Dear Parishioners,
We have completed our Advent journey and are ready to welcome
our Saviour into the world. When we reflect of the last twelve months,
we can see how so much, and so little has changed, both personally
and worldwide.
As we celebrated Christmas in 2022, families were rejoicing that
they could be together for this special time following long separations
due to Covid. We saw welcoming scenes at our airports of families
reuniting and we saw tears of joy; unfortunately, these joyous scenes
were once again overtaken by images on our TV screens of tears of
devastation, due to wars and families being torn apart. How sad it is for
all those who have had to leave their homelands and try to rebuild their
lives, with very uncertain paths before them.
This Christmas we remember all these people who are part of our
community and just like Mary and Joseph did in that simple manger in Bethlehem, we extend our hand of friendship and pray that peace will
be restored to all the troubled parts of our world.
In Parish news our Parish Finance Council are delighted to announce that
our Parish debt is now €1,000,000. This is a great milestone to have reached and sincere thanks to our committed and loyal Parishioners, near and far,
past and present, who have contributed through our Envelope system and personal donations. Of course, as we repay our debt, we continue to carry
out necessary work to all Parish property.
I also take this opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted in our Parish during the year; Priests of the Pastoral Area, our numerous volunteers who
help prepare our Churches for liturgies during the year, Church choirs and organists, those preparing our children for First Holy Communion, our Parish Staff and our Parishioners who attend our daily and weekly Masses. It is all of you who make our Parish vibrant and who will help to keep our faith alive.
I am always conscious that many families in the Parish are grieving the loss of a loved one and this time of year can be particularly hard. The Light of Faith, and the precious memories of each loved one we hold in our hearts, will sustain and help us.
To all parishioners, at home or away, may true peace be with each and every one of you this Christmas Season.
Today true peace has come down to us from heaven:
Our Saviour has been born in the world.
CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Lord,
As we celebrate your birth among us
May our hearts be filled
with the joy of your presence.
May our families be Blessed
from the abundance of your goodness.
May our world be filled
with the wonder of your peace.
May we rejoice and be glad
that you are not far away
From anyone of us this Christmas.
Amen
Silent night, Holy night, All is calm, All is bright.
