FAMILIAR AND NEW
Recently, when hearing that I was moving to a new parish, a friend commented. “You are so fortunate, patrick, to have a new beginning while remaining in the security of your life.”
I wasn’t aware that my friend was having a moment like Job seems to be having in the first reading today, however, even as I did feel ‘the goodbyes’ moving away from Te Awakairangi Parish there has been the joyful feeling of new beginnings just ahead. While also knowing that I am accustomed to the shores and hills of the Sacred Heart Parish, with many of your faces familiar, and with Archbishop Paul and Debbie present – Yes, all will be well!
How exciting to be with you at this time as we look towards the re-dedication of our beautiful parish church of the Sacred Heart. We know for the archdiocese this is the mother church: the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and St Mary, his holy mother. There has been much mahi done to bring the whole strengthening to this stage. And there will be much mahi ahead with the development of the cathedral precinct. How blessed we are therefore, as we see in today’s Gospel that Jesus is with us. In our needs, in our healings, in our hustle and bustle, and in the times of calm, Jesus is our constant – possibly you could say our strength and stay!
It may sound a little strange that the title given me is, ‘Administrator’. Yes, the church does have wonderful and good traditions, such as a bishop being the parish priest of a cathedral. I look forward to being with you in your homes, in your school, in your colleges, and with you in the celebrations of the Eucharist, the Sacraments, and in the events of your and this parish’s life. Being a pastor in a parish is the greatest of joys for in the midst of the parish family there Jesus is loved and known.
With love and prayers, patrick
Fr Patrick Bridgman
Cathedral Administrator
