Thought from Fr. Colm -12th January 2025

Can I join our Capuchin Brothers in thanking everyone for the kindness and generosity at Christmas. I am very grateful to you all. Our services at Christmas were well attended, especially our Vigil Masses, which seem increasingly the preferred choice of many.

A new year is upon us now. New challenges. Exciting challenges, too! A new generation of younger parishioners are now stepping up to ensure the marvellous commitments of their elders is continued, and built on. Let’s support each for a Peaceful and Healthy New Year.

“And so it seems certain to me that the Church is facing very hard times. The real crisis has scarcely begun. We will have to count on terrific upheavals. But I am equally certain about what will remain at the end: not the Church of the political cult, which is dead already, but the Church of faith. It may well no longer be the dominant social power to the extent that she was until recently; but it will enjoy a fresh blossoming and be seen as man's home, where he will find life and hope beyond death.”

Pope Benedict XV1

Bishop Stephen has restructured the Diocesan Vicariates into larger Deaneries, with Deans taking a more responsible role. Fr Andrew Downie will now be the area Dean with responsibility for what was the old vicariate. Our prayers and best wishes are with Fr Andy, and the rest of the Diocesan Deans. Also, rather than one Vicar General, Bishop Stephen has appointed two. Fr Mark Milward is now VG for the southern part of the Diocese, and Fr Jeff Dodds for the northern part. Again, prayers and best wishes to both.

Thought from Fr. Colm - 22nd December 2024

As we reach the finale of the Christmas season, can I wish you all a very Happy Christmas. There is so much to be thankful for, but also much to be concerned about in a turbulent world. Let’s hope the word ‘Peace’ has a more active voice in 2025. I hope you can join us for one of the Masses over Christmas.

I Am the New Year

I am the New Year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last

twelve months.

All that you sought and didn't find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with

more determination.

All the good that you tried for and didn't achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer

conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the

faith that you claimed but did not have-these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened

by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all

things new."

- Author Unknown

Thought from Fr. Colm - 15th December 2024

Christmas week is just upon us. Last gifts, last cards. Most of the school pantos over. Thanks to all the teachers in our schools. Do have a good rest over the holiday period. Confirmations, Bereavement Group, Memory Cafe, SVP, Church Concerts…these a but a few of the very important activities that have taken place outside Mass times over the past week alone. They represent the marvellous contributions made by volunteers of this parish to bring a sparkle of light and hope to our local Communities. And that is only part of the bigger picture of caring within this parish.

We are so very fortunate in this parish also to have so many going about the business of caring for the sick and mucking in quietly ensuring our churches and buildings are cared for. “In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.”– Marianne Williamson

Such servants are Dorothy Wilson and Pat Quigley. Tough, rarely seen behind the Lectern, Dorothy’s voice sings to the roof of St. Godric’s with such clarity. Pat furrows away quietly caring for the sick, and exercising her ministries as a Eucharistic Minister and reader! I mention both Dorothy and Pat especially this weekend because both celebrated big birthdays this week, and because we are proud of them. Well done ladies…and thank you both for your service to our parish .

Grief can be felt more acutely at Christmas, and it was so tragic to learn of the death of Steve and Susan Walker’s son in law, Matt. Matt died suddenly. Our sympathies and prayers are with Ruth and children especially.

Exposition continues each Sunday at St. Godric’s from 3 to 4. Why not join us at this time when so much is unsettled in our world. There is always a regular group present, which numbered nearly 20 last Sunday, and of all age groups .

“Those quiet moments before the Blessed Sacrament are of such great importance. Nothing moves there but the distant glimmering Lamp which betokens the Presence of our undying Life, hidden but ever working. It is really most wonderful to see this Divine Presence looking out almost into the open streets from the various Churches … I never knew what worship was, as an objective fact, till I entered the Catholic Church."

John Henry Newman