Fr. Aidan Writes:
This Sunday we celebrate the start of the new Church Year. In the ordinary time of 2022, we will focus on Luke’s Gospel. The main characteristics of this Gospel are: its compre- hensive scope and its interest in people in general (women, outsiders and the underdog in
particular). Luke gives great attention to prayer and is sometimes referred to as the Gospel of the Holy Spirit. It also filled with joy and praise. However, Advent focusses on the prophet Isaiah and the key figures that lead us to the birth of the Messiah: Our Blessed Mother, St Joseph and St John the Baptist.
As we start this new Church year, we are all acutely aware that we still live under the CoVid19 shadow. Things are getting much better than this time last year, and things are gradually regrouping, restarting and approaching normal. Advent is the season of hope and mine is simply put, “I hope that everyone will come back to regular life as members of the Church, celebrating the community fellowship, the word of God, the Holy food of Com- munion and the call to mission in Christ’s name.”
For those who are still at home, if you honestly are concerned for health reasons, that is understandable. But if you have easily taken to simply watching Livestream Mass at home, albeit with faithful regularity, I ask you to return, for your own sake, to receive Commun- ion. The Mass is about this sacramental encounter with Christ and the graces it imparts. We come to Mass in order to go to communion. We all need to be fed. Please consider starting the new Church year afresh this coming Advent Sunday. Another reason to come back to regular worship is that Frs Alfred, Armand, John and I miss you! As they say, “See you in Church.”
God bless you and your families, Fr Aidan-Peter CJ
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter