Pastoral Letters from Bishop Richard
Richard
29 April 2023
19 SEPTEMBER 2021
CORPUS CHRISTI 2021
PENTECOST 2021
PASTORAL MESSAGE
14 February 2021
14 February 2021
PASTORAL MESSAGE
27 December 2020
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This year of 2020 has been a challenging year for us all and I am very conscious of the many families across the Diocese who will have been affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic, perhaps through the loss of a loved one, sickness within the family, the challenges of work and school in these times and the economic hardship that has been the experience of many during these last months.
As we look to the New Year, with a good part of the Diocese now in Tier 4 measures – perhaps to be joined by other areas in the coming days – we know that many challenges lie ahead.
Our Christmas celebrations, both in church and at home, are quieter this year. However, it is never possible to “cancel Christmas,” for the reality of the Saviour’s Birth continues to bring light to our hearts, to our homes and to the whole world.
God’s promises always take us beyond ourselves; God’s promises are always fulfilled. We see this in the first reading of Today’s Mass, in which Abram – soon to be Abraham – and his wife Sarah become the parents of the Chosen People of Israel. In the Gospel, Simeon’s longed-for hope is fulfilled as the Holy Family stand before him and he lays eyes on the Saviour. In that one moment, his whole life finds its completion in Christ.
So it is with us. God’s promise for us is present in Jesus – a promise that is fulfilled in the light and life that He brings to us. Just as Jesus transformed the lives of Mary and Joseph, so the presence of Christ in our own families transforms our lives. If we are open to Him, our families will truly become holy families, our homes will be filled with His light - a light that will shine for the community around us. It is a light that is needed in our world. Society cries out for it – perhaps especially this year – and every family, every one of us, is called to share this light.
Mary and Joseph find themselves filled with wonder about all that Simeon says. May we all be open to the gift of wonder at the Saviour’s Birth and in every moment of his life, death and resurrection. Our wonder at the birth of Jesus leads us to reflect on the wonder and mystery of life itself.
Pope Francis, reflecting on the Crib scene, writes:
“The birth of a child awakens joy and wonder; it sets before us the great mystery of life. Seeing the bright eyes of a young couple gazing at their newborn child, we understand the feelings of Mary and Joseph, as they looked at the Infant Jesus, sensed God’s presence in their lives.”[1]
This wonder at the gift of life is at the very heart of our understanding of the human person, the value of life from the moment of conception to natural death – for in life with see the presence of God.
As our families, our homes, reflect the light of Christ, the love that is present in the Holy Family, may we bring to our world a renewed appreciation of the gift of life that has been given to us – for in this life we find the wonder and mystery of God Himself.
May I take this opportunity to assure you and those of your families who are unable to be with you this year, as they will have hoped, of my prayers. May we all experience the light, love and life of this great Season of Christmas.
With every Blessing,
Richard
[1] POPE FRANCIS, Apostolic Letter Admirabile signum, on the meaning and importance of the Nativity scene, n.8.
This year of 2020 has been a challenging year for us all and I am very conscious of the many families across the Diocese who will have been affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic, perhaps through the loss of a loved one, sickness within the family, the challenges of work and school in these times and the economic hardship that has been the experience of many during these last months.
As we look to the New Year, with a good part of the Diocese now in Tier 4 measures – perhaps to be joined by other areas in the coming days – we know that many challenges lie ahead.
Our Christmas celebrations, both in church and at home, are quieter this year. However, it is never possible to “cancel Christmas,” for the reality of the Saviour’s Birth continues to bring light to our hearts, to our homes and to the whole world.
God’s promises always take us beyond ourselves; God’s promises are always fulfilled. We see this in the first reading of Today’s Mass, in which Abram – soon to be Abraham – and his wife Sarah become the parents of the Chosen People of Israel. In the Gospel, Simeon’s longed-for hope is fulfilled as the Holy Family stand before him and he lays eyes on the Saviour. In that one moment, his whole life finds its completion in Christ.
So it is with us. God’s promise for us is present in Jesus – a promise that is fulfilled in the light and life that He brings to us. Just as Jesus transformed the lives of Mary and Joseph, so the presence of Christ in our own families transforms our lives. If we are open to Him, our families will truly become holy families, our homes will be filled with His light - a light that will shine for the community around us. It is a light that is needed in our world. Society cries out for it – perhaps especially this year – and every family, every one of us, is called to share this light.
Mary and Joseph find themselves filled with wonder about all that Simeon says. May we all be open to the gift of wonder at the Saviour’s Birth and in every moment of his life, death and resurrection. Our wonder at the birth of Jesus leads us to reflect on the wonder and mystery of life itself.
Pope Francis, reflecting on the Crib scene, writes:
“The birth of a child awakens joy and wonder; it sets before us the great mystery of life. Seeing the bright eyes of a young couple gazing at their newborn child, we understand the feelings of Mary and Joseph, as they looked at the Infant Jesus, sensed God’s presence in their lives.”[1]
This wonder at the gift of life is at the very heart of our understanding of the human person, the value of life from the moment of conception to natural death – for in life with see the presence of God.
As our families, our homes, reflect the light of Christ, the love that is present in the Holy Family, may we bring to our world a renewed appreciation of the gift of life that has been given to us – for in this life we find the wonder and mystery of God Himself.
May I take this opportunity to assure you and those of your families who are unable to be with you this year, as they will have hoped, of my prayers. May we all experience the light, love and life of this great Season of Christmas.
With every Blessing,
Richard
[1] POPE FRANCIS, Apostolic Letter Admirabile signum, on the meaning and importance of the Nativity scene, n.8.
PASTORAL MESSAGE
3 May 2020
3 May 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Easter. It is a Sunday that takes its name – Good Shepherd Sunday – from the Gospel at Mass and is designated as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations to Priesthood and Religious life.
Jesus’ words about Himself as Good Shepherd challenge us in two ways, for the Shepherd is both servant and leader. Jesus is a shepherd who “goes ahead” and is followed by the sheep to recognise his voice to the extent that they will follow Him alone. The very reason for following the shepherd is that the sheep may find safety and nourishment and “life to the full.” This fullness of life is given to them. The sheep are served by their shepherd. He will, when necessary, leave the ninety-nine to go after the one. He is a shepherd whose desire is that all are safe, that all are with Him. In the words of today’s Psalm, the sheep want for nothing.
We are facing the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The sufferings and sorrows of so many across the world are very great. While this is so often the case somewhere in the world, the present situation affects each and every one of us. Many speak of things being different in the future, of not returning to the old ways. We are part of a wider society that is reassessing priorities, thinking about what really matters, open to be different in the future.
In this moment, we as the Body of Christ have something to proclaim: Life to the Full that Jesus promises to those who listen to his voice. He desires this for all.
Every vocation in the life of the Church grows from the life of the Blessed Trinity, instilled in us in Baptism. All have a vocation. People are called to marriage and also to the single life.
Today, the Church throughout the world prays for vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life, with the model of service and leadership that we find in today’s Gospel placed before us. The Lord’s example calls for those who will keep nothing back in their service of their brothers and sisters, reaching out to everyone and calling all to unity with Him.
The call to Religious Life is a call to place Christ before all else, in fidelity, in prayer, in simplicity of life and in service. This is a model and example that proclaims life. It is a blessing for the Church and the world.
The call to Diaconate – and we are blessed in this Diocese by the presence of our many Deacons – is a call to Service of the Word and of Charity: The Word who is Life, the charity that is the service of Christ Himself to his flock.
The call to Priesthood is the call to share in the sacrificial priesthood of the One Who gave Himself for us. It is service and leadership, growing from the celebration of the Eucharist with and for the Church and the World. It is the preaching of the Good News through word and life.
Please pray for all those in formation and for those who accompany them.
As we look to the future of our Diocese and, indeed, of our whole society, these ways of life – for they are not jobs, but ways of life – will be vital in the Mission that has been entrusted to us. So, to those of you in our families and parishes considering priesthood, diaconate, religious life I say this: do not dismiss the possibility. Speak with others about it, explore the way of life to which you feel called, above all pray and be open to the call of the Good Shepherd. May you experience the prayer and support of your families and friends in your discernment and the encouragement of your parish communities.
Be open to the call to serve and lead as the Good Shepherd Himself serves and leads.
With every Blessing,
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Today we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Easter. It is a Sunday that takes its name – Good Shepherd Sunday – from the Gospel at Mass and is designated as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations to Priesthood and Religious life.
Jesus’ words about Himself as Good Shepherd challenge us in two ways, for the Shepherd is both servant and leader. Jesus is a shepherd who “goes ahead” and is followed by the sheep to recognise his voice to the extent that they will follow Him alone. The very reason for following the shepherd is that the sheep may find safety and nourishment and “life to the full.” This fullness of life is given to them. The sheep are served by their shepherd. He will, when necessary, leave the ninety-nine to go after the one. He is a shepherd whose desire is that all are safe, that all are with Him. In the words of today’s Psalm, the sheep want for nothing.
We are facing the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The sufferings and sorrows of so many across the world are very great. While this is so often the case somewhere in the world, the present situation affects each and every one of us. Many speak of things being different in the future, of not returning to the old ways. We are part of a wider society that is reassessing priorities, thinking about what really matters, open to be different in the future.
In this moment, we as the Body of Christ have something to proclaim: Life to the Full that Jesus promises to those who listen to his voice. He desires this for all.
Every vocation in the life of the Church grows from the life of the Blessed Trinity, instilled in us in Baptism. All have a vocation. People are called to marriage and also to the single life.
Today, the Church throughout the world prays for vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life, with the model of service and leadership that we find in today’s Gospel placed before us. The Lord’s example calls for those who will keep nothing back in their service of their brothers and sisters, reaching out to everyone and calling all to unity with Him.
The call to Religious Life is a call to place Christ before all else, in fidelity, in prayer, in simplicity of life and in service. This is a model and example that proclaims life. It is a blessing for the Church and the world.
The call to Diaconate – and we are blessed in this Diocese by the presence of our many Deacons – is a call to Service of the Word and of Charity: The Word who is Life, the charity that is the service of Christ Himself to his flock.
The call to Priesthood is the call to share in the sacrificial priesthood of the One Who gave Himself for us. It is service and leadership, growing from the celebration of the Eucharist with and for the Church and the World. It is the preaching of the Good News through word and life.
Please pray for all those in formation and for those who accompany them.
As we look to the future of our Diocese and, indeed, of our whole society, these ways of life – for they are not jobs, but ways of life – will be vital in the Mission that has been entrusted to us. So, to those of you in our families and parishes considering priesthood, diaconate, religious life I say this: do not dismiss the possibility. Speak with others about it, explore the way of life to which you feel called, above all pray and be open to the call of the Good Shepherd. May you experience the prayer and support of your families and friends in your discernment and the encouragement of your parish communities.
Be open to the call to serve and lead as the Good Shepherd Himself serves and leads.
With every Blessing,
Yours sincerely in Christ,
PASTORAL MESSAGE
24th March 2020
24th March 2020
Dear brothers and sisters,
Following the Government announcement yesterday, mandating the closure of places of worship, I have informed all our parish priests that, with immediate effect, all churches, halls and associated facilities must be closed until further notice.
This requirement has been made with a heavy heart, for I am very conscious of the importance of our churches for all of us. They are places where we celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacraments and hear the Word of God proclaimed and explained. They are places of prayer, reflection, rest and peace. They are places where we gather as communities, offering a welcome to so many.
This closure comes at a very difficult time for us all, but it is vital that we work with everyone else in society to do everything we can to respond to the crisis caused by the Coronavirus, Covid-19. The more effective we are in observing the present restrictions, the more effective will be the response.
It goes without saying that it is very difficult for us not to be able to join in the celebration of the Eucharist. The fact that Masses are being celebrated day by day in all our churches – albeit behind locked doors – will, I know, be a comfort to us all. The Mass reaches beyond those closed doors, for the whole world, together with the angels and saints, is present whenever the Eucharist is celebrated.
Join in these celebrations through live-streaming whenever you can. The churches providing this service are listed on the Diocesan Website and information is also available on e-news. If you are not signed up to our Diocesan e-news, please do so now.
I cannot encourage you strongly enough to continue your lives of prayer and your reflection on the Scriptures. Pray the Rosary and, in this Season of Lent, reflect on the Stations of the Cross. There are many resources available on-line.
Many of you will have taken part in the Nation-wide moment of prayer on Saturday-last. I call on you all to join in this practice each week; the lighted candles in your windows offering a beacon of hope to others.
Know, too, that the Lord is with us on this difficult stage of our journey. He never leaves us and – perhaps as never before – we are called upon to follow Him, persevering in faith, hope and love for the good of all.
May Mary, the Mother of Christ and our Mother too, intercede for us.
Be assured of my own prayers for you all, especially those who are affected personally by the Coronavirus and all working in healthcare in our hospitals and communities.
With every Blessing,
Following the Government announcement yesterday, mandating the closure of places of worship, I have informed all our parish priests that, with immediate effect, all churches, halls and associated facilities must be closed until further notice.
This requirement has been made with a heavy heart, for I am very conscious of the importance of our churches for all of us. They are places where we celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacraments and hear the Word of God proclaimed and explained. They are places of prayer, reflection, rest and peace. They are places where we gather as communities, offering a welcome to so many.
This closure comes at a very difficult time for us all, but it is vital that we work with everyone else in society to do everything we can to respond to the crisis caused by the Coronavirus, Covid-19. The more effective we are in observing the present restrictions, the more effective will be the response.
It goes without saying that it is very difficult for us not to be able to join in the celebration of the Eucharist. The fact that Masses are being celebrated day by day in all our churches – albeit behind locked doors – will, I know, be a comfort to us all. The Mass reaches beyond those closed doors, for the whole world, together with the angels and saints, is present whenever the Eucharist is celebrated.
Join in these celebrations through live-streaming whenever you can. The churches providing this service are listed on the Diocesan Website and information is also available on e-news. If you are not signed up to our Diocesan e-news, please do so now.
I cannot encourage you strongly enough to continue your lives of prayer and your reflection on the Scriptures. Pray the Rosary and, in this Season of Lent, reflect on the Stations of the Cross. There are many resources available on-line.
Many of you will have taken part in the Nation-wide moment of prayer on Saturday-last. I call on you all to join in this practice each week; the lighted candles in your windows offering a beacon of hope to others.
Know, too, that the Lord is with us on this difficult stage of our journey. He never leaves us and – perhaps as never before – we are called upon to follow Him, persevering in faith, hope and love for the good of all.
May Mary, the Mother of Christ and our Mother too, intercede for us.
Be assured of my own prayers for you all, especially those who are affected personally by the Coronavirus and all working in healthcare in our hospitals and communities.
With every Blessing,
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of Mass online from churches in the diocese.
A Poem for COVID-19
'Lockdown' by Richard Hendrick,
a Capuchin Franciscan Monk living in Ireland.
a Capuchin Franciscan Monk living in Ireland.
Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear. But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul.
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square, Sing.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear. But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul.
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square, Sing.