Newsletter-Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles (Solemnity)
Dear Parishioners
This week we celebrate the feast of the two ‘chief apostles’ – Saints Peter and Paul. Both were faithful rocks on whom Jesus built His Church, unshakeable in their belief that Jesus was the Christ, and ever faithful to the universal mission He gave them. They can greatly encourage us as we, too, try to be Christs Church here on earth today, following Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and reaching out to one another with kindness and compassion.
In the First Reading at Mass today we hear how the Church prays continuously for Peter throughout his ordeal as he lies enchained in Herod’s prison. But then an angel comes to release him, and Peter realises that the Lord really has saved him. The Psalmist has also been released from his distress and invites us to glorify God with him. We, too, can trust that the Lord will answer when we seek refuge in him, and that He will free us from all that may be troubling us at this time. Paul, like Peter, is also in prison, and knows that the end of his life is near. But he rejoices that he has kept faith: God has always been with him in his struggles and will bring him safely home. (Second Reading). As Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Son of the Living God, Jesus establishes him as the rock on which He will build his Church and entrusts him with the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. (Gospel).
This week, as we give thanks for the lives of St Peter and St Paul, we remember their successors: Pope Francis, who inaugurated our Jubilee Year of Hope, and Pope Leo, who now follows him. We pray for our Holy Father in his mission to the Church and the world. Together let us pray and work for peace in our world.
This weekend is also a joyful celebration for Deacon Andrew who was ordained to serve as a permanent deacon for our diocese, on the Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul, a year ago, by Bishop Patrick in our Cathedral in Nottingham. We keep Andrew in our prayers this weekend.
Changes to the Mass Schedule and days that the church will be closed this coming Week:
This week I shall be away from the parish on Tuesday 1st July. There will be no public worship on Tuesday, and the church will be closed all day.
With my prayers for you and for your families during the coming week ahead,
Your parish priest and friend,
Fr Jonathan
2025 29th June – Newsletter – Download