This week we celebrate Catholic Schools and Education. We are blessed with both an Elementary and a High School in the parish. We pray that God’s good graces will allow them to flourish and give great witness to the formation and expression of the faith by our younger parishioners. Our schools are important. So too are all our educational programs in the parish, from first communion catechesis right the way up through sacramental preparations and RCIA. Handing on our faith is essential, but this weekend we especially pray for both our schools and all Catholic schools that they may be true beacons of faith in their communities.
A couple of awkward things to notify you about.
Firstly, the two great pine trees at the Church on Harp Road have to be felled. The recent rains and heavy winds have broken large boughs off and revealed that they are rotting at the base; they are a danger to folk and to the tower. This is a great pity as both added great character to that side of the building and indeed were an excellent setting for the crèche and light display so generously installed by Mr & Mrs Borjas this Christmas.
Secondly, we have had a theft from the Church. If you wrote the parish a check in the 6pm Mass collection on Jan 1,st please can you check with your bank where it went. The police and the banks are involved in this matter and are currently following up leads in this case. Two points to note. Please do not ask me or any of the clergy or staff about this matter as we ought not discuss it with anyone whilst the investigation is ongoing. But more importantly, please be vigilant around the church reporting any suspicious behavior to one of the priests or deacons or the front office at the Rectory. I ask that the sacristy be only for those involved in the ministries at Mass. If you wish to see the priest after Mass, please catch him at the end of Mass when he is greeting folk. Thank you.
God bless you and your families and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter CJ
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter