WELCOME!

Very often in life we have to deal with ambiguity – life is rarely simply black-and-white. I regret that I had a rather uncomfortable example of it myself just lately, in unexpected circumstances. I was invited out for a meal by a very kind parishioner. It was one of those very rare evenings this ‘summer’ when the late evening sun had sufficient warmth in it to make dining al fresco a possibility. The company and the meal was delightful. So, “where’s the problem?”, you might ask. Well, when I go for a meal I tend to look on myself as being the one who will do the eating, rather than the one who will be getting ate! Unfortunately, that’s not how the bugs saw it, as I realised the following day, when I didn’t have nearly enough hands to scratch all the parts that needed to have the itch relieved!

Now, I’m not really expecting you to be too concerned with whether I’m eaten alive or not – I’m sure you’ve more important things to worry about! And, just possibly, one of those concerns is to do with how you will become involved in St. Joseph’s over the coming year? (No harm in my being a little optimistic, is there?) Let me assure you, right from the outset, that there is no need for any ambiguity. It’s not a question of whether you’re coming to St. Joseph’s to see what you can gain from it, or what you can give to it – we all know that, of course, you are coming here to do both! Aren’t you?

Good! I’m glad we’ve got that cleared up. Welcome to St. Joseph’s! We want you to feel encouraged over the next few weeks, and especially on our Parish Information Day on the 21 st of September, to hang around after mass – have a cup of coffee – chat with those around – learn more about our Parish – see where you can best utilise your talents. Because of the nature of our Parish we have a major change-around in personnel each summer, (it can even happen to the priests!), and so we are constantly looking for new people in all our areas of ministry. Please don’t be hesitant in offering your services.

I like to think that the final sentence in our gospel this Sunday could be seen as a good description of life in St. Joseph’s. There is a real feeling that in gathering and working together as a parish what is created is greater than the sum of all the parts. And that ‘greater’ is surely the almost palpable presence of Christ with us and in us. As we set about a new year in the life of St. Joseph’s Parish, the 145 th such new year, I might add, it is with the confidence that the Lord is very much with us in our efforts. There is no ambiguity in the words of the Lord – “I shall be there with them.”

And a last word. Don’t be shy wherever you are – office, school, neighbourhood – in letting people know about St. Joseph’s. It is so frustrating to meet people who say “I’ve been in Paris for so many years, and never knew about St. Joseph’s!” You just let the whole world know that you’ve found this absolutely fabulous parish, right beside the Arc de Triomphe, and it would be practically sinful for them not to attend! (A little exaggeration occasionally is OK!) Céad Míle Fáilte!