early 2000 years ago a bishop called Ignatius on his way to martyrdom in Rome wrote seven letters to sister churches.  This martyred bishop was the first to mention Jesus mother, Mary, by name.  In his letter to the Trallians he wrote, ‘Close your ears then, if anyone preaches to you without speaking of Jesus Christ.’

I don’t think a parish could have a better ‘mission statement’.  When babies are baptised, children confirmed, weddings celebrated, the sick consoled and the faithful buried – in all of this Christ is proclaimed by priest and people.  We proclaim Him too when we are faithful each Sunday at Mass to His call ‘Do this in memory of me’.  In the very proclamation it is we who are built up and grow daily into the Body of Christ.

A parish also preaches Christ when we minister to each other in love and service.  Did not St. Francis of Assisi tell people to ‘Preach the gospel , and if necessary use words’ ?  So much love and care is ‘preached’  in hidden ways throughout the parish from  concern for an elderly neighbour in winter to tea and sandwiches prepared quietly for the woman across the street whose husband has just died.  These acts are multiplied a hundredfold in this estate we call ‘home’.  Through the great work of so many parish groups; through the education of our children in the schools; through the visitation of priests and sisters the Christ who loves and cares for his people is witnessed too.

We have been blessed for over 25 years with a  lovely prayerful church – the only one in the diocese dedicated to the great evangelist, St Luke, - but the strength and vitality of the parish is in its people who are the ‘living stones making up a spiritual house.’ (I Peter 2:5b) ‘After all, we do share in God’s work; you are God’s farm, God’s building.’ (I Corinthians 3:9.)