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Even in these dark pandemic days, the Church continues to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead during the Easter season. The Fourth Sunday of Easter on the Church’s calendar is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday” because the Good News is that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who loves His sheep, even to the point of laying down His life for them. Jesus often used the imagery of shepherds and sheep to show His commitment for those in His care. He, the Good Shepherd, exemplifies the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. The imagery is old, but the message is still relevant to us.
It’s been four months now since I arrived in this parish as your pastor. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to know everyone in this parish before this lockdown began. This COVID-19 virus has affected so many aspects of our lives in different ways, our health, finances, our social interactions and also our spiritual situations. So many parishioners feel pain at not being able to come to Mass and receive Holy Communion. I’ve received a couple of emails from our parishioners expecting some contact from the parish and the priests. Please be assured Fr. Prem and myself still offer Masses and you all are in our prayers and thoughts, despite the empty pews. Our parish staff, pastoral council members are devising new ways for the parish to keep in contact. We can maintain our parish connections. These people will introduce themselves and say they are phoning on behalf of the parish. The phone contact is to assure you that you have a valued connection with our parish. If your contact details have changed, please email, or phone the office and help us to stay in touch. Occasionally we will send an email from the parish office to keep you connected with the parish newsletter. If you miss out it is because we don’t have your current email address. Once we know it we will it follow up. If you know someone who would like a copy, please print and share with them. Please check out our ‘Stay Connected’ section for latest updates and links to the live streamed Mass from the Cathedral as well as Liturgies for you to be able to use at home during this difficult time while the church must be closed. Parish Office hours have been reduced due to the current circumstances. Staff are working from home and will only be in the Parish Office on Tuesday and Friday at Birkdale parish office. You can keep in contact with us by email or phone and we will endeavour to make contact with you as soon as possible. As you know, with the suspension of public Masses, collections are not taking place, which places some strain on our parish finances through considerably reduced income. We understand that many are facing the task of preparing for the financial difficulties that lie ahead. If you are able, please remember the parish in your thinking and planning ahead. We are most grateful for the assistance you feel you are able to offer in this difficult time. May I express our deepest thanks and appreciation to our parishioners for your continued support of our Parish. Our parish account details: BSB: 064 786 Account No: 100017027 Account name: Birkdale Parish Planned Giving Kindly reference your deposit with your surname and your planned giving number/envelope number if you have one. Thank you for helping us keep in touch. Blessings, Fr. Dantus Thottathil.
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