Dear Parishioners,

The Second Sunday of Easter reminds me of the words of Pope St John XXIII at the opening of the Second Vatican Council: “The church has always opposed errors regarding the faith and, in the past, did so with the greatest severity. Nowadays, however, the spouse of Christ prefers to make use of the medicine of mercy rather than of severity. She considers that she meets the needs of the present day by demonstrating the validity of her teaching rather than by condemnations.” We remember these words against the backdrop of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka where over 250 people have been killed and over 500 injured, many while attending Easter Sunday Masses. Pope Francis has often spoken about our encounter with the mercy of God as central to the life of the Church. He has also urged us, in the face of terrorism to reject hatred and to pray. We are urged to trust in Christ, remembering the words of Jesus in St John’s Gospel (16:13): “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”  May God bless you all, Fr Denis

This weekend we welcome Bishop Patrick O’Regan, local Members of Parliament and the Mayor of the City of Casey, to our parish for the celebration of our 10.45am Mass. We also welcome many members of the Sri Lankan community who dwell here, as we pray for those who have suffered and died, and for God’s healing and peace for all.