Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As I celebrate my first Christmas with you, I am filled with gratitude for the blessings God has bestowed upon the parish, and for the way each of you have dedicated yourselves to God and the parish. I thank all of you for your efforts and contributions, especially those who have contributed to beautifying our Christmas Masses. I extend my particular thanks to Deacon Royden, Jasna Brdar, Gudrun Philipp, and the members of the Mission Team and Finance Committee. They have worked tirelessly for you and the parish over the year, and have been an incredible support to me.

The Christmas scene offers a lens through which to view the life of Corio Lara parish. When the shepherds and wise men meet Jesus, they find him lying in Mary’s arms. Jesus comes to us through Mary. Like Mary, our parish has been an instrument for Jesus to reach the people of Corio, Lara and beyond. Here, God comes to us and we go to God. Mary is the model for our parish’s life and mission.

Over the year, the parish’s life has been organised around three key principles: Truth, Worship, and Fellowship. These are three ways God comes to us at Christmas.

First is Truth. The shepherds are led to Jesus because they heard the God’s Truth announced by the angels. The shepherds are docile to the Truth; they conform their lives to it and obey it. Obedience to the Truth, announced by the angels, enables the shepherds to come to Jesus. Through Alpha, RCIA, Spark, Hearts for Christ, and other courses such as Presence, our parish has been a place where the Truth of God can be heard.

Second is Worship. When the wise men come to Jesus, they greet him with an ancient form of worship, prostrating themselves on the stable floor. They further express their love for Jesus by bringing Him expensive and meaningful gifts. Over the year, a lot of effort has gone into improving the quality of our worship. We have increased the availability of opportunities for the sacraments and prayer, especially Confession. We have invested in new equipment for the sacred liturgy, such as altar cloths, vestments, sound systems, lighting, and instruments. We have recruited and trained readers, musicians and altar servers. These efforts help us offer Jesus our love in worship.

Third is Fellowship. Neither Mary, Joseph, the shepherds or the wise men encounter Jesus alone. Instead, they encounter Jesus together. Jesus comes to each of us personally, but within a communal context. Our parish is famous for its fellowship. We express our communal life through Saturday Supper, Church Café, the Parish BBQ, and so many other events. These activities deepen our encounter with Christ.

Finally, at that first Christmas, God reached out to us in our spiritual need. Let us, therefore, be particularly mindful of those doing it tough this Christmas. If you know someone who has lost a loved one, is struggling financially, or is alone at this time, reach out to them. God will be working through you.

I wish you all a holy Christmas and a happy New Year!