootings in Christchurch, we are outraged that atrocities like these happen in our world. We all know that some dogs are vicious and have the capacity to kill and maim. We rightfully feel outrage when we hear of these attacks that harm people or other animals. However, we do not judge all dogs by the behaviour of a few, the small minority. Human beings are the same. We read that 79 women have died at the hands of their partner in the past year. Again, we cannot judge all men by the appalling behaviour of a few. Since the recent disclosures, some people have branded all priests as paedophiles, and again we know this is far from the truth. Our fight and disgust is directed at terrorism, no matter who the perpetrators are. An Australian was responsible for Christchurch and we as a Christian people abhor his actions, done in a misguided sense of what it means to be Christian. We, as Australians, should not be judged by the actions of this man. Evil does not have a race, religion, gender or colour. We need to hold to the goodness of the majority of people. Evil cannot be allowed to divide us… it will challenge us but we pray that like Jesus on Good Friday, suffering will not overcome us or change us. As we grieve, we long for and pledge ourselves to be people of the Resurrection, people of new life. On Friday night, the Resurrection Sri Lankan community organised a most beautiful memorial mass, gathering in support of Sri Lanka and each other. Many dignitaries and people outside our parishes attended. Well done to the teams of people who worked during the week in the organisation of this Mass. During the week, we received hand delivered, flowers and cards from the local Turkish, Islamic and Cultural Centre Group sending: their deepest condolences and prayers. We stand as one! Terrorism has NO religion. In this week's newsletter, we have printed a copy of a letter of solidarity and condolence circulated by the Archdiocese that they received from the Islamic Society in Australia immediately following the atrocities in Sri Lanka.

We pray for peace and healing. Vicki, Brian, Martin & Garry