Advent Penitential Service

Please note that an Advent Penitential Service will take place on Tuesday, 17th December at 7.00pm in St. Godric’s Church.

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

SVP Advent Lunch Friday 13th December

A reminder that all our invited to join the SVP, who will host an Advent Lunch this Friday, 13th December, from 12.00-1.00pm in the Jubilee Room at St Joseph's.