Thought from Fr. Colm - 19th July 2026

Last Sunday’s Mass at St Leonard’s was enjoyed by all. The new school looks wonderful. Thank you to all the staff and students who made us so welcome. The weather added to our enjoyment of the occasion.  As a first after Covid, the school Mass allows us the opportunity to come together as one parish. This is an ever growing expression of need on the part of the part of so many of you, which I appreciate. Thank you.

The summer holidays are upon us now and it’s a time of much needed, and much deserved rest for our the staff of all four schools in our parish. You have all been a credit to your profession.

We had a Core Group meeting on Wednesday, and the minutes will be forthcoming.

As announced last weekend, the Wednesday Community Summer Club begins soon ( see bulletin). This will fill in the void usually left by school summer closures. It is hoped to pitch this to include and beyond, the regular attendance of our ever depleting numbers at the weekly Wednesday lunches. It’s time to throw the net wider.

Thought from Fr. Colm - 5th July 2026

A Poem by Susan Mazanec

Heavy-Laden

Within his sacks were sins of many kinds.

The heaviest of all, the type which binds.

Why did he cling to them? Why were they kept?

 Beside the road, he stumbled, fell and wept.

An injured man approached, “I’ll take those now.

 I see your heavy-laden, burdened brow,

below which hangs the scales that cloud your eyes,

so they cannot tell truth from clever lies.”

The man could scarce believe he picked them up.

 "You cannot handle these, they're not your cup!”

 “I’m taking them to Calvary,” he said.

 “I’ll drink the cup, for I’m the Living Bread.”

He watched him disappear around the bend.

The Saviour!  The Massiah! knew he then.

Thought from Fr. Colm - 28th June 2026

With the First Communions behind us, we are reviewing our catechesis programme for all schools. My personal thanks to catechists and teachers for their support.

Our Journey in Faith concluded with a social gathering to say thank you to all who participated.

Thanks for supporting our fledgling Youth Group at their cakes sale after all Masses last weekend.

Safeguarding: Gillian Mc Arthur has a major task in taking responsibility for the entire parish, and will be receiving assistance in this important role. Areas needing immediate attention are names of all altar servers, ages, parents consent, full names of all participants in the training day for Eucharistic Ministers on the 25^th July. The sooner we receive responses to Gillian’s requests, the sooner we can move forward on all areas of Safeguarding. Please forward that information to Gillian, or Marjorie, as soon as possible. Thanks again.

The Camino was as wonderful as ever, despite minor setbacks and despite the high temperatures. A surprising number of young pilgrims, especially young single pilgrims.