6th April 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

A lovely evening was had at St. Joseph’s by all at the open event for altar servers. Thanks to all who organised. What a joy to see so many gathered round the table and sharing in food and chat. And well done parents for supporting by your presence. Philip and Jonathan went through the practicals. We continue our drive to bring the message of Easter to the younger age groups, especially with activities at our parish masses. Film nights, teas/coffee after Mass on Wednesdays are efforts to use the facilities available for being a welcoming community. More in the pipeline.

We will celebrate the life of St. Godric with an evening of traditional songs and reflections, as we approach the Saint’s feast day in May. Date to be confirmed soon. Godric was a great lover of pilgrimage especially the Camino and Jerusalem. A writer of sacred music. Much to anticipate.

A great evening of music was had by all at Elvet Methodist to bid farewell to Mr G-B, with tributes from past and present teachers and students of St Leonard’s, with odd world renowned soprano thrown into the mix in. Well done Matt.

We continue our Lenten journey with soup lunches on Fridays and Station of the Cross on Friday evenings. Thanks to the efforts of the many groups in the parish for giving of yourselves. And thanks also to the many who have made themselves available for Ministries over Easter Week. Don’t forget the Holy Week Penitential Service on Tuesday 15th at St Godric’s.

“Catholics do not enjoy Confession - heaven preserve us from those who do! - but they prefer it, humiliating as it is, to endless, dulling soul-ache and progressive demoralization of character and personality. Kneeling in a confessional to tell a shameful tale is almost as an attractive prospect as sitting in a dentist's chair; but it is sometimes even more necessary. Like a bad tooth, sin must be extended or the consequences are bound to be disastrous, as the average sinner instinctively recognizes. The instinct of spiritual self-preservation warns him of the need to find a safetyvalve to enable him to "let off steam" safely. He feels a paramount need to obtain relief of mind, to unburden his misery and get it off his mind by telling someone about it. Instinctively he looks around for a prudent friend in whom he can confide.”

Alfred Wilson, Pardon and peace

23rd March 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

The Barren Fig Tree

By John Newton

The church a garden is

In which believers stand,

Like ornamental trees

Planted by God's own hand:

His Spirit waters all their roots,

And every branch abounds with fruits.

But other trees there are,

In this enclosure grow;

Which, though they promise fair,

Have only leaves to show:

No fruits of grace are on them found,

They stand but cumb'rers of the ground.

The under gard'ner grieves,

In vain his strength he spends,

For heaps of useless leaves,

Afford him small amends:

He hears the Lord his will make known,

To cut the barren fig-trees down.

How difficult his post,

What pangs his bowels move,

To find his wishes crossed,

His labors useless prove!

His last relief is earnest prayer,

Lord, spare them yet another year.

Spare them, and let me try

What farther means may do;

I'll fresh manure apply,

My digging I'll renew

Who knows but yet they fruit may yield!

If not--'tis just, they must be felled.

If under means of grace,

No gracious fruits appear;

It is a dreadful case,

Though God may long forbear:

At length he'll strike the threatened blow,

And lay the barren fig-tree low.

16th March 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

Thank you all who contributed to such a wonderful event last Sunday. The International Meal was everything it should be. The dishes were of a rich variety representing the cultures of those who so generously cooked them. The costumes of some of these cultures were delightful in their colours and designs. A special thanks to all who organised this now regular event.

An interesting evening at St Godric’s on Tuesday evening with slides and an exceptional memory for someone to recite St. John’s Gospel for over an hour, interspersed with stunning violin playing. Again, thanks to those who organised.

Some interest has been shown for a parish pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Here’s to a great evening of dancing at our Parish ceilidh this Saturday.