Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The Parish Is Its People
As our 70th anniversary approaches, it would be a great idea to reflect on what truly makes a parish. While our church and parish buildings are precious, they are not the heart of the parish. The real heart of St Bernadette Parish is you: its people.
A parish is made up of individuals and families who gather around Jesus. It is built through countless acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. Someone preparing the church before Mass, teachers and catechists sharing the faith with children and adults, musicians and choirs leading us in song, volunteers serving in the ministry of cleaning, embellishment of the church, proclaiming the Word, distributing communion and collectors, parishioners visiting the sick, welcoming newcomers and offering hospitality to all, laptop operators, parish staff, committees, and all those quietly helping a neighbour in need.
Over seventy years, thousands of people have contributed to the life of this parish. Some served in visible ways; many more served quietly and humbly. Each contribution mattered. Together they have created the welcoming and faith-filled community we are privileged to share today.
In your name, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to every person who contributes to the life of our parish. Whether your involvement is large or small, public or unseen, your generosity strengthens our community and becomes a living witness to the Gospel.
Our patroness, St Bernadette, lived a simple life marked by humility and faithfulness. That was BEFORE AND AFTER Our Lady appeared to her. She reminds us that God often accomplishes His greatest work through ordinary people who simply say "yes" to Him and serve Him in their neighbour without seeking anything else.
During this anniversary year, let us thank God for every person who has been part of the story of St Bernadette Parish. Let us also ask ourselves how each of us can continue to contribute to its future. The story of our parish is still being written, and every one of us has an important part to play.
Thank you for helping make St Bernadette Parish the community it is today.
Fr Silvio Bezzina MSSP
Parish Priest