Thank You!

As we leave behind the gift of another year and look ahead to 2024, there are many things to be grateful for as a Parish Family. If I may speak on your behalf, we are grateful for the real enthusiasm across the Parish at this time with the implementation of our Strategic Plan – a plan which is already proving valuable as a means of mission-focused lay-leadership development! We are grateful for the many parishioners and friends who generously continue to give of their time, talent and treasure to keep our Parish moving along. Because of you, we are truly blessed.

How many ways can a faith community say thank you to so many people?

Sacristans: These dedicated parishioners arrive early and set up for the liturgy. They are so efficient that we often don’t even notice and they both clean up and close up! Say thank you to a Sacristan today. To those who support our liturgies: those who organise volunteers; those who wash and iron, clean and repair, who work quietly behind the scenes keeping everything ready and working. Merci

Music Ministry: Where would our liturgy be without music? If it is true that to sing is to pray twice then we particularly thank all our musical ministers for leading us throughout the year. Danke

Liturgical Ministers: From those who proclaim the Word of God, distribute Jesus’ Body and Precious Blood, and those who serve at the Altar of God, we are blessed. Thank you, also, to all who are commissioned from our Masses to take Holy Communion to those who cannot be with us to celebrate the Eucharist – you powerfully remind us of how big God’s family is! Xièxiè

Church environment/decorators/craft: We don’t take for granted those who, behind the scenes, make candles and stoles which are gifted to our newly baptised children & adults. Help maintain, clean and hygienic churches, and those who use their creative gifts to add colour and verve to the ambience of the liturgical space, they wake us up to the different feel and texture of the liturgy as our senses are alerted to the mystery we are about to celebrate. Grazie

Technology & communication: Our world continues to change and we must evolve with it. From those who assist with technology challenges, those who do the audio-visual each Sunday, and those who help with the live streaming of our OLR Masses. Gràcias

And to you: Who, like St Joseph, quietly support and encourage, who trust enough to build up and not tear down, who are prepared to be part of the great drama of faith and parish life; may the blessings of the Christ Child be with you and yours this Christmas.

Thank you.