Bishop Michael McKenna's Pastoral Letter 2020

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WHO LONGS TO SEE GOD’S FACE

Dear Friends in Christ,

I

am writing this year’s pastoral letter midway through a visitation of each of the seventeen parishes that make up the Diocese of Bathurst. In a normal year, I would have visited, at least once, every parish and many of the Eucharistic communities that comprise them; as well as a large number of our schools. However, this has not been a normal year. So, now that we can (and while we can), it was important to re-connect in person. The wisest word about the experience of this past year is that we should use the slowdown to evaluate more deeply what we have been accustomed to practise; and to take the opportunity to envisage a post Covid future that is not merely a return to the old normal, but a turn to new ways of seeing, judging and acting. It has been heartening to meet with the priests and people who have kept our parishes going through the trials of 2020 and to have found among them the joyful hope that is a fruit of fidelity. As one parishioner in Gulgong said, “This year my faith has been tested - and strengthened.” He gave great witness to the promise expressed by St Peter: “This is a great joy to you, even though for a short time yet you must bear all sorts of trials; so that the worth of your faith, more valuable than gold, which is perishable even if it has been tested by fire, may be proved - to your praise and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Pt 1:6-7; cf 1Cor 3:13) In each parish, we have celebrated Mass and prayed together as far as current restrictions allowed. Although it has not been possible to meet everyone, the Parish Priest in every place has gathered members of the pastoral council and finance committee, along with the school principals, to share our stories of the year that has been and our hopes for next year and the years to come. In parishes blessed with Word and Faith groups, I have had valuable time with them, too: these small groups are truly mustard seeds which, in the coming year, we will nurture to grow into a large plant. (Mk 4:30-32) i


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