from Fr Satheesh
Dear Parishioners,
I hope that you had a wonderful Easter. The second Sunday of Easter is known as the Divine Mercy Sunday. The readings for this Sunday show us our need for God’s Divine Mercy, offered to us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the forgiveness of our sins, and through each celebration of the Sacraments (all instituted to sanctify us), when we receive them in trusting Faith. God revealed His mercy, first and foremost, by sending His only begotten Son to become our Saviour and Lord by His suffering, death and Resurrection.
In this week’s Gospel, we meet the disciples locked in fear, yet it is into that fear that Jesus comes, bringing peace. He does not wait for them to be brave or ready, he meets them where they are. His first words, “Peace be with you,” remind us that God’s presence is not dependent on our strength, but on his love.
Thomas often gets remembered for his doubt, yet his story is also one of honesty and transformation. He dares to voice what others may have felt but not said. And Jesus does not reject him for it, instead, he invites Thomas closer. In that encounter, doubt becomes faith, and Thomas makes one of the most profound declarations: “My Lord and my God!”
This Gospel reassures us that faith is not about having no doubts, but about being open to encounter Christ, even in our uncertainty. Like the disciples, we are sent out with the gift of peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit. And like Thomas, we are called to believe, not because we see, but because we trust in the living Christ who comes to us still.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making our Easter celebrations so beautiful and prayerful. It was a joy to see so many parishioners and visitors join us for our Easter liturgies. Thank you for your presence and support. May the Easter message of love, hope, and new life continue to live in our hearts.
We look forward to our upcoming parish celebrations. Our OLGC Feast Day will be celebrated on Sunday, 26 April. All are warmly invited to the 10am Mass, followed by food and fellowship. Please see the bulletin for further details. On Sunday 19 at 10 am at OLGC, Fr. Biju will be celebrating his last Mass in our Parish prior to his departure to India on Tuesday 21. We’d love for you to join us for Mass and morning tea! If you're able, please bring a plate to share.
We also look forward to welcoming parents and children to our First Eucharist Program. The Parent Information Evening will be held on Wednesday, 29 April at 7pm at OLGC, Forestville.
May the Mercy of God fill your hearts and mind. Let us share the peace and joy of the risen Lord within our families and communities.
May God bless you all.
Fr. Satheesh Antony OSH, PP
I hope that you had a wonderful Easter. The second Sunday of Easter is known as the Divine Mercy Sunday. The readings for this Sunday show us our need for God’s Divine Mercy, offered to us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the forgiveness of our sins, and through each celebration of the Sacraments (all instituted to sanctify us), when we receive them in trusting Faith. God revealed His mercy, first and foremost, by sending His only begotten Son to become our Saviour and Lord by His suffering, death and Resurrection.
In this week’s Gospel, we meet the disciples locked in fear, yet it is into that fear that Jesus comes, bringing peace. He does not wait for them to be brave or ready, he meets them where they are. His first words, “Peace be with you,” remind us that God’s presence is not dependent on our strength, but on his love.
Thomas often gets remembered for his doubt, yet his story is also one of honesty and transformation. He dares to voice what others may have felt but not said. And Jesus does not reject him for it, instead, he invites Thomas closer. In that encounter, doubt becomes faith, and Thomas makes one of the most profound declarations: “My Lord and my God!”
This Gospel reassures us that faith is not about having no doubts, but about being open to encounter Christ, even in our uncertainty. Like the disciples, we are sent out with the gift of peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit. And like Thomas, we are called to believe, not because we see, but because we trust in the living Christ who comes to us still.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making our Easter celebrations so beautiful and prayerful. It was a joy to see so many parishioners and visitors join us for our Easter liturgies. Thank you for your presence and support. May the Easter message of love, hope, and new life continue to live in our hearts.
We look forward to our upcoming parish celebrations. Our OLGC Feast Day will be celebrated on Sunday, 26 April. All are warmly invited to the 10am Mass, followed by food and fellowship. Please see the bulletin for further details. On Sunday 19 at 10 am at OLGC, Fr. Biju will be celebrating his last Mass in our Parish prior to his departure to India on Tuesday 21. We’d love for you to join us for Mass and morning tea! If you're able, please bring a plate to share.
We also look forward to welcoming parents and children to our First Eucharist Program. The Parent Information Evening will be held on Wednesday, 29 April at 7pm at OLGC, Forestville.
May the Mercy of God fill your hearts and mind. Let us share the peace and joy of the risen Lord within our families and communities.
May God bless you all.
Fr. Satheesh Antony OSH, PP
