It’s time to lift our spirits One of our parishioners, Bessie MacMahon has been the instigator of our new Initiative during our time of isolation in our Parish Community. Bessie has “planted the seed” and writes: “Most of us by now are realising that restrictions on our socialising are likely to last longer than anticipated. The news bulletins with daily bad tidings can have serious consequences undermining our belief in life. Against this tide we desperately contemplate the unknown future. Pope Francis acknowledges our despair and offers his advice:
To Christians, the future does have a name, and its name is Hope. Feeling hopeful does not mean to be optimistically naïve and ignore the tragedy humanity is facing. Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn’t lock itself into darkness, that doesn’t dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see a tomorrow. Hope is the door that opens into the future. Hope is a humble, hidden seed of life that, with time, will develop into a large tree.” Pope Francis.
Strength is what keeps you holding on…. Faith is what assures you that everything matters, but it is Hope that keeps us moving on when everything is going wrong. We are looking for the hidden “Seeds of Life” from our earth community. Dispin with the help of joyful activists is still offering Mass in a virtual way!
Since everything in life does matter, it is hoped this vehicle of communication becomes the gift of the laity to make life useful and creative and stimulate hope for each day moving towards the future. We invite you to contribute to our new initiative with:
Household tips
Gardening Tips
Simple recipes
Sharing Stories of Hope
Your contributions will be included on our parish website. Bessie has another suggestion you might to consider involving your family in. “It might be an opportune time for our Grandparents to start recording a message of hope for the future and pass on their stories to their Grandchildren. You don’t need a fancy expensive journal. An exercise book from the supermarket will be perfectly fine to start writing down your thoughts and feelings as of now. It’s never too late to start. This is a significant time in the history of Australia and indeed the world. If we can share our hopes and thoughts, we will be able to support each other during this difficult time we are experiencing.” Please send your contributions to the parish office via email: mitcham@cam.org.au or by post or please call Monika on
0438 220 361 for any queries.