The year has started with a lot of action (and work) at Holy Trinity!

Many of you know that the much-needed and long-anticipated restoration of the stained-glass windows began last week. The Rose Window has been removed and taken to a studio for restoration. We expect the restoration to take about 6 weeks and hope it will be reinstalled by Easter—a big thank you to all who contributed to the restoration fund. As you know, we are trying to raise R2.5 million to restore all the windows in the Church. So far, with your generosity and that of friends, we have raised R373,000. I humbly ask that you continue to help us raise the money to reach our target. We are also seeking other avenues to generate the funds we need. We can do this – TOGETHER!

I also hope we can renovate other parts of the church. For example, the parquet floor needs work, the carpet in the aisle is ripped in places, and we need to upgrade some components of the sound system. In time, we also hope to attend to the lighting in the church.

Last week, I celebrated Masses for the teachers (who returned to school a few days before the learners) at all the schools in the parish. I will celebrate Masses for junior and senior school learners in the coming weeks to open the academic year.

Next weekend, the Archdiocese will welcome Cardinal Stephen Brislin as the new archbishop of Johannesburg. Cardinal Brislin was appointed bishop of Kroonstad by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI asked him to head up the Archdiocese of Cape Town. He was elevated to be a cardinal by Pope Francis in September 2023 and, in October 2024, was asked by the Holy Father to lead the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. We welcome the Cardinal and assure him of our support and prayers as he embarks on this new ministry. You will notice that we will begin to pray for him in the Eucharistic Prayer once he has been installed as archbishop.

As you saw in the bulletin, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) elections are upon us. A new PPC will be elected in March. We must pray, reflect, discern, and think about who in the parish is best suited to serve on the PPC. The PPC is designed to, with the clergy, discern the best way to evangelise, form people’s faith, and minister in our context. I ask that we take this seriously, as the leadership of this body is important.

I would like to focus on two important things in 2025: building community and developing a good faith formation programme in the parish. This includes exploring scripture, getting to know the faith better, understanding the liturgy, and, I hope, opportunities for spiritual retreats.

I look forward to what we can do together in 2025 to recognise how God is working within and amongst us!

Fr. Russell Pollitt SJ