THANK YOU, women of faith and service 

Dear brothers and sisters, this Sunday’s first reading praises the hard-working woman who seeks wool and flax and works them skilfully, helping to provide for her family. She is an active woman; her efforts bring benefits; yet she also lends a helping hand to those in need and opens her arms to the poor.

Her skills benefit not only her family but also the vulnerable and marginalised. This portrait of the working woman remains a living reality in our communities today.

Let us think of the catechists who teach children, young people and adults, transmitting the faith with patience and creativity; the lay ministers of the Eucharist, who bring Holy Communion to the sick and the elderly; and the women involved in pastoral care, who bring comfort to hospitals and care homes.

Let’s think of the sacristans who prepare the celebrations; those who look after the altar decorations; the readers who proclaim the Word of God with reverence; and the choir singers who lift up the community’s prayer through their voice and music.

Let’s think of the office workers who manage the parish accounts; those who organise the cleaning and activities in the hall; those who keep the gardens and courtyards tidy; and those who manage social media, newsletter and communications. 

Let’s think of the Caritas volunteers; those who support migrants and prisoners; those involved in pastoral care for families and women; the women who pray and attend daily Mass; those who organise raffles, Christmas fairs, retreats and pilgrimages; and the teachers who educate children and young people. 

I cannot forget those who uphold the faith from their homes and convents: grandmothers and mothers who transmit the faith through prayer and daily witness; the nuns, widows and elderly women who offer their prayers for the community. The list is endless, only the Lord knows each one by name.

To all of them I would like to say: THANK YOU. Thank you for your selfless and tireless service. The Lord, who sees what is hidden, will one day say to you: “Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.” And may the Lord continue calling forth hard-working women, full of faith and love, who keep the hope of the Gospel alive.  May God bless you now and forever.

Fr. Maurice XS