A message from Fr John

Good morning

The news of the further lockdown is not good for anyone. Please pray for those whose jobs are at risk.

WE’re still not sure about the implications for church opening; as soon as I know anything I’ll let you know.

In the meantime let’s continue to try to stay safe as best we can.

Today is the feast of All Souls when we remember all thise who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith and commend them to the loving mercy of God whose mercy and love know no bounds.

One of the loveliest hymns for the feast was written by St John Henry Newman whilst he was still an Anglican priest but pondering crossing to the Catholic Church. It speaks of the journey of life, the pilgrimage that we all share and which has only one end as we know - the mercy of God. 

Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th'encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Saviour, lead me home in childlike faith,
home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.

The Mass for the Feast of All Souls is this evening on Zoom at 6.00pm - we will remember all of our loved ones who now share in the Kindly Light.

St Joseph, patron of a happy death, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John

PS please remember too our young people and their teachers who return to school today