25th December 2016 – Christmas Day

christmas-1010749_960_720                                                    Christmas Message  
We are a redeemed people, and the work of our redemption began with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem.  Simple beginnings, no one noticed Joseph and the young expectant mother who had travelled a long journey from Nazareth.  No one noticed them and there was no room for them.  At a salvation moment of universal importance the mother gave birth in a stable and laid her baby in a manger, a feeding trough.  They were alone and lonely in the town of David as the son of David was born, no barriers between this baby and the messy realities of the life of the poor.  Then, in the darkness of that holy night, the glory of God shone around a group of lowly, despised shepherds, men not allowed even to enter a synagogue, and God’s message was entrusted to them: today a saviour has been born for you, he is Christ the Lord.  For us too a light shines at Christmas, in the dark moments of our lives, and the people who walk in darkness have indeed seen a great light.  May we take notice of that light and learn to experience the joy of the message of the angels and the joy of the Gospel of Christ.  May we hear the angels sing: Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to those of good will. 
 
Fr Kerry joins me in wishing you all a Happy Christmas.  We welcome those who are home for Christmas, may you enjoy these special days with your loved ones. We pray for those who can’t make it home and for their families.  We remember those who have been bereaved, your loved ones are remembered in our Masses. Thanks to everybody for all your support, we wish you peace, health and blessings throughout the year ahead.
 
Fr Billy

Christmas Masses: Christmas Eve: 6.00 & 10.00pm. Christmas Day: 9.00 am, 10.00 am &12 noon (note extra Mass at 9.00 am). St. Stephen’s Day (Monday) Mass at 10.00 am.
 
Fr Kerry’s Grace before Dinner on Christmas Day
Loving God, on this Christmas Day we give
thanks that Jesus, your Son, has come into
our world bringing us gifts of peace and joy.
Bless us as we sit together at this table for
our Christmas meal.
Bless the food we share and help us to
remember those who are hungry.
Be with our loved ones away from home (pause).
Bless and heal those who are sick, those
who are lonely.
We remember our departed loved ones (pause).
May the joy of this feast give us strength and