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1/1/2023 Father Owen's Bulletin Message
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The Feast of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Dear Parishioners:
We gather this weekend to herald in the New Year of 2023. New Year’s Eve is always a time to think back and to celebrate new beginnings. I take this opportunity to thank everybody who has been part of our revitalized church experience. I am proud of our beautiful improved liturgical space and humbled by the generosity and trust you have placed in me.
A mother has a special meaning in all our lives. The mother is the first to clutch her baby’s new hands and to rejoice in the life that she and her husband have brought into the world. We begin this new year praising and loving Mary, the mother of God and our mother as we place before her, the year that we have just begun. We place trust in her son, Jesus and seek her mantle of guidance and protection as we make plans for this year while at the same time being open to God’s will for us. New Year’s Day is always a special day to dream of new beginnings. Our dreams include Mary, who took Jesus in her arms and nurtured him as a little boy. She takes us in her arms too and points us to Christ, who guides us with grace.
People often ask me if I miss Ireland. I love Ireland but I do not miss Ireland. I do, however, miss my family who I love dearly. My siblings, their spouses, my nephews, and nieces mean the world to me, and we love to get together and enjoy each other’s company. My twin brother Michael emigrated to Australia over thirty years ago and he has two wonderful children, Catrina, and James. Last year, James announced his engagement to his girlfriend, Kate. They are set to marry civilly in a winery outside Melbourne on Saturday, January 7th, 2023. James is a principal at a Catholic middle school. His fiancée Kate is a teacher in a public school. We like Kate very much and are thrilled and delighted with their upcoming marriage. Naturally, the Moran family are strong Catholics. Although the civil wedding will take place in a winery, I will preside at their sacramental marriage (“convalidation”) in their local church on January 10th. I baptized James thirty years ago and now, I am honored and thrilled to bestow upon them this sacrament so that through the grace of God, they may have a long, happy, holy life together and bring Catholic children into the world. Our entire family except for Regina, Maeve and Owen will be together for the Moran family wedding. I look forward to sharing more details of both joyful events and the joy of our entire family being together.
In conclusion as they say in Ireland, Happy Little Christmas!
Fr. Owen