In the Gospel reading for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time we hear about the call of the Apostles to follow Jesus (Matthew 10:1-2). Their call was to minister with him, to share the good news of God’s love for all in Jesus, ‘to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is very close at hand’ (Matthew 10:7).
The mission of ‘the Twelve’ of imitating Christ with compassion for all those who suffer, and bringing with them his healing and peace, continues in the Church’s pastoral ministry. The ministerial priesthood has come down to us in the Church from Jesus and the Apostles. Please encourage and pray for your priests in their ministry, and pray, too, for an increase in vocations to the priesthood. As Jesus says: ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest (Matthew 9:37).’
The Summer Dues appeal contributes to the essential support of priests. The generosity that you have towards your priests is indispensable. Please play your part, too, in a renewed and active involvement of all the baptised as together we build a synodal Church, nourishing and supporting each other, led
by the Holy Spirit and counting the wonderful blessings of God in our lives.
Please click here for the Archbishop’s message and a note on the tax refund scheme.