Dear friends,

 

November is the month of remembrance. It represents the dying of the year and is a time for reflection. Economically the year 2009 has been catastrophic for Ireland, bringing huge dilemmas and damage to many people. Jobs have been lost, salaries seriously reduced, businesses buried and projects put on the shelf. Parish life has been touched by the uncertainty generated by the recession. Nonetheless the Parish this year, as always, is dependent on God, the Changeless One.

 

Despite the gloom much has been accomplished in 2009. The Parish has been focusing on God’s mission to the world and resources have been raised and people sent to many situations, taking the Gospel to the world. We have looked beyond ourselves. It has been greatly encouraging to see a new batch of young people taking on responsibilities in the Parish. They are the fruit of years of investment in children’s and young people’s work. Prayers, too, have been answered, in response to great needs both at home and away. In all of this we have seen the hand of the Lord at work, and it has been marvellous in our eyes. As we look back and reflect, let us look forward in faith and go with God in 2010.

 

 

Yours sincerely,