"As you know I witnessed the fire that destroyed our church and even took pictures of it. But there was one picture I did not take and will be forever etched on my mind. For a few moments the cross stood out bold and black against the flames- they encircled it- even seemed to caress it reverently for a while. It is this cross you and I have to bear for a while as we strive to follow our Blessed Lord who carried His cross with love for our salvation. Let us also carry this cross with love for our Saviour and love for one another. There is one thing we are not deprived of - the reason for which all churches are built - the living presence of Jesus among us. You and I are the living stones of which the spiritual fabric of the church is built. While we wait, deprived for a while of our church, let us build up in love and unity for one another that spiritual fabric. Jesus is with us as we go forward during this time of trial. We are not alone. It is the year of the Eucharist, let us value our communion with our Blessed Lord and value each other as we move foreward in hope. Let the flame that destroyed our building be the flame of fire in our hearts. I know the stuff this parish is made of. The time of knocking down is over - it is time to build! "
Fr Paul Hackett, 2nd Sunday of Advent, 5th December 2004