Thought from Fr. Colm - 8th December 2024

Thanks to all our Confirmation group for contributing to last Sunday’s special Mass at St Godric’s. It was also a very clear sign that our young people can make a valuable contribution to our Masses. Let’s hope we can continue this at all our Masses. With Advent upon us now, we are looking to prepare for Christmas, especially the various services. We will have a Reconciliation Service (date to be confirmed).

Our rotas for Readers and Eucharistic Ministers are being prepared for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Judging by the names signed up so far, it would seem everyone is going on Christmas Eve. If you intend attending Christmas Day, I’d be most grateful if you could let Marjorie know asap if are available to read or assist with Communion.

As you might have noticed, we are getting a number of homeless people sleeping rough around the grounds of Godric’s and Joseph’s. Unfortunately, it’s a growing trend nationwide.

Sadly, we lost John Hannon this week. A gentleman to the core. He taught in both primary schools of Joseph’s and Thomas More. A learned man who loved to chat, especially on religious matters, and on Thomas Merton in particular. He was delightful company to visit. Despite his ongoing struggles with cancer, he was always so positive. He loved receiving Holy Communion weekly from Dennis Bradley. Our sympathies to Christine and family.

And this is an opportune moment for me to thank all our Ministers of the Eucharist who bring Communion to the sick. It’s not just the Sacrament you bring, but the company, the care and kindness. I’m sure you’ll know it’s more valued than you can imagine. A word on our Bereavement Mass. Largest attendance ever. The Mass was lovely. The afters in the Jubilee Room very special too. A large gathering of shared joy and sadness, as our loved ones were remembered. Well done to our Bereavement Group for organizing.

“I still miss those I loved who are no longer with me but I find I am grateful for having loved them. The gratitude has finally conquered the loss.”

Thought from Fr. Colm - 1st December 2024

“Making the House Ready for the Lord” An Advent Quiet Day

‘Prepare the way for the Lord, ​make straight paths for him.’ 

~Isaiah 40:3

Making the House Ready for the Lord by Mary Oliver

Dear Lord, I have swept and I have washed but

still nothing is as shining as it should be

for you. Under the sink, for example, is an

uproar of mice - it is the season of their many children. What shall I do?

And under the eaves and through the walls the squirrels

have gnawed their ragged entrances - but it is the season when they need shelter, so what shall I do?

And the raccoon limps into the kitchen and opens the cupboard.

With the dog snores, the cat hugs the pillow:

What shall I do? Beautiful is the new snow falling

in the yard and the fox who is staring boldly

up the path to the door. And still I believe you will Come, Lord: you will when I speak to the fox, the sparrow, the lost dog, the shivering sea-goose, know that really I am speaking to you whenever I say,

as I do all morning and afternoon: Come in, Come in.

Thought from Fr. Colm - 24th November 2024

A wonderful Christmas Fayre was enjoyed by many last Saturday. It was an expression of Parish Life at its best. My thanks to those who put so much effort into making it a success. Here’s to the next event.

Though she will be furious with me, I cannot allow the departure of Emma Turnbull from St. Joseph’s School to pass without a word of gratitude for the great work she did over the years. She was also such an important link between the school and the Parish. Thank you Emma. I am delighted she is remaining in our school system, as she takes up her new position at St. Leonard’s.

You will read the request in the bulletin for counters of the weekend collection. Please give serious consideration to this, as we have very few counters now, and many hands ……

Thank you to all our readers who participated in an evening to explore the new Lectionary. It was a very productive meeting on many levels. A special thanks to Leanne for leading the evening so well, and especially for her very helpful handouts following Leanne’s participation in the Diocesan course on the new translation. Leanne’s handouts are available for readers unable to attend.