As everyone comes to grips with living in isolation, I am grateful to the Principals and staff members of our Schools for their tireless efforts in maintaining education to the children and families in our care. 

Thanks too, go to the parents of the children, you are being asked to parent in an unprecedented manner, and I know the dedicated support and help of our teachers and the school communities will be a great blessing to each of you.

This coming weekend (April 18 & 19), many of you would have been preparing with great excitement for your child(ren) to receive the Sacrament of First Communion.  There would also have been great excitement and preparation in the Parish Office and amongst myself, Fr Ajin, Deacon Tony and Sister Doreen.

Instead, our Church is closed, Fr Ajin and I celebrate Mass in solitude, keeping all of our school families, and all our parishioners firmly in our prayers and intentions. Please keep Fr Ajin, Deacon Tony, Sr Doreen, myself and all our priests and religious in your prayers as we all go through this difficult time together.

Should any of you wish to make contact with the Parish, or know of anyone who may need help from the Parish, our contact number is now 0417 572 546 during office hours.  Our email address is traralgon@cdsale.org.au. Should anyone have need of a priest outside office hours, please phone 0448 529 712 and leave a clear and concise message.  Our Office Hours are now Tuesday & Wednesday 9:00am to 4:00pm.

The Parish is keeping a bulletin going during this period, it is easy to find on our website, www.smpt.org.au or on our Parish App (easily downloadable, St Michael’s Parish, Traralgon).

May each of us come through this trying time in our lives with generous hearts, enduring faith and a closer relationship with our God.

God bless!