Newsletter- 6th Week of Eastertide
Dear Parishioners
On this Sunday – 6th Sunday of Easter – the last Sunday, before Ascension and Pentecost, we see Jesus’s earthly ministry come to a gradual conclusion. Jesus is about to return to the Father, but his final words contain a promise (Gospel): through his Spirit of power, courage and knowledge he will always remain with his disciples. Jesus is ensuring that his ministry will continue. In the First Reading we see that the Jesus’ disciples do not make any decisions without consulting the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who keeps them (and us today) faithful to Christ’s Word. In the Second Reading, John speaks of being carried away in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit of consolation, strength and wisdom is essential for everything. When we, too, know and feel this lifegiving presence of Christ’s Spirit in our hearts and lives, we can repeat the words of the Psalmist who praises God in all and for all.
Through the grace of this same Spirit, we are Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee year. Let’s rest in that grace this coming week, as the Spirit makes her home in us, and through whom we receive light, blessing and wisdom to be of service to others.
This Sunday is also designated within the Diocese of Nottingham as Safeguarding Sunday. This weekend is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the theology and spirituality of Safeguarding and to express our gratitude for the hard work of all our parish safeguarding representatives and for our Diocesan Safeguarding Commission. In our parish I would like to acknowledge the hard work and generous support which Eddie Woods offers to myself and to all of us here at St. Mary’s in ensuring that our parish community is a safe place for all children and vulnerable adults. This weekend you will find too a letter from Bishop Patrick for Safeguarding Sunday within this Bulletin, and I have placed a copy of the Bishop’s letter on the notice board as you come into church.
This week on Thursday 29th May we celebrate the great Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. On Wednesday 28th May at 6pm there will be a Vigil Mass for the Ascension and on Thursday 29th May we will celebrate a Mass during the day for the Ascension at 11 am.
Changes to the Mass schedule for this coming week:
Tuesday 27th May – No Public Worship – Church closed
Wednesday 28th May – Church open from 8.30 am – Mass in the Parish at 6 pm (Vigil of the Ascension of the Lord) – No morning Mass today
Thursday 9th May – Mass in church at 11 am – Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord
With my prayers and best wishes for you and for your families,
Your parish priest and friend,
Father Jonathan
2025 25th May – Newsletter – Download