My dear friends in Christ, Moving in as your new Parish Priest felt strange.

The whole situation deprives us from getting together as a family and community of God to celebrate the Eucharist due to the Covid-19 crisis. There's uncertainty and anxiety. But rest assured of my thoughts and prayers for you and the whole parish as I still celebrate Mass privately.

I also write to you with bit of my background. I was born in 1966, in Bulacan, Philippines. I am the youngest of 5 children with an only sister to parents Arsenio Sr. and Juliana who have both gone to eternal life. I studied twelve years from high school seminary through theology years and was ordained diocesan priest in 1992. I had four years of parish experience and as a formator in the seminary before coming to Australia in 2005. I was assistant Priest in Craigieburn, Mill Park, and Essendon and was Parish Priest in Castlemaine, Noble Park, and Lilydale/Healesville parishes. I was incardinated to the Archdiocese of Melbourne two years ago.

Please don't ask, but I have to say it - I barrack for the Kangaroos!

I do look forward to the opportunity of meeting you all in person when possible and back to normal situation. I've already received emails and several phone calls with such warm welcome as I begin settling in. Keep smiling and be safe.

God bless you!
Yours in Christ,

Fr. Arsenio Tuazon
Parish Priest of Holy Spirit, North Ringwood; St Anne's, Park Orchards, and St. Gerard's, Warrandyte.