Dear friends in Christ

As we continue the celebration of Christmas throughout this week, our minds turn towards the family life of Jesus, Mary and Jospeh; we celebrate their feast this weekend. There is nothing particularly romantic about the events that surround the Nativity. In fact, it was nothing but hardship for Joseph and Mary as they try to discern what God wanted from them. It is the story of a family on the move, as they travel to Bethlehem for the Census, and then leave for Egypt to escape the persecution of Herod, and then back to Nazareth. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those at this time, who suffer similar hardships as a result of persecution and ejection from their homelands. May this feast remind us of the basic Christian charity we owe to those who suffer homelessness, hunger and poverty in all its forms.

As we approach the start of another year, I thank everyone for the kind greetings received during the Christmas celebrations. In particular for the greetings cards and gifts received and for the kind Christmas Offerings that help us financially and materially. We also extend heartfelt words of thanks to all those who work behind the scenes in the Parish, so that we can have a prayerful, beautiful and fitting celebration of Our Lord’s Birth.

May the peace of Christ and the prayers of Joseph and Mary assist us as we approach 2026 so that we may be filled with every heavenly grace and blessings!

Msgr Kevin Hale