Dear Parishioners,
This weekend our ANZAC commemorations proceed in a distanced manner. We recall the sacrifices made by those in the armed services especially those who gave their lives. To sacrifice is to give up one good for a higher good. So the fallen ANZACS whom we remember at this time gave up the good of youthful life and future opportunities for a higher good: the safety and welfare of their families and their nation. At present, we too find ourselves making sacrifices beyond what we are accustomed to. We have given up many good things temporarily for the higher good of the health of our more vulnerable in society. ANZAC Day is a moment to pause in gratitude for the sacrifices of our fallen, but also a time to examine our readiness to make little sacrifices for loved ones and for our Saviour. Fr Nicolas Maurice
Visits to church hall: Fr Maurice plans to work from the parish hall one morning each week so that parishioners can stop to make contact and talk. He plans to work from the Ted Howe Room on Wednesday mornings from 9.30am, and from the Cranney Room on Friday mornings from 10am. Parishioners are welcome to stop in while maintaining suitable distance from others.
Parish bulletin: Copies of the parish bulletin are available at the parish office during office hours, at the Ted Howe Room on Wednesdays from 9.30am, at the Cranney Room on Fridays from 10am. Please email the parish office if you would like an electronic copy emailed to you.
Livestream ANZAC day Mass: Bishop Homeming will be offering Mass in Lismore on ANZAC day at 11am which will be livestreamed online. Please visit the parish website for the link or the diocesan website lismorediocese.org.
Prayer to Our Lady: We know that even in the midst of trial and woe, Our Lady and the Saints in the heavenly court intercede for us and cheer us on. The following text petitions Our Lady in a heartfelt prayer during this pandemic:
O Mary, You shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the cross, united with Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of the Roman people, know what we need, and we trust that you will provide for those needs so that, as at Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us. He who took our sufferings upon Himself and burdened Himself with our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of Resurrection. Amen.