Dear friends in Christ

The Gospel of the Mass his weekend relates the preaching of Jesus by the shores of Lake Gennesaret, the miraculous catch of fish and the call of the Twelve Apostles. God calls each of us to be apostles in the middle of the world, whether we are sitting at a computer, working in a classroom, factory or field. He calls us, so that with holiness of life and giving good example to those around us, we may be instruments of His in a world that is moving far from God. The Second Vatican Council stated this categorically: All the Faithful whatever their condition or state—though each in their own way—are called by the Lord to that perfection of sanctity by which our heavenly Father is perfect…By means of their special vocation it belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s Will (LG,11). Our Lord desires each of us, in the midst of our occupations, to carry out a daring apostolate in our own environment and with our own family and friends. We must have faith in the words of Jesus: Put out into deep water. Then we can see how God, despite our own unworthiness, will use us to net souls for His Kingdom, His Church on earth.

We welcome to our Parish this weekend Father Dominic O’Toole of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer—the Redemptorists—who is going to introduce us to the themes in our Parish Mission this Lent: 15-21st March. As we continue to pray each week at Mass for the intentions of those who live in this area, we can resolve to be generous souls, like the Apostles, ready to put out into deep water and help bring in, or bring back to Jesus, those whom he has redeemed by His saving Passion and death.

Tuesday, 11th February is the feast day of our Parish and Diocese. Mass on Tuesday will be at the later time of 9.30am with the participation of our Primary School. On Monday evening—the Vigil—there will be a Rosary and Benediction in church at 7pm. Please try to attend one of these celebrations to invoke the protection and intercession of Mary on our Parish Family, especially as we approach the Mission next month. May God and Our Lady of Lourdes bless us!

Msgr Kevin Hale