Weekend Masses

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, When I was growing up birthdays were low key. You might get some new clothes or shoes if you needed them. There were no lavish celebrations. Usually they were an ordinary day. A 21st birthday would be a little more special. As I get older I see birthdays and anniversaries as an opportunity to reflect on life and to be thankful. I want to be thankful for the people I have journeyed with, for the opportunities I have been given. I look back and realize that God has been part of that journey, especially in the times when life seemed to be hard and difficult. I wished a colleague happy birthday recently and his response was, “It is great that after so many years we still have friends of many years journeying with us”. I have had many appointments in my years as a priest. Some I liked and some I did not like, but there were always people who helped and supported me along the way. My family has always been there for me. Their hospitality and welcome has always gone beyond what was expected and more than I could ever return. My society colleagues have always been a source of inspiration and have made me look at the world differently. In my work in parishes and in fundraising I have come across great generosity and faith. All of these things I am thankful for. As I add another year to my collection I choose not to count the number but see it as an opportunity to say Thank you Lord for all you have given me. “Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good” The journey continues, Fr Karl  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We all need role models. Sometimes it’s a parent, a family member or a teacher, work friend or priest. They help us see the world through a different lens or encourage us to reach higher. Over the years I have always celebrated anniversaries, or milestones because sometimes when the first difficulty arises in a marriage or vocation the easy option can seem to be to walk away. Anniversaries and milestones remind us that there are role models out there who through their commitment and trust have managed to achieve what seems to be the impossible, happiness and contentment in their marriage or vocation. Stress can be a part of every vocation. There are people in all communities who can be difficult to get along with and sometimes make impossible demands. In marriages how to parent the kids and different styles of parenting can cause huge stress. How much freedom should the kids have? What time do they go to bed? What are the boundaries of discussion and what is allowed as they get older and question you? Is school, homework and play important? These are just a few of the issues along with the demands of living together under the same roof. Stress is part of live and role models show us that it can be handled and the relationship can survive and prosper. Talking to people and couples who are content, happy and committed to their vocation can help. Next weekend we will celebrate in our parish Sister Monica’s Diamond Jubilee(60 years) of religious commitment. She is a role model for us as a teacher, religious educator and a Religious. As we celebrate her story and pray with her and for her let us all pray for vocations to the religious life and to family life. We also pray that others will see in those who have lived long and well in their vocation (religious life and married life) an encouragement to work hard to fulfill their own vocation. Let the Journey continue, Fr Karl