By Noelle Sullivan
Hello to all in our Parish family, and a big thank you to the wonderful team who are undertaking the important pastoral work of telephoning parishioners to make sure they are OK in these weird and anxious times. When talking to Holy Family friends, everyone has expressed their sincere gratitude for these caring calls.
How are you all coping with the isolation? I miss physical attendance with my community at Mass dreadfully, something always taken for granted. Meanwhile online is a time to participate and appreciate. Hearing the bells from our parish ring out at mid-day, calling me to stop and pray - thank You to whoever it is ringing those familiar bells. The slowing down of our world means that I have time to talk to my at home neighbours over the fence, which is a practice I remember from my childhood. I have time to call friends and work in the garden. I feel so grateful to have a garden, both to work in and sit in the sun, and listen to the many birds which seem to be multiplying. I just love it when they come to the birdbath and have a good splash! I have planted some vegies, which I hope will survive the onslaught of white butterflies, if they get under the netting, but we can still eat the silverbeet even if it has a few holes in the leaves!
I was sweeping our driveway one fine evening and a lady I didn’t know walked past, and we talked for almost half an hour - she lives alone and enjoyed chatting. There are no cars parked in our street for the station now, so we can get in and out easily – it is SO quiet. However, lots of people are out walking and running, and with the Autumnal weather we have enjoyed recently, we have so much for which to be grateful. Meals are more interesting, looking up the recipe books and using what ingredients there are to hand - we have to eat well to keep well! I’m sure life is much the same for everyone, we are all in this together. Keep well and safe, and let’s pray for each other.