THANK YOU Fr. JOSE

When I think of a transfer I always remember that someone once said “we meet to part and part to meet” Actually it is true when we think of it. Our life is a journey and we keep on moving, and along the way we meet special people while making long lasting friendships and meaningful relationships.

Last December Fr. Jose came to the Davidson presbytery and said to me that he has been transferred and will be moving to Kincumber Parish. It was such a huge shock for me. I had known Fr Jose from the beginning of our seminary life when we joined the OSH order together in Kerala, India.

We have maintained a solid friendship for all these years.

Fr. Jose is a wonderful priest with great zeal to work in the Lord’s vineyard. He is a very humble and holy person with full of love and concern for all around. Over the last seven years he navigated our FFCP in a very dedicated manner, both spiritually and physically. I am grateful to him for his magnificent leadership. During his stay here he gave priority in uniting the three Parish communities together under one umbrella and in his pastoral duties.

Sadly he lost his beloved parents, as well as his niece while he was with us here. I appreciate your enormous support, love, and concern you have given him during those difficult moments, as I know that he does very much.

I thank Fr. Jose for all that he has achieved during his time in our Parish. The clergy who have worked and lived alongside Fr Jose will cherish the wonderful moments that we spent together, forming a strong and valued friendship. On behalf of Fr. Shiju, and all our Parishioners and Parish Staff I wish Fr Jose all the very best in his new appointment as the Parish Priest at Kincumber, and pray that the almighty God may strengthen him during this transition.

Fr Satheesh Antony OSH

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B 16/17 January

Today we consider the call to discipleship. The readings outline the various stages of this call and provide a sketch of some of the characteristics of each stage: the invitation, the discerning process and the resulting transformation.

The call is an invitation from God. It might come to us as inner sensitivity, a kind of a dream or inspiration. Our interest might be captured by a person or an event that first attracts us and then beckons us to investigate further. It can come in the innocence and naivete of childhood, in the vigour of young adulthood, or in the wisdom of years. It comes when God calls.

The second stage involves discernment. Most of us need help recognising moments of religious importance and so we seek out women and men who are practised in the ways of God, who can help us test the spirit. They might be recognised religious leaders or prophetic guides, or they could be friends or loved ones who know us well and who are also attuned to the workings of God in their own lives.

Finally, when we respond to the call, we discover that we no longer belong solely to ourselves; as disciples, we belong to the body of Christ. We belong to the reign of God; we are now part of the mission of Christ. As disciples, we are called to proclaim to the world the justice of God. What a glorious honour this is!