From Fr Greg's Desk: 28th February

Hi everyone!

Well, we have had to say our goodbyes to a number of very significant people recently, all of whom have given their lives to God in selfless service.

Br. Mark Ryan, fsp, RIP. As you are all aware by now, Br. Mark Ryan passed away last Sunday morning, and will be buried next Tuesday morning. Br. Mark had only recently completed 60 years of religious life as a Patrician Brother, and was someone who had a very stabilising effect on me throughout my schooling at Fairfield Patrician Brothers from 1975 to 1982. Br. Mark was a great friend and mentor ever since then, whom I would visit on my infrequent home visits while living overseas, and is already sorely missed.

As I wrote in a blog a few days ago: Br Mark has been a much loved and well respected member of both the Holy Cross & Ryde-Gladesville Parish communities for many years and he will be greatly missed by us all. His wicked wit and deep Patrician spirituality, his "Jesus loves you!" every time we met and his kindness and good nature are attributes of his that I know I will dearly miss.

Our condolences especially to the other Brothers, especially Brothers Aengus, Pat and Stephen, who resided with him across the road at their residence in the Holy Cross College grounds. Information about a Memorial Mass is available on the adjacent page of the bulletin.

Fr. Bob Barker, SM RIP. Two weeks ago, we also learned of the death of Fr. Bob Barber, SM, who for many years lived at Hunters Hill; and helped out with Masses and confessions and other services here over the years. He, too, will be sadly missed by many members of our congregation, who knew him well.

Bishop Bede Heather, DD RIP. The other very recent death notice is that of Bishop Bede Heather, former and first Bishop of the recently created Parramatta Diocese. Br. Aengus visited him a few days before he passed away, and knows him well. A very great and humble man, that one, who has known many sufferings throughout his life, not the least of which the cancer that ended it. God bless, you, Bishop Bede!.

May they all rest in peace, in line with what the final book in the Bible says:

"Happy are those who die in the Lord! Happy indeed, the Spirit says; now they can rest for ever after their work, since their good deeds go with them." (Rev 14:13)

Your brother, in Christ's service,

Fr Greg