Pastors Corner
Our Parish Priest
Fr Bruce Botha, S.J.
Fr Bruce Botha SJ was born in Durban, KZN. He received a diploma in education from the University of Natal and then taught physical science for 4 years at Scottburgh High School. He joined the Society of Jesus and did his noviciate in Cape Town. He then studied philosophy in London and theology in Berkeley, California. Between philosophy and theology, in the period of formation known as regency, he worked as the director of counselling for an HIV research centre. After ordination in 2006 he worked in Holy Trinity, Braamfontein until 2010, when he was appointed parish priest of St Martin de Porres, Orlando West. In 2021 he returned to Holy Trinity as Parish Priest and continues to serve as the Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation for the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. In July 2024, Fr Bruce became Parish Priest of St Martin De Porres, Craighall Park.
What’s in a name … or a rose by any other name smells just as sweet.
What is the Sunday Evening Mass? That question prompted a search for a variety of pithy and witty titles, the winner of that beauty contest stands (or limps) proudly above. Our monthly Sunday evening youth mass has begun as a
“Even just one of these Children”
“Even just one of these children” is the theme of Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2026 (WDMR), which will be celebrated on Sunday 27 September, the last Sunday of the month. In
Spiritual bypassing: when prayer becomes a smokescreen
Three weeks ago, the pastor’s corner was on the depression which clergy can go through because of pastoral exhaustion and not having anyone to share his situation with. Let me hasten to add for those who may be wondering, that
The Fruits of our Synodal Journey
Since April of this year the parishes of the archdiocese have been engaging in listening circles on the themes of Synodal Spirituality, Governance and Mission. Here in our own parish, we spent three Sunday mornings reflecting on these themes. We
The Season of Creation
Pope Francis inaugurated the practice of setting September aside as a time of reflection on creation, and our role within in. Since then, it has been adopted as an ecumenical celebration. This year’s theme, “Living Water” “, explores Ezekiel 47:9
Spiritual Exhaustion and the Silence Killing Our Shepherds
In the first reading Jeremiah complains that God has seduced him. He thought that following God would lead to success and an easy life, but instead he faced what seemed a total failure. Jesus spells out the conditions for those
