November 16th Pastor's Message

Read this week's message from Father Don

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Dear Parishioners,

It is a wonderful blessing for us to belong to All Saints Parish and the Catholic Church. Through the parish and the Church we are led into a life-giving relationship with Jesus the Lord. We are his people, the sheep of his flock. We belong to Him.

Belonging is so important for human happiness. We belong to our family and our close friends. They know us, value us and grant us affirmation and support. They call us by name. All Saints can also be a community where you feel that you belong, where you feel that you are known and valued by the other parish members.  

In addition to the parish we are fortunate to belong to that vast and mysterious community which is the Catholic Church. It is a unique community whose members are found in every land and every time over its 2000 year history.

Despite her numerous failings, the Church provides great benefits to Christian believers, including: stable leadership; consistency of teaching and worship; a vast treasury of spiritual and intellectual richness. 

Personally, I am very grateful for the ways in which the Catholic Church has expanded my vision and allowed me to see the big picture of the Christian life.  It has led me to look beyond my own experience and to appreciate the varied experiences of Christians throughout the centuries. 

The faith grows slowly in individuals and in the Church. This is another insight I have gained since joining the Catholic Church in 1979.  Our understanding of Jesus and closeness to him develops gradually. Accepting Jesus for who he is and committing ourselves to him is a beautiful step in the Christian life, but only one of many spiritual steps we are called to make.

Similarly, the understanding of Jesus among the People of God has developed slowly and gradually as each generation receives new insights. Christian faith does not simply involve the handing on of established truths and familiar practices. It is a growing relationship through which Christ reveals himself to his people ever more deeply.

We belong to Christ and each other. Let us always be grateful for this gift..

Love Fr Don

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