“Christ be our light, shine in our hearts, shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light, shine in your Church, gathered today.”
These words, from the chorus of the well-known hymn Christ Be Our Light, were proclaimed strongly, enthusiastically, and powerfully by all the children of Our Holy Redeemer School as they celebrated their school feast day early this morning, Friday 21st November. The Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe, was chosen for the school to honour as their feast. At the same time, this celebration of Christ the King marks the end of our liturgical year. These words, which echoed throughout the church this morning, could be embraced as a prayer for each of us individually, as well as for us collectively as the Church. More than ever, we need the light of Christ to dispel the darkness of hatred, selfishness, jealousy, and prejudice, and to shine brightly in the depths of our hearts so that it may conquer our souls, minds, and hearts with love, hope, and joy.
All aspects of our Christian life—the year-round liturgical celebrations and all the activities we carry out throughout the year—must be directed and guided by this very light of Jesus.
The words in the Preface for this solemnity remind us clearly that Jesus does not come like earthly kings who are enthroned with golden crowns and embroidered robes, but rather with the Cross and sacrifice, to bring about God’s redemption and His Kingdom.
“For you anointed your Only Begotten Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ, with the oil of gladness
as eternal Priest and King of all creation,
so that, by offering himself on the altar of the Cross
as a spotless sacrifice to bring us peace,
he might accomplish the mysteries of human redemption
and, making all created things subject to his rule,
he might present to the immensity of your majesty
an eternal and universal kingdom,
a kingdom of truth and life,
a kingdom of holiness and grace,
a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.”
Through self-giving and a life of complete service, Christ offers the love of God to the world so that anyone who comes to Him may have life, and have it to the full. As a parish family, we have endeavoured to live out this message. Each one of us, in our own ways, contributes to the work of building God’s Kingdom through our humble efforts.
The conclusion of this liturgical year also marks the departure of two significant members of our staff team: our Assistant Priest, Fr Hoang Dinh, and our Stewardship Coordinator, Kate Baines. In their respective roles, they have contributed greatly and meaningfully to the life of our parish. We are deeply grateful for their lives, love, and service to this community, and we wish to honour them with Masses of Thanksgiving.
I wish to invite you to:
The Thanksgiving Mass to farewell Fr Hoang
5:00 pm, Sunday 7th December, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Deepdene.
The Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate and honour Kate Baines
5:30 pm, Saturday 20th December, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Deepdene.
Both celebrations will be followed by refreshments in the Gathering Space, where all are welcome to offer their best wishes as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Fr Sang Ho
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Faye Dennis says:
Congratulations to our principal at Our Holy Redeemer and all involved in the meaningful celebration today of our feast day, Christ the King. To see so many of the current families of children attending OHR primary school celebrating this feast day gives great hope for our future church in this time of transition. What faith in action these parents are modelling for their families. We support you in your journey of faith with your children.
Faye Dennis – Member of Our Lady of Pentecost Parish Pastoral Council