UNSUAL TIMES WITH SOME POSITIVES
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 young people are busy spreading flyers through the neighbourhoods 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.

AFFIRMATIONS

• The vast majority of families who have been very supportive of the College at this time.  Who have understood the pressures that staff have been under and have sent messages of thanks and support.
• The College Board who collectively wrote to the staff to affirm their support and encouragement.
• All staff for the professional and calm manner we have responded to the COVID-19 issue.  I especially thank the staff who have assisted to respond to the directives we have been passed on from CET and to the staff who have had to adjust arrangements because of cancellations.
• The executive team, I've personally enjoyed the wisdom and support of the members of our executive.  Our meetings are always rich and respectful as we work through many diverse and challenging issues - this one being a biggy!  As a community we are well served by strong leadership from Mary Macrae, Polly Marriott, Samantha Wilton, Rachael Adams, Donna Duggan, Susie Bond, Les Gardner and Susan McGann.  I thank them on your behalf.

NEWS

From the Sisters 

Hello everyone, the latest edition of Journeys newsletter is now available.  Please Click here to view.

Prayer app - as we move through this uncertain and frightening time everyone can benefit from prayer and personal reflection.  We encourage you to use our Voices from the Heart app which is available from the Apple and Google Play stores - Click here for links to download or you can visit wwwvoicesfromtheheartt.com.au

Stay safe and well.

Angela Thomas

Operations Manager

Kingston-Channel Parish Mass Online

Fr Chris, with the assistance of Polly, Hannah, Robert and Sam will now be broadcasting Sunday Mass online each week.

We encourage families to join these services either by live stream, at the usual Sunday mass time of 10:00am, or the service can also be viewed at a time that is convenient to you and your family.

Internet is required which may not be a possibility for all Parish members but hopefully it will reach, and be a comfort to many.  We are working on a step by step help-sheet with images to assist those who would appreciate some instruction.  Hard copies of this document will be left in the church, Click here to view the document.  

If you wish to view the services each week, please Click here to access the St Aloysius live streams YouTube page.

We thank and congratulate Fr Chris and his team for their efforts and adaptability during this time.

Payment of Fees

With family members potentially under employed or unemployed during this health crisis, please click on the link below to view information regarding fee assistance.