Dear friends in Christ

The Readings at Mass this Sunday remind us that on earth is a short wait for the return of The Lord. By means of the virtue of hope we acquire a firm certainty with regard to the promises of Jesus. Being vigilant as we await the return of Christ means knowing that a short time separates us from our definite encounter with Christ. Each day that passes brings us a little closer to eternity. Whenever it may be, it will always seem that life has passed too quickly. The Lord will come on the second or third watch. For those who have preferred to live with their backs to God, He will arrive completely unexpectedly, as a thief in the night. If we live with faces turned towards Christ then, as we pray in the funeral liturgy: we will not be surprised by a sudden and unprovided death, but be ever watching that we shall enter into eternal glory.

Next weekend twenty-five Parishioners will be travelling with me to join our Diocesan Pilgrimage in Lourdes. We shall be there for the celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lady’s Assumption, but most of all during this special Holy Year of Mercy. As we travel, we take with us the prayer intention of the Parish Family and assure you all of a very special place in our hearts and prayers during the devotional exercises in Lourdes. God bless you all!

Msgr Kevin hale