Dear Parishioners and Friends,
You may remember Bishop Martin Ash’s visit to our parish in February 2024. It was a blessed weekend during which we had numerous encounters with him, including a Parish Forum Session. Over 60 parishioners shared their views about the parish.
In a few weeks’ time, we will be celebrating Ascension Sunday. We remember Jesus’ great commission spoken to his disciples...
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Mt 28:19-20)
The call to evangelise and make disciples, to be missionary in outlook, was very much on the mind of Pope Francis. In his apostolic letter Evangelii Gaudium #27, he spoke of a missionary option which the church needs to subscribe to, if it wants to be an agent of transformation, and remain faithful to the words of Jesus. The parish (including ours), being so close to the grassroots of the church, has every opportunity to fulfil this mission (EG #28).
On Saturday the 31st of May ’24, we are meeting for a Mission and Vision meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to take a good look at where we stand as a parish now. And from there to look forward to become more missionary in outlook.
Among others, we will be asking ourselves these questions:
How vibrant is our parish? Is our parish a live-giving community that fosters holiness and discipleship? Are you joyfully desiring to share the gift of faith in Jesus Christ with those you encounter?
Are we a vital parish? Do we read the signs of the times, with hope and a missionary vision?
Is our parish viable? Do we have the necessary financial, property, and human resources, and the ability to mobilise these resources to achieve our mission?
You are invited to this Mission and Vision meeting, and I would really love to see you involved. You all have a lot to contribute, is some area or another of parish life, thus making our parish community more vibrant, vital and viable. Please save the date.
God bless you.
Fr Silvio
