Newsletter - 16 February 2025
World Day of the Sick
“Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5) but strengthens us in times of trial.
The World Day of the Sick coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, 11 February. This year a Mass with anointing of the Sick will be held in the parish on Wednesday 12 March.
Here are some excerpts from POPE FRANCIS’ message for WORLD DAY OF THE SICK to help us find hope in times of sickness and suffering.
How can we be strong, when our bodies are prey to severe, debilitating illnesses? In these situations, we sense our need for a strength greater than our own. We realize that we need God’s help. … God remains close to those who are suffering in three ways: encounter, gift, and sharing.
Encounter. Jesus asks his disciples to help the sick to see their infirmity as an opportunity to encounter the Lord. In times of illness, we sense our human frailty. … Yet we also experience the closeness and compassion of God, who, in Jesus, shared in our human suffering. God does not abandon us and often amazes us by granting us a strength that we never expected.
Gift. More than anything else, suffering makes us aware that hope comes from the Lord. … The risen Lord walks beside us as our companion on the way, … We can share with him our anxieties, concerns, and disappointments, and listen to his word, which enlightens us and warms our hearts. We can recognize his presence and sense the “greater reality” which, by drawing near to us, restores our courage and confidence.
Sharing. Places of suffering are frequently places of sharing and mutual enrichment. We realize that we are “angels” of hope for one another … We need to learn how to appreciate the beauty and significance of these grace-filled encounters: the gentle smile of a nurse, the gratitude and trust of a patient, or the anxious look of a spouse or child. All these are rays of light to be treasured; they give us strength, while at the same time teaching us the deeper meaning of life, in love and closeness.
Dear brothers and sisters who are ill or who care for the suffering … your journey together is a sign for everyone: “a hymn to human dignity, a song of hope.”
Deacon Ted Wood, ccn
Focus of the Week
MASS FOR THE SICK
On Wednesday 12 March at 11am we are holding a Mass with anointing of the sick.
Those who would like to receive this Sacrament are welcome.
2024 Parish Finance Report
The parish’s income and expenditure figures for 2024 have been submitted to the Diocese. We would like to thank all parishioners for their on-going support and help, it is very much appreciated.
A copy of the report is available for you to collect in the entrance hall.
