Message from Parish Priest
Fr Michael Trainor
18th/19th April 2026 ~ Third Sunday of Easter
Hospitality and Commitment
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Did you notice how many people came to our Easter Services in Holy Week? On Passion Sunday (and on the Saturday night) we had many more people than usually attend our weekend Liturgies. The Good Friday service and the Easter Sunday morning Mass had standing-room only. These were wonderful moments of religious encounters through our parish liturgy. But why did these ceremonies attract such numbers?
Everyone, no matter their Faith practice or regular church attendance, has a deep desire to encounter religious meaning especially at times of social and global unrest. People are searching for an understanding to their lives, now accentuated by global events. At these times, when the regularity of life seems uncertain and disrupted, people turn to God for help, support and understanding. There might be some who could be cynical about those who “turn to God” in times of trouble, but I see this attraction and desire to reignite Faith everywhere I look. God is active and present, and at times and in places where that presence might not be so explicit or recognised. I saw it on the faces of those who worshipped with us during Holy Week.
What all this says to me, as a parish, is how important our spirit of hospitality and welcome is. It is key. People are now, more than ever, looking for a community, a place to belong and friendly faces to greet them. This is where our baptismal vocation becomes active. Our spirit of welcome, the sense of friendliness through that smile and our disposition of kindness in our Sunday gathering gets replicated in the week ahead that unfolds. This spirit is not reserved for Sunday Mass. It accompanies us throughout the week and engages all those we meet during our week. It is the Spirit that our world so sorely needs.
In a few weeks time you will be asked to make a commitment to the life of our parish. This commitment is in time, talent and financial support. It is not just a pragmatic request to which you will be invited to respond. It actually lies at the heart of what we are on as a parish, to offer meaningful community in a world that needs it. Please join me in this commitment to expand the life of our parish, engage others and touch the world around us.
Your brother,
Michael