I was delighted to be appointed Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Parish in June 2005. It is my sister’s parish and I have known it over the years. St. Joseph’s is a large, vibrant, thriving parish, with some 1100 people worshipping here every weekend. People from many countries and cultures come to celebrate the sacraments here every week. In the past St. Joseph’s had three or four priests; now it has one with a deacon. This means that parishioners are asked to play a more active role in the life and mission of the parish remembering that they are “a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a people set apart.” Our Christian calling is to be “salt to the earth” and “light to the world;” to shine like bright stars in our community. If we all strive to live up to our calling, I have no doubt St. Joseph’s will continue to be a real witness to God’s love and care in our community. Young people will catch the spark of faith and follow in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents in witnessing to Jesus Christ, risen and active in their lives. We go forward full of hope for the future under the guidance of St. Joseph the Worker.
With grateful thanks for your faithful support.
Canon John