Dear Friends,

Greetings from Germany where the federal election has just been completed. In Australia, it will be held on 3rd May. Like the rest of the world, Australia is facing great challenges. I pray that the election will be fair and respectful. As a new Australian, I will exercise my electoral responsibility for the greater good of our nation. My choice will be guided by my Christian values.

As you may have already heard, my beloved father died on Tuesday 26 March at 3.30am local time. His funeral will take place on Friday 4th April at 10.30am local time.

Dad had been diagnosed with terminal cancer three months ago. My hope was that the good Lord may grant him a little bit more time so I can accompany the people of God at Baulkham Hills Parish through a difficult and very challenging time. It was also Dad’s wish that I stay in Baulkham Hills during this time. My wish had not been granted, and I was not given the chance to see Dad prior to his passing. It is God’s will, and I trust that He will continue to care for Dad. I am also consoled by the sure knowledge that he will be rejoining my cherished mum who had gone ahead 7 years ago.

I would like to thank you all for your kind messages of sympathy and prayers. I am sure that Mum and Dad appreciate your goodwill.

It is important not to lose the perspective. On my way to Germany, I had to stop over in Bangkok for a connecting flight to Frankfurt. As the plane was departing, the earthquake has reached Bangkok from its epicentre in Myanmar where more than 10,000 people died. Let us pray for them and help the living where we can.

Due to my absence from the Parish, I was not able to attend various Parish meetings and events, such as the FaithFeed for Young Adults on 29th March or the Parish Jubilee Pilgrimage to St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta on 5th April.  Just over 100 parishioners are expected to participate in the pilgrimage. Here, I would like to thank Daniel and Zali from the Parish Youth Team, Maria and Steve Harrison from the PPC and the many volunteers who made these Parish events possible. I am very proud of our Parish achievements.

Unfortunately, the Parish retreat on 29th March had to be postponed due to Fr Kevin’s health. However, it is rescheduled for 19th April which is Holy Saturday. Traditionally, this day is a quiet day of reflection on the life giving sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us. For sure, the retreat will assist us in this endeavour.

The repair of the roofs at St Michael’s and Our Lady of Lourdes must have been completed by now. Hopefully, it will last for many years. Also, the church’s front yard at Our Lady of Lourdes has received a facelift thanks to Anthony Yunis. We still need to clean the gutter of the parish community centre from the thick layer of leaves. It would be wonderful if a parishioner can volunteer for this kind of work.

Our next project is the replacement of the church’s carpet at St Michael’s which is over 40 years old. I believe that the quotes for the cost must have already been submitted to the parish office.

The restoration of the old heritage church at St Michael’s is a long-term project. Last Thursday, few parishioners with expertise in construction and restoration have met to discuss details and to coordinate concrete steps to be carried out. The focus will be on the cleaning of the sandstone inside the church, the repair of the roof and the floor. Where it is possible, we will rely on volunteers. Otherwise, we will hire experts to do the work.

It is important that we carefully consider each step and exercise financial prudence. Our goal is always financial sustainability of our Parish.

My return is scheduled for 9th April, just before the Holy Week commences. I hope that it will go smoothly.

Have a wonderful week ahead

Fr Joe