Dear All,

The Filipino Chaplaincy in the Diocese of Parramatta will be celebrating the feast of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary on 22 March 2009 (Sunday).

While fiesta celebrations are closely identified with Filipino religious tradition, they are traditions that point to our being God-centred, faith-filled, and grateful people. The celebration challenges us to be united in our faith (Catholic), and expression (Holy Eucharist). In other words, fiesta celebration belongs to the community, to the Family of God, the Church.

This is the spirit in which we would like to celebrate the feast of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary. Rather than being concerned with success, we are more concerned about its fruitfulness. Despite belonging to different groups, movements, organizations, and apostolate, the occasion gives us the opportunity to be one, to be a family.

In the name of the Filipino Chaplaincy, I would like to invite you and your family, friends and relatives, to be one with the other Filipinos in celebrating the feast of St. Joseph, on 22 March 2009.

The day will be opened with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 10:45 a.m. It will be followed by lunch/fellowship, and entertainments. The Mass will be held at the St. Michael School Ground, 58 Orwell Street, Blacktown.

Novena Masses will be held from 13-21 March (Friday-Saturday), at 7:30 p.m., at St. Michael Parish, Blacktown.

Looking forward to celebrating with you and your family, the feast of St. Joseph..

Fr. Raning Creta