This week during Lent we celebrate two remarkable people of faith, Saint Patrick and Saint Joseph. Most Catholic Christians of Irish decent are the spiritual children of Patrick. All Christians are the spiritual children of Saint Joseph. Without Patrick, there would be no church in Ireland; without Joseph there would be no Jesus or Mary.

Both are enjoying eternity with our Heavenly Father but only after paying attention to the word of God and by acting on what was being asked of them. In Patrick's case, returning to the land where he had been enslaved to bring people to salvation in Christ. For Joseph, accepting Jesus as his son, regardless of the gossip around the circumstances of Jesus' birth, and saving the life of Jesus and Mary on two occasions, one being the the flight into Egypt.

How receptive are we to the challenges of both faith and action that God may give us? Do we listen and respond, or do we listen and run away? Perhaps our lives are a combination of the two. Remember that the Saints are our friends and are always there to listen to us and to help us. Perhaps during the coming week ask St Patrick and Saint Joseph to help you to understand what God wants from you in life and help you to put it into practice.

As always, be assured of my prayers for you and your intentions. 

With my sincere best wishes for the week ahead.

Fr Chris