A Warm Welcome from our Pastor Fr Andrew Robinson
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
It is a joy for me as the third Parish Priest of St Bernadette’s to introduce you to our new website. On these web pages you will find information about our history, our facilities, mass times, as well as the various groups and ministries within our parish. I have said on many occasions in church that St Bernadette’s Parish is made up of very loving and generous people.
As the parish continues its journey through time as a community of believers in Christ, we need to be aware of the constant changing needs of people in the 21st Century. This website is our response to this need.
The church is the body of Christ and like any human body it is made up of many parts. Here at St Bernadette’s the various ministry groups that are listed and described in the following pages are an expression of the reality that all in the Body of Christ are called in one way or another to be of service to others. In the Gospel we hear Jesus saying: “I have come not to be served but to serve.”
Because of the growing complexity and various needs of the parish community no one person or one group could possibly meet all the needs.
So the various ministry groups and committees seek to respond to the needs of individuals from the cradle to the grave. The parish like any large gathering of people can become a lonely place for people and the needs of various individuals can be overlooked.
All of us are asked by Christ though our baptism commitment to be Christ to one another. Jesus has no eyes, mouth, hands or feet but ours – so let us use them well.
I am most grateful to all who have worked so hard to make this website a reality. Many hours have gone into its production and what we now have is another expression of generous selfless giving. Jesus says: ‘What you do to another you do to me’. It is the will of God that our parish community family will become a ‘home’ where everyone will feel wanted, valued and loved.
If you feel that you would like to become more involved in the life of the parish by joining one of the groups then feel free to contact the parish office so that the person responsible for coordinating that group can contact you.
My prayer is that each of us called to particular roles of service will follow the example of St Bernadette in being open to God’s will and serving others with a generous humble heart.
May God’s blessing be with you and all your loved ones.
Father Andrew Robinson
Parish Priest