|
 Christmas
& New Year Message
from the Parish Priest
I
sent this rather unusual Christmas/New Year “card”
But I thought it was a striking photo and certainly
shows one aspect of Parish life in this last year.
Many of you will know we celebrated 75 years of St
Michael’s opening 1 October 1933.
The celebrations were varied, Masses,
displays of early photographs, projects done by the
school children and inspected by Bishop Patrick on
the day of the Children’s Jubilee Mass, Roof Shout
auction dinner, formation of Friends of St
Michael’s, a jubilee concert. And more events are
planned as we continue a jubilee year into October
2009.
But the BIG event was the
commencement of the work to strengthen the fabric of
the building to bring it up to current earthquake
standards. It was decided to take the opportunity to
renew the roof of the church. Hence the big crane
and the man on top of the roof. Several windows
had to be have remedial work done on them. Hence,
in the picture, a man working on one of the
windows. I am sure everyone is delighted that
things are moving towards our aim – the
preservation, conservation and enhancement of St
Michael’s Church.
Costs? Well, that is a worry. We
have to watch our pennies! But then 2009 is a NEW
YEAR! New avenues may open up, new donors, even
outside of the Catholic Community, may come along.
We still hope for the person who has a big WIN and
will share it with us!
Parish life has of course continued
centred around those things we do best and for which
the church building exists, celebration of Sunday
Masses, baptisms (61 this year), Confirmation and
First Holy Communion (53), Adults received into the
Church (10), Marriages (28), Funerals (24). Many
people are involved in preparing for these
occasions. Lots of people give of their times and
talent, Carers of the Sanctuary, those who Proclaim
the Word, Ministers of Communion at Mass and to
those unable to come to Mass, Counters, Collectors,
our very efficient Office persons, leaders of
Children’s Liturgy, musicians, Parish Council,
Finance Council, the Heritage Foundation committee,
the “Friends of St Michael’s”, the priests in the
Parish House. THANK YOU ALL!
To Parishioners, thank you for your
support. To friends (some of them going back many
years now), to those who have sent cards assuring me
of their prayers at this time, and to all those who
make St Michael’s their spiritual home. THANK YOU
AND BLESSINGS ON YOU AND YOURS IN THE YEAR OF OUR
LORD 2009
(Monsignor) Brian Arahill |
