Newsletter- 14 Week of Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners
‘Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’ Praise to God, and joy in God’s merciful love, justice and peace, are the themes which run through all the readings for this Sunday. The First Reading from Zechariah describes how God will defeat his enemies and establish himself as king – not through war and aggression, but with humility and peace. The Psalm is a great hymn of praise, central to the Jewish faith. It speaks of God’s kindness and compassion to all and offers us the reassurance that the Lord will always be faithful and loving, ready to support and raise us up when we fall. In the Second Reading, Paul reminds the Romans, and ourselves, of what the suffering and death of Jesus has achieved for us. He speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In today’s Gospel, through his own prayer to his Father in heaven, Jesus reminds us that he is the one who will reveal God to us. Humility and gentleness are the virtues he emphasises; rest and freedom from burdens are the gifts he promises.
This week we pray particularly for all those who feel overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life – whether through ill-health, conflict, poverty, loneliness or isolation. With the help of our prayers and action, may they come to know the love and peace of Christ.
Congratulations and Thanks to Eddie Woods: This weekend I would like to acknowledge the hard work and generous support which Eddie Woods has offered to myself and my predecessors over the past 24 years as our PSR. As I mentioned in the Bulletin on Safeguarding Sunday Eddie has decided the time is now right for him to retire from this role and on the 1st of July, he has been replaced by Clayton Kelley as our PSR. Clayton currently serves as a Detective Sargent in our county, working within Child Protection. Clayton is a regular member of our congregation along with his wife and family. For the past few months Clayton has been shadowing Eddie in the PSR role and during the period of transition Eddie will continue to offer him support to ensure we have a smooth handover.
In recognition of Eddie Woods loyal and generous service to our parish community at the Vigil Mass this weekend I will present to him on the Bishops behalf, the diocesan St Hugh of Lincoln Award. This is a special diocesan award given by the Bishop to individuals who in a voluntary capacity have given long and loyal service to a parish community and to the wider diocese. I know you will want to join me this weekend in thanking Eddie for all he has quietly done behind the scenes over the past 24 years to ensure that our parish community complies fully with all the national and diocesan safeguarding regulations and remains a safe place for all members of our community especially our children and vulnerable adults. Do keep Eddie in your prayers as he stands down now and Clayton as he takes up this important voluntary role in our parish community.
Michael Furey – Diocesan Seminarian – Pastoral Placement during July: This weekend we welcome Michael Furey to our parish. He is a seminarian for our diocese currently studying at Oscott College. During his few weeks with us Michael will work closely with me shadowing me in my pastoral ministry and will be going out to Lourdes to assist with the young people’s part of the diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage. In addition, he will have the opportunity to assist at the Prison and in St Marys Primary School and will worship and assist at all our parish liturgies during his time with us. I know you will make Michael very welcome here and I know from our conversations he is looking forward greatly to meeting you all and experiencing something of the life and worship of our parish community here at St Mary’s.
Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage: 13th – 17th July – Prayer Intentions – A small number of parishioners have booked to join the diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage from our parish, and I will be going out as well this year. If you have any prayer intentions that you would like me to offer on your behalf during the Pilgrimage, please give these to me by Sunday 12th July and I will ensure I light a candle and offer your prayer intentions at the Grotto of Massabielle.
With my prayers for you and your families during the coming week
Your parish priest and friend,
Fr Jonathan
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