We ask Our Lady and St. Teresa to intercede for all the Sick and Housebound, for all who find themselves in hospital, for those coping with the Corona Virus, and other health issues. May our prayers and those of the parish family, see them on the road to recovery. We keep in our prayers Jean Lue, Ms Ruba Santiapillai, Baby Alexander Lynch, Joseph Lunn, Lorraine Miller, Erika Geddes, Barry Falcon, Denise Waaldjk, Lena McBride and Valerie Somerset. We keep those who care for them and all key workers in prayer, with our gratitude.
My greetings and blessings to you and your loved ones. I hope you are coping with all that is unfolding. These are difficult days, and challenging times lay ahead for us all. We are currently facing an unprecedented health crisis across the world. It has impacted upon our cities, our workplaces and our homes. When humans face a crisis, feelings of fear and worry are inevitable. These are natural responses to uncertainty, and it is normal to worry about our wellbeing and safety, as well as the wellbeing of the people you love. While these are natural responses, it is helpful to consider what we can do to reduce the impact that anxiety and fear can have on our mental health. It is important to remain informed on this crisis’ developments and to focus on what actions you need to take to maintain your wellbeing. Please be careful, because the continual exposure to the media, TV etc., can heighten anxiety and bring about a fearful response (such as panic buying). Instead, you should seek out factual information from reliable sources such as the Government Health Service and the World Health Organisation websites. We are receiving good support from Government Departments and support by Opposition Parties. They deserve our support and prayers. Experts have recommended good hygiene, frequent hand-washing, social distancing and maintaining daily routine during this time. When self-isolating, don’t give up on activities that improve your mood, including daily physical exercise, social contact and healthy eating. These activities can positively impact upon our wellbeing and mental outlook. It is important to respect precautionary measures of self-isolation, which means adapting activities to remain safe amid the Covid-19 crisis. For example, you can set up a time to call or FaceTime a friend and have a virtual lunch together. This can provide you with much needed social interaction in a safe setting. You can also contact me by phone or email. Quite a few have phoned to say ‘Hi’ and ask for a personal blessing. At daily Mass (10a.m., including Saturdays) I am more than pleased via our LIVE STREAM to mention you and keep you up to date with parish news. As many of you now know, we have an online Lenten SPIRITUAL JOURNEY RETREAT for the parish, taking us from Holy Week to Easter. With daily Mass at 10a.m., Rosary, Adoration and a Holy Hour each evening (starting at 5.15p.m.), this will help us to stay connected as a parish; reaching out in love and prayer to others. Thank you for your messages of support – I will continue to do my best to help you and to BLESS you from the Altar. I miss you! To our Altar Servers, our children looking forward to making their First Holy Communion, our young friends waiting patiently for the coming of the Holy Spirit on their Confirmation Day; please enter the World of Prayer – the Lord will greet you and BLESS YOU. Seek your Guardian Angels powerful support. Join me online, join me spiritually at the Altar, join me in our evening Lenten Holy Hours. Join me in prayer; praying for your family, your friends, for all who are sick and especially those suffering from the Covid-19 virus. YOUR PRAYER COUNTS and makes a difference! On Monday at 5.15p.m. I invite all the children and young people of the parish to join me ONLINE for A VERY SPECIAL Holy Hour. ‘PRAY, HOPE AND DO NOT WORRY’ – I echo Padre Pio’s famous words during these difficult days, but we will come through this world-wide crisis. Things will get better: Be not afraid,
Let nothing disturb you, Nothing frighten you, All things are passing, God is unchanging, And His love for you will never die. STAY FAITHFUL TO THE LORD OF DIVINE MERCY. O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the sick. At the foot of the cross you participated in Jesus' pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father's will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of Resurrection. Amen. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas - we who are put to the test - and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
We keep in our prayers Patrick Joyce who died recently – May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory. We remember his wife Briget and family some of whom are parishioners at St. Teresa’s. And also for the soul of Jim Edmunds who has recently died and his family.
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