What an amazing week it has been!! We could never have imagined the overwhelming response we’ve had during the past week to the call of our Lenten parish mission. Fr Jim has enabled us to walk with God, to see ourselves as God sees and to live the Gospel message as a “redeemed” people. We were truly blessed to have Fr Jim McManus come to our parish and lead us in prayer, meditation, teaching and healing. We will keep Fr Jim and for his religious congregation in our prayers, as we pray that they be given the strength and courage to continue the good work in preaching missions.

A big thank you to our mission team led by our parish catechetical co-ordinator Jane Foskett, for their energy, enthusiasm and commitment - for the months of planning and organising leading up to the mission week. A special thank you to all our parish organisations and the great number of volunteers who gave up so much of their time and energy for this cause. You know who you are and there are too many to mention names. Without your help and support, we could not have done this - and we are extremely grateful for everything you did. A special word of thanks for all those volunteers who distributed the mission leaflets - by the attendance each day, we know what a crucial role you played - so thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A special word of thanks goes out to St. Raphael's Catholic school. What a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist!! The Mass was beautifully arranged, especially the readings, the offertory, the singing, the banners, the artwork and lastly the lovely reflection after communion. You are a credit to your school and make your parish very proud! Thank you to Mrs Staunton and all the school teachers for your support and co-operation in putting together such a beautiful liturgy at such short notice.

We thank all our brothers and sisters from neighbouring parishes too - thank you for coming and being part of our parish life, and for supporting our parish mission - we sincerely hope that you can join us in the future for other events, you are always welcome!

As a parish we acknowledge and appreciate the commitment of everyone involved, and this should make us very proud.

And finally, we thank God for having given us this opportunity, for calling us to spend time in prayer and rediscovering ourselves, to allow Him to touch us and heal us. It makes our journey towards Easter even more special and worthwhile.

To God we give praise and all glory!

God bless you all,

Fr John and Fr Richard