Dear brothers and sisters,

1. “We can be sure that we know God only by keeping his commandments.” 1 Jn 2:3

2. How can we speak about God?  By taking as our starting point the perfections of man and of the other creatures which are a reflection, albeit a limited one, of the infinite perfection of God, we are able to speak about God with all people. We must, however, continually purify our language insofar as it is image-bound and imperfect, realising that we can never fully express the infinite mystery of God.

3. We have not yet started work on the ceiling as we want to make sure any work done will fit in with any other possible works to the church, and to also think about whether or not there is any improvement on what can be done.  For this reason, on the advice of the Liturgy office, we have engaged a church architect to advise us on some options for an overall plan for preserving and improving what we already have.  But we want to know what you think, so for the next four weeks we will be welcoming ideas you have about maintaining or improving what we have.  Suggestions have already been made re a new lighting system, a new sound system, making the tabernacle lights candle-based, etc. We will then consider these and provide them to the architect to give him some context and limits.  Please tell Fr what you think, we will listen to all.

4. A gentle reminder again that: a priest is a man for all, Christian or not, and that anyone can come and see me; that priests have no way of knowing what you are living until you share with them; that Jesus warns us that it is an offence against love to talk about your brother without going to see him first; and that the appointment system is necessary because otherwise you are taking me away from another brother or sister who also needs me at that time.

5. 20 people have now signed up to start our Alpha course starting 29 April.  This course makes it easy to meet the Risen Jesus and experience in my heart the love of God for me personally. If you’re looking for a change in life, be you Christian or non-Christian, join us as we do this together in a warm and welcoming way, via https://stpeter-stjoseph.org.au/alpha/

6. Fire & Hope, a monthly youth group for 18-25s will be starting in the parish on 17 April at 730pm.  Each meet will include a time of praise, formation and prayer.

7. The parish office will be closed 19 and 23 April 2024. 

8. The Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith released an Instruction called Dignitas Infinita explaining and defending human dignity against the errors and attacks within contemporary culture.  Please google it and read it.  There are 50 copies available at the back of the church.

Yours in Our Lord,

J+