Welcome to the Holy Family Parish

7) From: Ann Murray. Subject: Children of God

Date: 22/09/08

I've spoken with individuals who consider themselves estranged from the Church. Sometimes their situation has come about as the result of hurt suffered at a sensitive time in their lives, or a brush with someone seen as representative of the Church, or more often than not a case of disillusionment or a sense of not fitting in.

It's hard to convince such a person that it is infinitely better to be part of the Church, with all its imperfections, than to cut oneself off from it. How can we expect to get somrthing out if we put nothing in; what good are our talents if we keep them to ourselves, hoarded away like money in a cash tin? A Church community thrives when those within it pool together for the greater good.

Everyone has something to offer God, and something to share for God's sake. By coming together to worship Him, we can stumble upon hidden gifts and at the same time become healed of the hurt and division which otherwise would keep us apart.

There will be no fanfare for an estranged soul coming back into the fold (at least none we can hear) nor will it be roses all the way, but there is for them what there is for us, namely, real communion and confirming of our identity as children of God.

6) From: Ann Murray. Subject: Thanks for the Triduum

Date: 23/10/07

I'm wondering if the word 'vocation' came into anyone else's mind on Sunday as it did mine during the excellent Prayer Around The Cross? The congregation were invited to step forward and place a grain of incense into a burner symbolising our unity as one family gathering around the Cross, a most powerful symbol.

Just as Father Raymond McCullagh's parents stepped forward to place the grains in the vessel, the Holy Family Folk Group started to sing, 'Mother, behold Thy Son; Son, behold Thy Mother...'

I would like to thank the Priests and Liturgy Group and the excellent Folk Group for holding the Triduum of Family Prayer. I think it is worthwhile and it is something that should be repeated every few months. After all, Jesus has said that where two or three are gathered together, He will be there among them. There were a lot more than two or three in our lovely new Church on Sunday... but let's double it next time.

5) From: Ann Murray. Subject: Get a life!.

Date: 28/08/07

A Parishioner has not actually come up to me yet and said "I think you're sad because you visit Parish websites, get a life!" But I guess that's what some of them are thinking. Do I care? Not a bit, why should I care when I know the truth? But I can understand how it might look like I'm a bit obsessed but it really comes down to one thing - and that's FAITH. I'm a Catholic everyday, 24/7, and part of that responsibility involves supporting my Parish, and if that means standing up and being counted, so be it. Why should I be ashamed of who I am or what I believe? Building up God's Kingdom is a shared role and keeeping the website ticking over is a collective responsibility. Why not use the Guestbook to share your news and views with Parishioners - both at home and abroad?

4) From: Hugh Daly. Subject:Church of the Resurrection.

Date: 16/08/07

Good to see the re-vamped Parish website up and running.

The holes in the roof of the Church of the Resurrection seem to have got worse. Can someone post details of plans to repair it? If they'd let me, I'd be up in a flash with some felt and boiling tar to do at least a temporary fix.

3) From: James. Subject: New Church.

Date: 24/07/07

Your new Church is beautiful. I just wish there was a higher resolution image of the Reredos. I can't quite make out the subject matter. I have always loved any piece of art which incorporates the Tabernacle - adorning it and drawing our focus from external beauty to the internal beauty which it represents and conatins. Kind regards, James, St Paul, Minnesota (USA)

2) From: Doreen Robinson. Subject: Keeping in touch.

Date: 16/07/07

Greetings from Holy Family Parish, Labasa, Fiji. Although our Jubilee Twinning Programme has formally concluded I love to keep in touch with my 'electronic friends' in Holy Family, Belfast. The Parish website is a wonderful way of tuning in to news and events. Congratulations on your beautiful new Church. Ad multos annos. God Bless, Doreen

1) From: Ann Murray. Subject: Congratulations.

Date: 20/06/07

I would like to congratulate Ann D'Arcy on the website. All the information is easily accessed as is the archive and there are many familiar faces in each colourful montage. There are continual surprises - one minute I hear of an event and then in a flash it's been covered by Ann and her camera. Felicitations, Ann, et bonne chance!