Dear Parishioners,
As we wrap up the 2024–2025 pastoral year and step into a new one, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each of you. Your active presence, participation, prayerful spirit, hard work, union with me as your Priest and steadfast commitment have been instrumental in enriching our parish community to be a true and vibrant house of God.
It’s hard to believe I’ve now completed two years here. Time has flown by in a holy whirlwind – Masses, meetings, miracles (yes, I’ve witnessed a few!), and moments of grace. These years have brought growth, and deep joy, at the same time we have faced our challenges in its own stride. I’ve truly fallen in love with the generosity of spirit in our community. Whether in the quiet faithfulness of daily Mass or the behind-the-scenes dedication of volunteers, I’ve seen Christ’s Light – The Holy Face of Jesus, shining through you.
As Don Bosco said, “Everything disappears except our gratitude.” So, here’s mine, in abundance.
A Sincere Thank You to All Who Serve
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, and every single collaborator, for the enormous pastoral support you have given me over the past two years. Your dedication has been a true blessing to our parish.
Thanks to your generous service, we have seen the fruit of many excellent pastoral-catechetical-spiritual-social initiatives, as well as significant media, church management and fabric improvements to our church. None of this would have been possible without the time, gifts, and resources you have so graciously offered.
Each of you — volunteers, ministry leads, catechists, youth, liturgy, RCIA, children’s/toddlers liturgy, Eucharistic Ministers, altar servers, choir, readers, welcomers, collectors, counters, sacristans, media, fabric, safeguarding, musicians, seniors, social, coffee/tea hub, hall management, food bank, Cafod, Missio, flower team, and everyone in between: have given selflessly, and I am truly humbled by your commitment to our shared mission. You are the heartbeat of this parish. Your collaboration is making a deep impact on our pastoral community and thank you for making OLSD feel like home. Thank you to Deacon Paul, Dawn, our Parish Administrator and to Hana for their tremendous support.
A Word of Gratitude for Martin Wood
I want to sincerely thank Martin Wood for his outstanding service as interim Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council. Martin has been a wise and generous companion in many pastoral decisions, and I’m deeply grateful for his friendship and faith. Martin has now stepped down from this role to focus more fully on the Liturgy & Worship Ministry, which he serves with great passion. Martin, thank you for your leadership and dedication.
Welcome to Paul Bryanhill – New PPC Chair
I’m delighted to warmly welcome Paul Bryanhill as our new Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) and Ministry Lead for Spirituality and Prayer. Paul brings valuable experience from his previous time as PPC Chair and his professional background in building collaboration across diverse communities. We’re grateful for Paul’s willingness to serve and look forward to the fruits of his leadership.
Welcome to Our New Parish Safeguarding Ministers
We’re also pleased to welcome Anne-Marie Baggott and Valerie Strange as our new Parish Safeguarding Ministers (PSMs). Both have completed the Diocesan protocols and have generously accepted this important ministry. Valerie also takes on the responsibility of leading the Culture & Diversity ministry. Thank you.
Heartfelt Gratitude
We also extend heartfelt thanks to Jacqulin & Marijan Hubert, Marian Mulligan (PSMs), Johann Diaz, Spirituality & Prayer ministry and Enrico Ramos, Culture & Diversity ministry for their dedicated service in leading their respective ministries over the past year and have stepped down due to family/work commitments.
Looking Ahead
As we begin the 2025–2026 pastoral year, we will joyfully celebrate 50 years since our church was first used for worship. This is a moment of deep gratitude and reflection for all that God has done in and through our community. We will publish our Parish Pastoral Plan soon with a renewed focus on Youth, Salesian Charism and Parish Life. Let’s continue walking together in humility, communion, joy, and hope, building a parish where everyone feels seen, known, and loved.
May Jesus and our Blessed Mother guide and protect us always.
With prayers and gratitude,
