MESSAGE ON THE 24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YR C)
Friday 9th September 2022.
My dear people,
This morning we woke up to the sad news that Queen Elizabeth II had died. Let us pray the repose of her soul, that the Lord will have mercy on her and welcome her through the gates of paradise. Let us also pray for all those affected by her loss.
As mentioned two weeks ago, on Sunday 28th August, I went on my annual retreat at the Kenthurst Retreat Centre on the outskirts of Sydney. It was the first one in three years and I thoroughly enjoyed the times of quiet that it afforded me. The Retreat Director was very good also and I particularly liked his meditations on the priestly promises which priests make on the day of ordination. I found the retreat to have come at the best time for me after my time in America for the Divine Renovation Conference and my time in Mauritius for my holidays. I found that the retreat allowed me to re-connect in a profoundly spiritual manner with my priesthood and I thank God for that!
This Sunday is Safeguarding Sunday, an initiative of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS). These standards underpin the Catholic Church’s commitment to working towards a common goal of every child, in every community being safe, cared for, having their needs met and being afforded the chance to realise their potential. Let us pray for the safety of every child and vulnerable adult in our community.
Natasha, our Evangelisation Coordinator, will be on maternity leave from 20th September. I invite you to join me in wishing the best of God’s blessing to Natasha in this final stage of her pregnancy as she and her family prepare to welcome the newest addition to their family unit. An advertisement for the Evangelisation Coordinator’s role for the duration of Natasha’s leave is in the bulletin. Please share the details with anyone whom you think might be able to perform the role.
On Thursday 15th September, our parish Praesidium of the Legion of Mary will celebrate their feast day. We wish them a Happy Feast Day as they celebrate our Lady of Sorrows. We also thank them wholeheartedly for the wonderful work they do with the sick and housebound members of our community by bringing them Holy Communion. Our praesidium is always happy to welcome new members. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact the parish office.
This weekend we will celebrate the First Holy Communion of our younger parishioners from St George Preca. Let us pray for them, that they will understand this most precious gift that they are receiving, Jesus’ gift of himself to them.
We continue turning to our patron saint, and we ask for her intercession.
St Catherine of Siena, Pray for us.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Fr Richard Rosse PP