23rd February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

We have a parish council meeting next Tuesday. Please let me know if you have any issues you’d like raised. Nothing trivial, mind you.

Our annual parish retreat is next weekend in Keswick. We look forward to it more and more each year.

Mary Harrison steps down from her role as Chair of The Buildings’ Committee. Can I thank Mary for the meticulous guidance she has given us over the years.

Our next International Meal is now planned. Please see the bulletin for further information.

I hope the two meetings for Readers and Ministers of the Eucharist were helpful to all who attended. I found them very helpful. Great suggestions that were helpful to me, too. Clarity for both ministries. As the sound advice given to a young curate by his PP echoes, ‘ know when to stand up, speak up and shut up’. New Mass Books are being ordered for both churches. Again, my thanks to those who so generously donated for this purpose, especially one very large donation.

16th February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

LOVE

 IS PATIENT

IS KIND

DOES NOT ENVY

DOES NOT BOAST

IS NOT PROUD

IS NOT RUDE

 IS NOT SELF-SEEKING

IS NOT EASILY ANGERED

KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS

DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL

 REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH

ALWAYS PROTECTS

 ALWAYS TRUSTS

 ALWAYS HOPES

 ALWAYS PERSEVERES

 LOVE NEVER FAILS

1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-8

9th February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

As you know, we have a new translation for the Sunday and weekday readings. New Mass books may be a necessity. They don’t come cheap (£5 each approximately, three volumes for the churches liturgical cycle). Donations, sponsorships more than welcome.

More involvement of young people in our Sunday Masses are being planned. Essential. Confirmation group is great. Thanks to Sarah and Ciaran for their great leadership.

Journey in Faith goes very well too. Great input followed by excellent discussion.

Thanks to our schools and catechists for last Sunday’s Mass for those receiving First Communions in the Summer. Indispensable link between schools and parish obvious, but we can’t take for granted anymore.