6th April 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

A lovely evening was had at St. Joseph’s by all at the open event for altar servers. Thanks to all who organised. What a joy to see so many gathered round the table and sharing in food and chat. And well done parents for supporting by your presence. Philip and Jonathan went through the practicals. We continue our drive to bring the message of Easter to the younger age groups, especially with activities at our parish masses. Film nights, teas/coffee after Mass on Wednesdays are efforts to use the facilities available for being a welcoming community. More in the pipeline.

We will celebrate the life of St. Godric with an evening of traditional songs and reflections, as we approach the Saint’s feast day in May. Date to be confirmed soon. Godric was a great lover of pilgrimage especially the Camino and Jerusalem. A writer of sacred music. Much to anticipate.

A great evening of music was had by all at Elvet Methodist to bid farewell to Mr G-B, with tributes from past and present teachers and students of St Leonard’s, with odd world renowned soprano thrown into the mix in. Well done Matt.

We continue our Lenten journey with soup lunches on Fridays and Station of the Cross on Friday evenings. Thanks to the efforts of the many groups in the parish for giving of yourselves. And thanks also to the many who have made themselves available for Ministries over Easter Week. Don’t forget the Holy Week Penitential Service on Tuesday 15th at St Godric’s.

“Catholics do not enjoy Confession - heaven preserve us from those who do! - but they prefer it, humiliating as it is, to endless, dulling soul-ache and progressive demoralization of character and personality. Kneeling in a confessional to tell a shameful tale is almost as an attractive prospect as sitting in a dentist's chair; but it is sometimes even more necessary. Like a bad tooth, sin must be extended or the consequences are bound to be disastrous, as the average sinner instinctively recognizes. The instinct of spiritual self-preservation warns him of the need to find a safetyvalve to enable him to "let off steam" safely. He feels a paramount need to obtain relief of mind, to unburden his misery and get it off his mind by telling someone about it. Instinctively he looks around for a prudent friend in whom he can confide.”

Alfred Wilson, Pardon and peace