I trust this finds everyone keeping well. In the face of further restrictions this week it is a temptation to become despondent. For myself, whilst I miss not being able to be with you in person, I am trying to see this as a time of opportunity to spend more time writing and also do those jobs which I have long intended to do and managed to keep putting off. I also go into the Church each day to change the date in the Book of Remembrance praying for the day when our Church will be able to reopen.

There are some good things happening in our parish community at present and I would like to update you on the latest. During the COVID-19 environment JoCare is working with Dr Katie Allen’s MP office to provide support to people the community. If you are interested in assisting please fill out an expression of interest form.

If you are feeling isolated at this time and would like some social support, please call 0403 572 440 during business hours. Alternatively, you can express your interest online. JoCare volunteers have over recent weeks become virtual volunteers and are ensuring that many in our community are receiving a regular friendly phone call. Volunteers are also writing letters where phone calls are not possible. We expect more referrals as we reach further into the community.

This week our Music Ministry will be making a wonderful contribution by putting together a online presentation of music for the Easter Triduum. This will go on our parish website in the next few days.

Also, in addition, to my Sunday and weekday homilies a link has been now placed on the website for those who wish to look at all the relevant readings for those days. Shortly there will be posts on the website on now to conduct a Prayer Service during Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. Also, an article on Proverbs and Twitter will go on the website with a picture of the Tree of Life as a link. It gives offers good common-sense advice on how to use social media appropriately. Let us keep looking for ways to remain connected with one another whilst playing our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus Covid-19.

Fr. Alan

Members of our parish music ministry have prepared a wonderful gift for the parish, as we meet the challenge of physical isolation and the temporary closure of St. Joseph’s Church.

They have recorded the music which we would have enjoyed in the church during the Easter season if COVID-19 had not descended upon us. The recordings can be found at this page on the parish website.

Please enjoy during this Easter season, and share it with your friends. You can send any thanks or comments by email to the Music Group.