28th September 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

Restructuring the Parish Council was discussed at a recent Parish Council meeting, with a suggestion on how long one should be on the Council and how large the Council should be . We have soldiered on for many years without change, very often out of a sense of duty, for which I am indeed very grateful.

New members, smaller numbers perhaps?

I’d like to use this opportunity then to thank each member of the Parish Council for their time and energies, especially those who have  served for many years on the Parish Council.

Mary Mc Hugh, Barbara Reilly O’Donnell, Dennis Bradley, John Hayton and Alexander Dominguez now bring their own of experience from their own backgrounds with Age Concern , Education ( schools and universities), buildings, safeguarding, and our growing international community. I thank them for their support into the immediate future.

And speaking of our International Community, what a great spirit of fellowship there was at last Sunday’s International Meal. Food representing such rich diversity of culture and backgrounds that our parish community represents. Beatrice’s French pancakes, a speciality of her native Brittany, were mouthwatering.

But observing Norbert and Hugo in deep mathematical conversations, I could tell they’re unravelling of some mathematical puzzle was being made easier by the delightful cuisine they shared. Anne Kelly looks as if she’s is in line for honorary Polish citizenship.

Chinese, Mexican, Polish, Malaysian, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Indian, African, Philippino, and those I’ve not mentioned, all together with local English and Irish cultures.

Erica, Cynthia and friends busily keeping the supply chain of teas, coffee plates and cutlery available to all. Well done to everyone and a big Thank You. In times of untruths whipped up worldwide by media and politicians, our meal sharing can be a wonderful sign of care.

“The parish gives character to its surroundings. It curates art and beauty. It is a temple for a community. And, some believe, is a place where Christ’s presence is felt. In short, the parish church is a lifeboat in a sea of madness: remove it and we might very well drown.” Tim Stanley, writer and broadcaster

A great sigh of relief was breathed with the reopening of access from Mill Lane to the Sherburn Road.

I do like the design of the new student accommodation.

“Every great architect is - necessarily - a great poet. He must be a great original interpreter of his time, his day, his age. “

Frank Lloyd Wright