By Christian Bergmann
Now that another lockdown is upon us, I would like to extend to you an invitation: do not be a stranger. I know this isn’t the easiest thing in the world, given the fact that nobody can leave their homes without due reason, but let me tell you about something happening in the Parish that we would love for you to be part of – without having to leave the house.
As of Sunday 19th June, we are launching a three week, three-session program called Presence, a production of Augustine Institute Studios designed to take us deeper into the mystery of the Eucharist. At 9.30 a.m. on Sunday 19th June, 26th June, and Sunday 2nd August, we will be gathering via Zoom as a community to encounter the wonder of this incredible sacrament. Since we no longer have the opportunity to gather to celebrate the Eucharist in person, we do not want this time away from the sacrament to be wasted. So, at the time you would usually be preparing to come to Mass, log on and take a deep dive with us into the mystery that stands at the heart of our faith. No matter what stage of the faith journey you’re on, our hope is that this will be a fruitful and formative experience for everyone.
Whilst nothing can replace the profound beauty of personal presence, we would love to take advantage of this incredible era of communication technology to ensure our fellowship continues, even if remotely. The experience of faith is never complete unless it is experienced in community, so let’s keep this community going.
It should be a point of interest that the word eucharist means, in ancient Greek, thanksgiving. My hope is that this will linger with us, moving us to remember that there is still so much to give thanks for. Despite the seemingly unpredictable period of time in which we live, for all of its confinement, isolation, and rupturing of basic social interactions that keep our lives moving, we should never forget that there remains an unmoving foundation on which our whole lives rest: the God whose love sustains us from moment to moment, whose intimate presence never leaves, even when we’re passing through darkness. The God who promises: “I will be with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Who is this God whose presence is faithful and unmoving? Who is this God who speaks to us, loves us and feeds us through ordinary things in extraordinary times?
This is the God we need to reacquaint ourselves with. So, I say let’s find out together. Let’s keep pushing deeper, keep discovering more of the unrelenting love of the God who created us, saves us, and is continually present to us. And, in the process, maybe we can encounter our faith anew and encounter the Scriptures in a whole new light as well.
Join us live online in two easy steps.
1. Download the Zoom App for you PC, MAC, IPAD or Tablet
https://zoom.us/download
2. Join the Zoom Meeting each Sunday
https://zoom.us/j/91701462914?pwd=b2JCSTZDbmZwSFNVdWNkdmNtdkk3UT09