from Fr Satheesh
Dear Parishioners,
In this week’s Gospel, we recognise the quiet faith of Joseph, a man who listens and acts. Faced with a situation he does not understand, Joseph responds with compassion, choosing to protect Mary rather than expose her to shame. Even before the angel appears, his actions reveal a heart shaped by mercy.
When God speaks to Joseph in a dream, he is invited to trust a plan far greater than his own. “Do not be afraid,” the angel says. Joseph’s response is immediate and faithful: he takes Mary into his home and accepts his role in God’s saving work. Through his obedience, Emmanuel, God-with-us, enters the world.
Joseph reminds us that faith is often lived quietly, in moments of uncertainty and courage. Like him, we are called to trust God’s presence and to respond with generosity, allowing God to work through our everyday lives.
We all are devastated and scary when we heard the sad news about the tragic incident in Bondi, Sydney on 14 Sunday evening. Bishop Anthony Randazzo wrote on Monday 15 December with a heavy heart, in profound sorrow at the loss of innocent human life in the shooting at Bondi during the Jewish Festival of Hanukkah. Families have been shattered, communities left grieving, and our Jewish brothers and sisters once again subjected to fear, trauma, and hatred. No words can undo such loss, yet silence is not an option. The shooting of innocent people at Bondi is a crime. As a Church, and as a society, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguard all people in our nation. This includes the vulnerable, the young, those new to our country and culture, migrants and refugees, and most especially at this moment, our brothers and sisters in the Australian Jewish community. Please remember all those who lost their lives, injured, in fear and trauma, the members of the family who lost their beloved, and the Jewish community in our hearts and prayers.
As we prepare for Christmas we hope and pray that we are able to see the joy of Christmas in our hearts. Please note the Christmas Mass times in our parish bulletin.
We warmly congratulate our Year 12 students as they receive their results this week. Regardless of the outcomes, we are proud of all they have achieved and the effort they have shown along the way. We wish all our school families a safe, restful, and joyful summer holiday.
I am happy to share with you that Bishop Anthony Randazzo, kindly re-appointed me as the Dean of Northern Beaches Deanery for the next two years. Thank you for your support and prayers in the past years and I am grateful for your continued prayers.
I encourage you to support our parish by joining in the various ministries of our parish and by assisting financially in whatever way you could please contact the parish office. Have a wonderful week.
Fr Satheesh Antony OSH, PP
