Newsletter- 17th Week of Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant … who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.’ The readings for this Sunday invite us to think about what we truly value. They show the importance of wisdom, encouraging us to trust God’s plan, and to value the kingdom of heaven above all else. Solomon responds humbly when, in a dream, God asks him, ‘what shall I give you?’ Solomon seeks an ‘understanding mind … to discern between good and evil in governing God’s people’. Putting others’ needs before his own pleases God, who gifts Solomon with wisdom. (First Reading). The Gospel also talks about choosing what is most important. Jesus tells two parables describing the value of the kingdom of heaven. We hear how coming across treasure brings someone great joy, while finding the one pearl of great price impels a merchant to buy and keep it. The Psalmist describes God’s word as more important than the finest gold: it is true treasure, offering lasting wisdom, comfort and delight. St Paul (Second Reading) assures us that God already has a plan in place for all who love God. Even when life is difficult, God is guiding and shaping us to be like Jesus.
This week, we pray to live each day with the wisdom to know what truly matters in life, and to let go of anything that holds us back from living in the way the Lord calls us to live. We make our prayer: ‘Lord, help us to share the joy of following you, wherever and however we can.’
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – Sunday 26th July: Pope Leo XIV has chosen “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15) as the theme for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The World Day, instituted by the late Pope Francis in 2021, is celebrated every fourth Sunday of July and is presented as an opportunity to bring the closeness of the Church to the elderly and to enhance their contribution within families and communities. Taken from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, the chosen verse is a message of consolation and hope for all grandparents and elderly people, especially those who live in loneliness or feel forgotten. At the same time, it is a reminder to families and ecclesial communities not to forget them, recognizing in them a precious presence and a blessing. This weekend we pray for all our grandparents living and dead and we remember too with great thankfulness the special ministry of love and wisdom offered to each of us by the elderly members of our own parish community.
Holiday Season: During the next few weeks many within our parish will be taking a well-deserved rest, a time away for holidays and to visit friends and family at home and abroad, this means practically that many of our regular volunteers and servers at the weekend Masses will be away on holiday and at times our Sunday Liturgies will be a little simpler than normal! Please also be aware that the Parish Office may not always be open as normal during the week in late July and throughout August on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday as Ewa and Jennie will also be taking time away.
During the holiday period I hope and pray that each of you will enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation and if you are going away that you will return rested and refreshed!
This weekend we warmly welcome all who may be visiting our parish. Please do make yourself known to me at the door after Mass. It is a great pleasure to have you come to worship with us here at St Mary’s and we hope you will enjoy your stay in the locality.
With my prayers for you and for your families during the week ahead,
Your parish priest and friend,
Fr Jonathan
2026 26th July – Newsletter – Download