A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning - there’s no let-up in this cold spell, is there?

How about a little poem from Dryden for these days?

Happy the man by John Dryden

Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He who can call today his own;
He who, secure within, can say:
’Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.
Be fair or foul or rain or shine,
The joys I have possessed, in spite of fate, are mine.
Not heaven itself upon the past has pow’r;
But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour.’

Thanks be to God.

Now, two bits of business:

Firstly, following on from our last parish forum meeting, we will gather again next Thursday, 18 February at 7.00pm, to continue our discussion on the way forward. I have asked Mr John Griffin of the Diocesan Formation Team to join us and facilitate our conversation. More details next week. Everyone is welcome.

Secondly, I want to respond to the challenge which is constantly being thrown at us - to walk 10,000 steps a day. However, I think it should have a purpose beyond my assuming a slim, lithe figure (as if). I would like to be sponsored with the proceeds being shared between CAFOD (its Lenten appeal is 'Walk for Water') and the Alzheimer's Society. I would like to make it something of a Lenten pilgrimage by walking round St Mary’s Cemetery, Wardley, whilst praying for all our families and friends who are buried there.
What do you think?

St Joseph, guardian of our parish, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John