I was really lucky to meet a brand new group of women a few weeks ago.  As we were getting to know each other they voiced their quite clear opinion on the Catholic Church.  They were vocal and harsh. They didn’t know yet about my role. I just left it. 

The next week we were just getting along so well and so I told them that my faith is actually my job and vice versa. They were not quite so harsh but their questions were really valid and hard to answer. How can you believe in something that is so corrupt?  How can you go to church when things are so wrong?  Their big issue was the role of women in the church, the recent incidents had not yet become public.

I don’t know about you but, at the best of times, I find those kinds of questions really hard to answer.  I am sure there will be many that won’t agree with my response.  I said “Faith is the most important to me.  Change is essential in the Church. The only way I can bring about change in the Catholic Church is to continue to be part of the wider conversation. To do that I have to practise my faith.”

I just want to be in conversation with a church that, according to Pope Francis, is made up of sinners because we are human. In 2013 he said…

The Church is not without sin because it is made up of sinners. Priests, sisters, bishops, cardinals and even Popes are sinners. Pope Francis warned us not to believe the misconception that the Church is filled only with the “pure” and that all others are to be “removed”. “This is not true!” he exclaimed. “This is heresy!”

He concluded by recalling the parable of the prodigal son, reminding us that God waits for us with open arms and celebrates when we return. God wants us to be a part of a Church that opens its doors to everyone so they may find God’s tender mercy and forgiveness. “Every Christian is called to holiness.”

So I don’t have any answers really. For the next 40 days I will be praying on it. Asking for strength to know the right thing to do and say. Everyone has been affected, no one is immune. Like Jesus in the desert, we too, have to draw on our strength and faith.

Parish News

Children's Choir

rehearsals on Wednesdays 
3.30. to 4.15pm - in the church

Forum: Voicing our Concern

Thursday evening of 14 March at 7.30pm followed by a light supper.

As a follow up to the Liturgy of Lament and Hope a forum will be held to address parishioners’ concerns about the state of the church and to explore ways of being a community of faith, love and integrity in these difficult and challenging times. 

Sacrament of Confirmation

Preparation for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is commencing now.

Formation evening for Parents

Date:     Monday  1 April
Time:     7:00pm – 8:30pm

If you have a child in year 6 not attending St John’s primary school and you would like them to receive the Sacrament please contact the parish office.

The Sacrament of Confirmation 
will be celebrated at 5:00pm on Thursday 16 May 2019 
with Archbishop Christopher Prowse