A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning - I hope you’re keeping well. This middle Sunday of Lent is called Laetare - Rejoice. We can take this opportunity to renew our Lenten commitment whilst giving ourselves a little leeway - just for today.

Rejoice! Happy Mothering Sunday - blessings on all our mothers, and thanks be to God for all they have given us; for those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, may they rest in peace. Let’s also give thanks for Mary our Mother, our constant companion in prayer, and for the Church whom we also call Mother as 'she gathers her brood under her wings’.

Rejoice! It was a delight to open our churches yesterday for the first time since just after Christmas - let’s hope that at least this limited opening can be sustained with safety and confidence. Thanks again to our stewards who make it possible.

As we know, Pope Francis has declared this to be the Year of St Joseph; he has been the guardian of this parish throughout this last year with all its ups and downs.

There is a lovely prayer from the Pope’s Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde - With a Father’s Heart

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us on the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil.
Amen

St Joseph, companion on the journey, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John

PS Don’t forget that Julie Bloomer has a stock of cards from the piety stall and will deliver - 0161 790 8180