A Parish Alive in the Spirit

Last weekend, 120 parishioners gathered for our Parish Summit Day: Curiosity to Encounter. It was a day alive with prayer and worship, learning and fellowship, honest conversation, and above all, a renewed sense of hope for what God is doing among us. From the very first moments, there was a palpable “buzz”—the joy of being together, recognising familiar faces, and meeting for the first time those we may have passed by for years. One participant shared:

“It was wonderful to feel the buzz of the parish and to get the chance to speak with many people I recognise but didn’t know. Moving forward, I will make a point of being more communally engaged when I’m at Mass rather than on the periphery.”

The Summit offered more than a joyful atmosphere—it invited participants see what renewal looks like in practice. Vatican II teaches us that the Church’s mission is not the work of priests alone but of the whole People of God, animated by the Holy Spirit. That vision was alive in the sharing testimonies we heard. Teresa McGrath opened the Scriptures in a fresh and engaging way, helping us encounter stories of Jesus through new eyes. Many were deeply moved by the Q&A session, where parishioners shared how their lives are being transformed as they step more fully into faith and service. One participant reflected:

“I thought the Question-and-Answer session showed how far the Church has already come in having the laity involved in changes happening… I feel this is only the beginning of Catholic Church Renewal, and initiatives like this are paramount with a vision of possibly transforming a world that is fast becoming more hateful and destructive.”

Others spoke of how the day helped them discern their own discipleship. In particular, the five pathways of disciples we explored—all in, live by example, worshipper, servant, and witness—helped participants identify both their gifts and their growth areas. As one put it: “I am able to bring an ‘all in’ energy, enthusiasm, and desire to ‘do’… I also need to be better at simply offering myself in service.”

The day also reminded us that discipleship isn’t about chasing spiritual highs but showing up faithfully for relationship with Jesus. One parishioner shared how, on a particularly difficult day, they almost skipped their daily Scripture reading. Yet it was precisely in that moment of weakness that Christ met them in a powerful way. They recalled Fr Gerard’s wise words: “If I hadn’t shown up, He may not have shown up!”

This is the heart of our renewal: daily fidelity, a community of disciples open to God’s surprising action, and a willingness to walk together in intimacy with Jesus. As your parish priest, my vision is simple—that every parishioner experiences the joy of intimacy with Jesus, a joy that transforms hearts and animates us to boldly and joyfully share what we have received. This is nothing less than what Jesus himself commands: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:19–20).

The Summit was not an end point but a spark. The real fruit will be seen in how we step forward together—supporting one another, deepening our own intimacy with Christ, and welcoming others into the joy of faith. Momentum builds on momentum. What we experienced last weekend is already a sign of the Spirit’s work among us. Let us continue to say “yes” together so that our parish truly becomes a place of encounter, renewal, and mission—a parish alive in the Spirit.

Peace, love and blessings, Fr Josh