Dear Friends in Christ,

Sixteen years ago, when I was ordained to serve as your bishop, I spoke about how each of us has his or her own part to play as we live together the mission of the Church. This “co-responsibility” is a teaching as old as the letters of St Paul. Today, remembering the common share that all the baptised have in the priesthood of Christ, we give thanks for the unique and indispensable ministry of ordained priests.

The Church needs priests for the sacraments, especially the Mass; and for leading and teaching in the way of the Apostles, lest we become just another organisation or club, forgetting our mission and who Christ calls us to be.

Today, I ask you again to pray for your priests and to support them in practical ways. They cannot carry out their ministry without your active contribution to your community of faith. 

May I also request your prayers for the six young men who are at various stages of the journey to ordination for our local church. 

The cost of educating our priests is a responsibility for everyone: and I invite you to consider prayerfully and generously your donation to this annual appeal.

 

Yours in Christ,
+Michael McKenna
Bishop of Bathurst