from Fr Satheesh
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday’s readings bring the usual warnings about preparation for the end of our own world, the end of our own time, and our passage to another world. They tell us that a searching, watching, and growing heart is essential for a lively, dynamic Faith in God.
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells us the parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. Five are prepared and bring extra oil for their lamps, while the other five are unprepared. When the bridegroom finally arrives, it is too late for those who have not prepared.
The message of this Gospel is simple: be ready and stay awake. Jesus invites us to live each day with open hearts, growing in our faith and recognising His presence in our lives. We may not know what each day will bring, but we can choose to be prepared by placing our trust in God and allowing His love to guide the way we live, love and care for others.
The oil in the lamps can remind us of the ways we nurture our relationship with God – through prayer, the Eucharist, Scripture, acts of kindness and the love we show towards others. These are not things we can simply borrow from someone else when we need them. Our relationship with God is something we must personally nurture and grow.
Sometimes, like the bridesmaids, we can become tired or distracted. Life can become busy, and our faith can slip into the background. Yet Jesus encourages us to keep our lamps burning and to remain attentive to His presence in our lives.
As we hear the words, “Stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour,” may we ask ourselves: Is my lamp still burning brightly? Am I making time for God? Am I ready to recognise Jesus when He comes into my life?
May we continue to fill our lives with faith, hope and love, so that whenever the Lord calls, we will be ready to go out and meet Him.
This weekend onwards we are invited to support the Pastoral Works Broken Bay Appeal (PWBB), which helps provide important pastoral care, faith formation and support to people and families throughout our Diocese. We warmly encourage you to support this wonderful work if you are able. Our target for this appeal is $ 19000. Every contribution, large or small, helps our Church to reach out and care for others in our community.
Thank you to everyone who helped make our All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations so special and meaningful. A special thank you to Anne Ellis and her wonderful team of Bereavement Ministry helpers, whose dedication, care and compassion help make these special liturgies so beautiful and heartfelt. We are grateful to all who contributed their time and talents, helping our parish community come together in prayer, remembrance and celebration.
This weekend we celebrate the Feast Day of St Martin de Porres and it is a wonderful opportunity for the school and parish to come together. We thank the parish choir for making the mass so special and the families for arranging a wonderful morning tea. These celebrations are always a great opportunity to come together.
Thank you to all those who joined us for the Seniors event last Wednesday. It was a great opportunity to come together for food, friendship and fun. We look forward to our next event early next year.
In November, we remember all our departed dear ones and our clergy will offer the Holy Masses for this intention in a special way.
Have a wonderful week and please feel free to reach out if you need anything.
May God bless you all.
Fr Satheesh Antony OSH, PP
This Sunday’s readings bring the usual warnings about preparation for the end of our own world, the end of our own time, and our passage to another world. They tell us that a searching, watching, and growing heart is essential for a lively, dynamic Faith in God.
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells us the parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. Five are prepared and bring extra oil for their lamps, while the other five are unprepared. When the bridegroom finally arrives, it is too late for those who have not prepared.
The message of this Gospel is simple: be ready and stay awake. Jesus invites us to live each day with open hearts, growing in our faith and recognising His presence in our lives. We may not know what each day will bring, but we can choose to be prepared by placing our trust in God and allowing His love to guide the way we live, love and care for others.
Sometimes, like the bridesmaids, we can become tired or distracted. Life can become busy, and our faith can slip into the background. Yet Jesus encourages us to keep our lamps burning and to remain attentive to His presence in our lives.
As we hear the words, “Stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour,” may we ask ourselves: Is my lamp still burning brightly? Am I making time for God? Am I ready to recognise Jesus when He comes into my life?
May we continue to fill our lives with faith, hope and love, so that whenever the Lord calls, we will be ready to go out and meet Him.
This weekend onwards we are invited to support the Pastoral Works Broken Bay Appeal (PWBB), which helps provide important pastoral care, faith formation and support to people and families throughout our Diocese. We warmly encourage you to support this wonderful work if you are able. Our target for this appeal is $ 19000. Every contribution, large or small, helps our Church to reach out and care for others in our community.
Thank you to everyone who helped make our All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations so special and meaningful. A special thank you to Anne Ellis and her wonderful team of Bereavement Ministry helpers, whose dedication, care and compassion help make these special liturgies so beautiful and heartfelt. We are grateful to all who contributed their time and talents, helping our parish community come together in prayer, remembrance and celebration.
This weekend we celebrate the Feast Day of St Martin de Porres and it is a wonderful opportunity for the school and parish to come together. We thank the parish choir for making the mass so special and the families for arranging a wonderful morning tea. These celebrations are always a great opportunity to come together.
Thank you to all those who joined us for the Seniors event last Wednesday. It was a great opportunity to come together for food, friendship and fun. We look forward to our next event early next year.
In November, we remember all our departed dear ones and our clergy will offer the Holy Masses for this intention in a special way.
Have a wonderful week and please feel free to reach out if you need anything.
May God bless you all.
Fr Satheesh Antony OSH, PP
