Merry Christmas to all! It has been five months since I began my ministry as administrator at St. Anthony’s. Initially, after Bishop McGrattan’s request to take up on this position, the task at first seemed to be rather intimidating. As a priest, I expected to stay in my previous position a little longer. Clearly, the Lord had different plans for me.

Throughout these five months, I have experienced many graces, with its normal dose of challenges, as well. Despite the current circumstances, the celebration of Sacraments; the small opportunities to meet and interact with many of you; the, although limited, community life; and last but not least, the encouraging testimonies of many of you, are some of the many graces I have experienced.

As a priest, it was very encouraging to see how we came together as a community to bring relief to many members of our community. The hamper program in our parish is a way to communicate the Love of God to our neighbour, and to let them know that we are the hands and the feet of Christ, as St. Teresa of Calcutta often remarked.

Now that we are celebrating Christmas, the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, let us do everything we can to bring our community together. It is possible that we may not be able to fully interact with one another, and yet, through the example of the Holy Family, God grants us that each of us plays a major role in the unfolding of God’s plans for the world. Our mission is not over yet. As the community of St. Anthony’s, we have a beautiful ministry in the midst of our larger community.

With renewed hope, let us open our heart to the inspirations of Christ in the manger. Let us open our heart to the pondering Mother of our Lord. Let us open our heart to the silent obedience of Joseph.

Yes, the Lord has great plans for us, even though we may not see them clearly, even though He may change the course of our lives, the Lord will make something beautiful of what he has set up for you.

With brotherly affection, Fr. Pilmaiken