The return to daily Masses hasn’t been the easiest of decisions. However, with the continued rollout of vaccines, and the general positive news of a more successful battle with Covid, it was felt that now would be a proper time to return. Our attendance has been low, but weather conditions will contribute to that also. But please, can I ask that you do not feel under pressure, one way or another. Your safety is vital. The stability of schools and hospitals also. Again, can I say how fortunate we are with our schools and teaching staff especially. These are truly tough times for them. Most have not been vaccinated. It is interesting to hear from, and read, comments from some older people asking that teachers get priority when it comes to vaccines. Vaccinating is not simply for the purpose of reopening schools, but keeping all those already in schools safe! “The very least thing you can do in your life is to figure out what you can hope for. And the most you can do is to live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but to live right in it, under its roof.” Barbara Kingslover. I think we are seeing hope overcoming adversity every single day right now. Please God, we’re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel … and it’s not that of another train coming!!
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- Feb 7, 2021
Fr. Colm has recorded a reflection for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time. You can access it from the home page underneath "Thoughts from Fr. Colm" or by clicking the link below where there is also a typed transcript available. Previous reflections are still available but have been archived.
Music mentioned by Fr. Colm in his 31st January reflection: Heart of Courage by Two Steps from Hell, All along the watchtower by Bob Dylan and Nimrod by Elgar.
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- Feb 5, 2021
With a spirit of optimism, we slowly edge towards opening our church doors again. Vaccines, and rates of infections give breathing space again. Thank you for your support during this challenging time. We cautiously move forward towards a “new normal”. The normal’s the one thing you practically never get. That’s why it’s called the normal.” Somerset Maughan. Perhaps the great writer is correct. The cynical amongst us might think that we will simply return to our old ways, learning absolutely nothing from the lessons of living with a pandemic. “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First by reflection, which is noblest. Second, by imitation, which is easiest. And third by experience, which is the bitterest.” Confucius. I am optimistic for a number of reasons. Just one of those reasons is that I truly hope we have learned to value those we may have taken for granted. I hope that front line workers will merit more than a weekly clap. I hope that their working conditions are given a complete overhaul. I am not naïve to the darkness of the past 12 months. There is the tragic loss of loved ones. That deep sadness of loss which has been a reality for so many of us. Especially, the pain of not having access to see, or hold, a dying loved one. Please God, we will have the opportunity to grieve appropriately when, through the continuing vaccinations roll out, we can gather again as church, as community that is not a ‘virtual’ community, but a real flesh and blood encounter with each other. “I am ecstatic that we have a highly effective, safe vaccine that really works. I am clinging on to the hope that it really works with my nails, my teeth, toes, hands – everything I have.” Dr. Rachel Clarke. That says it all really.
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