Dear Parishioners,
As we approach the solemnity of Christmas in this Jubilee Year of our parish, our hearts are lifted in gratitude and wonder. Guided by our Jubilee theme of Angels, we are reminded that God never stops reaching out to His people. Through His messengers—heaven touching earth—hope is proclaimed, peace is announced, and love is made known. In the words of the prophet Isaiah,
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and he shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
This Child, born for us, is God’s greatest gift to the world.
As we welcome Baby Jesus anew into our lives and families, we ask Mary, the Mother of Joy, to walk with us. Inspired by her faith and trust, may we say our own “YES” to God’s loving plan. Christmas is truly a time of giving and receiving love, a season to express heartfelt gratitude for the care, kindness, and support we share as one parish family.
With all my heart, I thank you for being such wonderful parishioners. Your cards, messages, and Christmas wishes have deeply touched me. Though I cannot thank each of you personally, please know that I remember you in my prayers as I read your kind words, grateful to God for each one of you.
I wish to express my deep and heartfelt thanks to my Rector, Fr Pat, and to my Salesian Community in Farnborough, who continually nourish me spiritually and take such loving care of all my needs. I am especially grateful to my Salesian brothers, Bro Andre and Bro Malachy; their faithful weekend presence offers me great pastoral support and helps us to joyfully inculcate the Salesian Charism within our parish. I am truly blessed by their fraternity, encouragement, and shared mission. It is through the constant support, prayer, and fraternity of my religious community that I am able to carry out the mission entrusted to me in serving our parish.
I also wish to express my sincere thanks to Deacon Paul, Dawn Barhan (Parish Administrator), Hana Harrison, Ray Harden, and to our Parish Pastoral Council, led by Paul Bryanhill, together with Paul Swallow (Finance Chair) and the Finance Committee, for their tremendous and unwavering support. My gratitude extends to all parish groups, ministries, and volunteers, our choir, organists, altar servers, and catechists, whose generosity and commitment enrich our parish life in countless ways.
I hold in a special way all our parishioners who are unwell, vulnerable, homebound, or in hospital. May the gentle light of Christ bring you comfort, peace, and healing this holy season. You are never forgotten; you remain close to my heart and prayers, and we look forward to the day when we can gather again in good health and joy.
Thank you, loving God, for blessing me with a vibrant parish filled with prayerful, generous, and joyful people.
As a small token of my appreciation, I have prepared a Christmas card and a Jubilee fridge magnet for every parish household. Please collect these from the parish foyer. It is my heartfelt wish that the powerful and loving Holy Face of Jesus, which adorns our church and watches over us in prayer, may also be present in every home of our parishioners—reminding each family that they are known, loved, and never alone.
May the angels who announced Christ’s birth watch over you and your loved ones and may the Prince of Peace fill your homes with joy, hope, and love.
Merry Christmas and abundant blessings to you and your families.
With my prayers and affection,
Fr Anthony Clifford Lobo, SDB
