Thought from Fr. Colm -8th November 2026

The poem below has been written by one of our parishioners – James Gilman – and has been used in services at Durham Cathedral and elsewhere. It has also been accepted by the British Army and the Royal Navy for use in military bases around the world and has been added to the Royal British Legion's list for possible use in future National Remembrance Services. A wonderful achievement.

 THE POPPIES PRAYER

 The poppies fall.

Their crimson tears

Like shrapnel, piercing every heart

Of those who mourn the dying blood

Enshrouding friend and foe alike

 On Flanders Field.

So scour our conscience

 With your flood

Till we ensure that never more

 Shall nations let Death’s bloody dance

Seduce the souls of friend and foe.

Like Flanders Field

Thought from Fr. Colm -1st November 2026

The Beatitudes in Poetry

(Inspired by Matthew 5:3-12)

Blessed are the hearts that humbly cry,

For heaven’s kingdom is drawing nigh.

They see their need, their souls laid bare,

And find God’s mercy waiting there.

Blessed are the ones who grieve and weep,

For God shall comfort their souls to keep.

In sorrow’s depth, His peace will flow,

A healing balm for hearts laid low.

Blessed are the gentle, patient, and kind,

For the earth’s great treasures they shall find.

With quiet strength, they walk the land,

Led by the touch of the Father’s hand.

Blessed are the souls that long and yearn,

For justice bright, for truth to burn.

Their hunger’s pangs shall be satisfied,

In God’s great love, their hope abides

Blessed are the hands that forgive and care,

For mercy given is mercy shared.

God’s grace will meet them on heaven’s shore,

And endless kindness will be their store.

Blessed are the hearts unclouded, clean,

For they shall gaze on the King unseen.

Through faith and love, their eyes will see,

The face of God in eternity.

Blessed are the ones who bring peace near,

Who calm the storm, who quench the fear.

For they are children of heaven’s King,

Bearing the joy His presence brings.

Blessed are the bold who endure the fight,

For heaven is theirs, their crown of light.

Through trials fierce, their faith stands tall,

Proclaiming the Savior, who conquers all.

When insults come, when trials appear,

Rejoice in hope, for God is near.

Great is the treasure in heaven’s place,

For those who stand in His saving grace.

In humble hearts, God’s kingdom grows,

Through mercy, peace, and love, it shows.

The blessed find joy, through trial and strife,

For theirs is the promise of eternal life.

Thought from Fr. Colm -25th October 2026

Our thanks to Stanley Bethapudi for a fascinating workshop on meditation, and healing powers of the breathing and physical exercises. In an age of bombardment of the senses and the gym culture , it was so interesting to see and hear how this can be counteracted. With three young doctors present at the session, we were given access to medical opinion that would cost an arm and a leg elsewhere. 

WhatsApp groups have provided an excellent means of communication for the various parish groups. I hope those who struggled with accessing a group have succeeded, and those no longer members of a group, have successfully exited. If struggling with either, I’m sure some of our tech wizards can assist.

I’m sure some of you are aware that Audrey Lane has been struggling with poor health for some time. Sadly, Audrey is having to step back from her role as sacristan . Can I ask those who generously stepped into Audrey’s shoes, please continue as I try to put a more permanent plan in place. Thanks.