Solemnity The Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Mother of God

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, my heart is filled with immense gratitude for each one of you who make our parish a vibrant community of faith, love, and hope. Your genuine and lively faith is a beacon of light that illuminates our shared journey, and I am truly thankful to the Lord for the warmth and spirit you bring into our parish family. In the words of the Psalmist, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds" (Psalm 9:1).

This year 2024 is going to be a year filled with blessings due to our Silver Jubilee Celebration! Bishop Ivan Camilleri will inaugurate it on Saturday January 6th with a solemn Mass at 5pm. Various pastoral and community events are in planning for this Jubilee year. During the season of Lent, the renowned retreat master Fr. Michael Coutts will preach the Lenten Mission from March 2nd to March 6th. On Saturday April 6th Cardinal Tagle, the prefect of the congregation for evangelization of nations will conduct sessions for Youth & Family. On June 8th we are going to have a volunteer appreciation dinner for all men, women and youth who have given their time and talents for the growth of this faith community. Archbishop Francis Leo has accepted our invitation to celebrate the 25th Anniversary Mass on Saturday December 7th, 2024 at 5pm.

Various other committees are also planning numerous community involved programs. Updates will be released as they develop and details are finalized. The year 2024 is also going to be a hectic year due to the church flooring renovations taking place together with these celebrations. During the months of January and February tiling of one section of the church will be done. Therefore, Holy Mass will be celebrated in the parish hall. This change is going to affect many of our organizations and activities. I apologize for any inconvenience that you may encounter; kindly understand and cooperate with our limitations as you always have.

To accommodate the needs of our large parish community, starting Sunday January 7th, we will have 9 Masses on Sunday and 2 Vigil Masses on Saturday. Saturday Vigil: 5 pm & 6pm. Sunday Mass times: 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12Noon, 1pm, & 2pm. There will be no change in the weekday Mass schedule. As the hall is used for Holy Mass, we are compelled to move sacramental preparation classes online during these months. A detailed email will be sent to the participants’ families.

As we embrace the upcoming Jubilee year of our parish in 2024, let us look forward to a time of renewed vision and renewed lives. This milestone offers us an opportunity to reflect on the journey we've traveled together, celebrate the milestones we've achieved, and discern the path that is ahead.

May this Jubilee year be a season of transformation and growth for each one of us and for our parish as a whole!

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed New Year filled with the peace that surpasses all understanding and the joy that comes from knowing we are united in Christ.

In Christ's love,

Fr. James Cherickal - Pastor