Parishioners were joined by St. Peter's Primary pupils and Staff to commemorate the closing of The Jubilee Year of Mercy.
"God of tender mercy, God of love; God of glorious light from Heav'n above; in your light we see light, in your love we feel love: light eternal, love which never ends."
The Mass opened with a
"Presentation of Light"during which seven candles were lit,
each representing a
Corporal Work of Mercy:
* to feed the hungry * give drink to the thirsty * clothe the naked * welcome the stranger * heal the sick * visit the imprisoned * bury the dead
The votive candles were places around the Year of Mercy candle as a symbol of the ongoing need for all of us to show mercy to others in our everyday lives.
As each candle was placed on the altar display by Parishioners, one of St. Peter's pupils read out the following prayers:
Presentation of Light
Jesus said, " Let your goodness shine like a light in the darkness, so that, through you, the love of our heavenly Father will touch the lives of others."
At our baptism, we were given the light of Christ, which burns in our hearts and lights up our lives each day.
Make your thoughts only kind ones and others will see your goodness in the things that you do. Hold your head high and keep walking towards the light and you will never lose your way.
In a world where there is so much dishonesty, may our goodness shine out like a light in the darkness to give others hope.
Live your lives as children of the light. Do not hide in the darkness for there is nothing to fear. Fill your lives with love and goodness and follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
The candle flame is warm and bright; it changes darkness into light. We feel its warmth and see its glow, and, when we look at it, we know the light of Christ is burning bright - for we are children of the light.