Dear Friends,

The name “Agatha” means “the good and kind one”. St. Agatha is the patron saint of  breast cancer patients, martyrs, nurses, bell-makers and bell-ringers, bakers, jewellers and protectress against fire and earthquakes. As they would say in politics, St. Agatha has a vast portfolio. On Friday, we shared in a spirited and joyous celebration for St. Agatha’s feast day. Over 150 people gathered for breakfast, followed by a thought-provoking presentation by Erin Heath, and then onto a joyful celebration in our church for Mass. This was an event that came together very quickly, and I would like to thank and congratulate Jane Cameron and Rosemary Greer from our parish office, Erin Bledsoe as Chair of the Community and Mission Council and Julie Kordic as President of the P&F for their energy and generosity in organising the morning. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Susan McDonald from Super Butcher, Eagle Farm for donating the breakfast eats and to Erin Heath and Tricia Steffen for donating gifts in the raffle. Thanks also to Carol Sayers and the school community for their help and co-operation. And a big thank you to all who attended and raised money for “Mummy’s Wish”. Given the wonderful community spirit that we experienced on Friday, my hope is that this will become an annual event to celebrate St. Agatha’s feast day. To commemorate the feast day, we have some prayer cards available (this weekend the prayer cards are free! But only one please – after this weekend they will be available for purchase from our piety stall). The prayer accompanying the cards holds before God all who are sick and those who care for them. We will say this prayer at each of our Masses this weekend:

God of all strength and hope, St. Agatha, Your daughter, endured the pains of anguish and suffering. May her steadfast virtue comfort those who face the anxiety of illness and bear the distress of sickness. Give them strength to overcome every difficulty and disappointment, surround them with the tenderness of family and friends, and support them through the companionship of those who care for them. Healer of our every ill, renew us in Your Love and restore us to life. Amen. St. Agatha, pray for us.

Fr. Anthony