A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning. Happy Feast Day as we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist, the great precursor of Jesus and the essential link between the prophets of the Old Dispensation and the new revelation of the Word of God. He was a tremendous voice, fearless in his opposition to sin and to tyranny.

You may have heard that churches can open for worship. However, we don’t yet know all the restrictions which will be in place. We will shortly be able to open for private prayer but communal worship is a very different matter and we are not sure how it can be facilitated.

The Mass is at the heart of our community prayer but we must be very conscious that, for the time being, that the safety of our vulnerable parishioners, and indeed all our parishioners, must take precedence. In the meantime, let’s try to foster a deeper sense of contemplation, an awareness of the presence of God in all parts of our lives, which will only strengthen our commitment to the Mass and community when all the restrictions are lifted.

We await further instructions from the Bishops, possibly towards the end of this week. Please pray for all those who are involved in the decision making process both nationally and locally.

Can we please remember in our prayers all our parish family, especially those who are part of the frontline, essential workers of all kinds:

Joseph, Lisa, Patrick, Chris, Catherine, Anne, Terry, Mark, Theo, Clare, Richard, Anthony, Jane, James, Andrew, Mary, Francis, Ruth, Tony, Sue, Dan, Fiona, Katy. Ian & Bethany - and all our teachers

Stay safe

St Joseph, guardian of our parish during these days, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John