I have returned to my parish work after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It has been a very enriching pilgrimage. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus and many other saints in the Holy Land has been a vital experience for me. This is my second trip to the Holy Land and this time has allowed me to seek my personal peace and spiritual enhancement. It has also helped me to deepen my understanding and appreciation of the Bible a little more. My faith is strengthened. While I was doing my pilgrimage I have not forgotten each and every one of you and our Vision and Mission of the parish! I remembered you in prayer and also while I was in various significant places, in significant moments and events in the Holy Land.

Last Wednesday (21 Oct.) while I was taking a day’s break at home in Klang, our BECCOT Chairman, Joe Fernando, called and reminded me about the BEC Mass at BEC St Francis of Assisi (BEC 25). I was at that time unaware of the Mass and thought to postpone it. However, when I thought of how the BEC members would have prepared everything for their Mass, without much hesitation, I left home during the rush hours and made it on time for the BEC Mass. Very few members turned up but it was a joyful celebration and fellowship after all. Praise God.

Before leaving for the pilgrimage, I set up a committee to brief them on the preparation for the upcoming Parish Pastoral Assembly (PPA) on 31 October, 2015, under the supervision of Richard Ganesh the PPC Chairman About 100 parishioners have returned the Questionnaires (to be discussed during the PPA). The PPA team is now in the midst of compiling these survey forms which I hope can be completed by this week. Last year 100 parishioners attended the Assembly. This year will be my second PPA in the parish of St Joseph. I hope and pray many will turn up to reflect and see how far we have achieved our Parish Vision and Mission for the year 2015. This weekend (24-25 Oct.) is the last weekend for the PPA registration. Don’t forget to register in time! Hope to see you there!

Generally I do feel happy ministering HERE in this parish of St Joseph, although I must admit that I do have my faults and weaknesses. God has not chosen perfect people to be leaders of the parish! However, I shall strive harder and stretch myself in performing better as your parish priest and in loving and serving you.

God bless you and your families.

Fr. George Packiasamy