Dear Sir,

I had the pleasure of holidaying on your beautiful Island for four weeks May/June. During that time I also had the good fortune of attending St. Joseph?s Church in Somerset. What a beautiful ?house of God? (in more ways than just a physical structure).

Through this media I want to take the opportunity to let the parishioners of St. Joseph?s know, that if I were living in Bermuda I would be attending the 9 a.m. mass every Sunday, regardless of how far I would have to travel ? the furthest distance could only be about an hour.

You have it all togetherand your local Bishop, pastor, parish counsel should be extremely proud of you. A community of people who have made an effort to encompass all members of the parish; that, today is a rare find.

The English and Portuguese people share the readings, hymns and Eucharistic ministries. What I saw was a ?parish family who enjoyed being in fellowship with one another. I felt that most in attendance had a sense of commitment and witness; making the best of what they have to work with. A musician would be nice , however I commend the job both communities do providing hymns for the mass.

I was touched when I saw parishioner after parishioner greeting one another as they left the church, with ?have a good morning; have a great day; God bless; or simply see you next week?.

I was a visitor and no one knew my name, however, everyone who passed me had a word of greeting. In my hometown the parish has 800 families, and although we see people Sunday after Sunday we only know a handful of those families by name.

I only have one sad thought. Where are the young people of your parish (teens-30?s)?

Anyway, thank you for letting me be part of your parish for a short time. I hope that the good Lord continues to bless your work, and that you, in turn, continue to love and serve Him in your very special way.

I hope to return one day in the not too distant future.