| Letter from Fr Mark McManus 24th December |
| Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles', |
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Midnight Mass, Clarence Gagnon, 1933 |
| Our preparations are complete and we await our gathering in the church to celebrate the coming of our infant saviour, Jesus, the Christ.
Despite the wearying demands of the ongoing pandemic and the current worries concerning the Omicron variant this year does in fact witness some progress as we can, at least for now, get together with family and friends should we so choose. I pray therefore that you will all enjoy a happy and holy Christmas and know some moments of true joy and thanksgiving. As we mark this festival day let us remember all those who will be at work during this time, especially in our healthcare and emergency services, and all those people who will be alone, especially those who have significant health issues or must observe isolation. We pray that all our fellow citizens, especially the homeless and the hungry, may experience the warmth and nourishment of Christ's saving love. Finally, we remember those who have died during these past twelve months and the families that will mark Christmas for the first time without their loved one. May they, and all our dearly departed, know the new life that Jesus has won for them and may all those who still mourn or grieve be comforted by this hope. The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
I wish you all the blessings of the holy season, Finally, this week's newsletter is here, please note it is a double issue. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. St Joseph, pray for us. St Charles Borromeo, pray for us. With my prayers, Rev. Mark McManus Parish Priest |