Dear Parishioners,

Easter 2020 will be the one that will be spoken about in the future when people will be talking about the Covid 19 pandemic. Who would have thought when we were hearing the reports of a new virus being discovered in China last December we would be celebrating Easter this way with social isolating, social distancing or cocooning in place. New terms that a few months ago we would have looked up to see what they meant are now part of our every day language. The way we interact with people has changed. We now have time for one another. Phone calls and all the forms of social media are being used to keep in contact with loved ones in Ireland and abroad.

Normally on Holy Saturday night at the Easter Vigil the Pascal Candle is lit to represent the presence of the risen Lord. This light is then shared with all in the church. This Holy Saturday at 9pm all the lights in the churches  throughout the diocese will be lit to show that the light of the Christ is shining in our world. We are people of hope and joy because of what the risen Lord did for us. On this Holy Saturday night and on Easter Sunday we will renew our baptismal promises while following a Mass on television, on social media or listening to it on the radio. In this renewal of our baptismal promises let us remind ourselves once more of the hope and joy we have as Christians. Let you in your homes light lights and candles at 9pm on Holy Saturday night and share our Christian joy and hope with the world.

At this Easter time I wish to thank all those who are so willingly involved in the life of the parish giving of their time in different ministries and services. It is only with their commitment that the parish can function as a faith community reaching out to all. When things will return to some form of normality again, the parish community will need the support and commitment of all to be able to share once more the joy and hope that comes to us from our faith in the risen Lord.

I wish you and all your families all the joy of this Holy Season of Easter. May the Risen Lord continue to watch over you all and protect you. I continue to pray for you all.

Fr Kevin