A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning - We’ve managed to escape the worst of the storm but I hope you’re managing to stay warm.

The following poem is an ‘evening' poem but it is also a ‘journey’ poem and speaks to us of our journey through these strange and dark times, a journey which needs the trusty 'little horse' of faith and companionship - keep ringing the bells, even if only for reassurance.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

ROBERT FROST

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Remember we have each other, and our simple prayer, ‘Stay with us, Lord, on our journey’.

Please pray for Catherine and Helen whose funerals we celebrate today.

St Joseph, companion on our journey, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John