Dear Parishioners, 

With the generosity of almost 500 donations, we are pleased to share that the Cathedral restoration fundraising campaign has successfully concluded.  For the past two years, your support has remained steadfast – despite lockdowns, restrictions and ensuing delays.  The beautifully restored Cathedral is a testament to your encouragement, commitment and patience, for which we are extremely grateful.  For those who made pledges/standing orders, we appreciate your continued payments.  With these promises, we have been able to close out the active fundraising period.

Giving is mentioned several times across many books of the Bible.  We see this theme throughout the Old Testament, from as early as Exodus to the New Testament with the ultimate demonstration of it – God giving His only Son for us.

On a number of occasions during the pandemic, in this newsletter, we have referenced St. Paul’s letters to the early Christians.  His second letter, written from Macedonia around the year 55, is to the Corinthians.  In it, Paul explains the benefits and opportunities of generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) – ‘Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’

 We look forward to celebrating a special Mass of Thanksgiving for all contributors when we are permitted to have the Cathedral to full capacity.  As mentioned, on that day, we will have a golden book on display (and subsequently placed in the Sacristy) – acknowledging donors.

A sincere ‘thank you’,

Fr. Pat Farragher Adm.