Newsletter- 3rd Week of Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.’ This Sunday 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time we keep: ‘Sunday of the Word of God’ – a day, instituted by Pope Francis on the Feast of Saint Jerome in 2019, devoted to the celebration and study of Sacred Scripture. It is a chance for us all to celebrate the precious gift to us of Holy Scripture, encouraging us to listen to and live by God’s Word.
In our readings today at Mass the Jewish people, recently returned from captivity, listen attentively as the high priest Ezra reads from the Book of the Law (First Reading). Ezra then helps them to understand what they hear. Though moved to tears, he bids them rejoice: ‘for the joy of the Lord is your strength’. In the Gospel, Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah when he reaches the synagogue at Nazareth, his hometown. He sets before the people a new way of life, announcing that He is God’s anointed one. His mission is to bring good news to the poor, proclaiming liberty to captives and freeing the downtrodden. St Paul (Second Reading) uses the image of the body to explain how we are joined together through the Spirit at our own Baptism to form the body of Christ, the Church. Just as each part has a unique function, each person’s gifts and responsibilities are needed and respected. The Responsorial Psalm highlights the beauty of God’s law, providing guidance, refreshing the soul and bringing joy to the heart.
As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, we pray this week for all who long for joy and refreshment, especially the oppressed and those caught up in modern-day slavery. We give thanks for the generosity and courage of all who work to support and liberate those held captive.
Fr Jonathan absence from the Parish – This week I will be going into hospital in Nottingham on Tuesday 28th January after which my surgeon has advised me, I will need to take some time to convalesce. I will be staying at my mother’s home in Southwell. I hope to be back at the start of the week of the 9th of February. Whilst I am away and, in an emergency, please contact Deacon Andrew in the first instance who will be able to put you in touch with a priest. For all other routine parish matters I ask please that you await my return. I am extremely grateful to those who will be assisting with cover and helping with the practicalities needed to be put into place during my absence. There will be a reduced Mass schedule whilst I am away and there will be times too when the church will need to remain closed during the week.
Liturgies during the time Fr Jonathan is away:
Tuesday 28th January – 6 pm Holy Hour – Benediction – 6.45 pm Service of the Word & HC
Friday 31st January – 9.30 am Service of the Word & Holy Communion
Saturday 1st February – 6 pm Vigil Mass – The Presentation of the Lord
Sunday 2nd February – 9.30 am Parish Mass – The Presentation of the Lord
Friday 7th February – 9.30 am – Service of the Word & HC
Saturday 8th February – 6 pm Vigil Mass – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 9th February – 9.30 am Parish Mass – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
N.B. At all other times the church will remain closed and there will be No Public Worship
From Tuesday 11th February – Normal Mass Schedule Resumes – (Please note no Mass on Weds 12th February – Diocesan Mandatory Clergy Safeguarding Training all day in Newark) be closed all day and there will be no evening Mass nor period of Exposition
First Holy Communion Candidates 2025 – Please continue to keep our First Holy Communion candidates and their catechists in your prayers as they continue in preparation for their First Holy Communion later this the summer.
Note of thanks: It was encouraging to see so many Catholics at last Sunday’s ecumenical service to mark the start of the Octave of Christian Unity. My sincere thanks to all those who braved the cold to gather at Christ church Methodists and join with our brothers and sisters from many of the other Christian communities of our town. It was noted how many Catholics attended! Thank you to all who attended.
With my prayers for you and for your families during my time away from the parish, please keep me in your own,
Your parish priest and friend,
Fr Jonathan
2025 26th January – Newsletter – Download