Thought from Fr. Colm - 11th January 2026

We begin our new year in a spirit of hope, despite the unpredictability of world events.

“Even if the hopes you started out with are dashed, hope has to be maintained.”

Seamus Heaney.    

The wonder of parish/community existence is the small expressions of hope. Criticism of church often misses the real strength of what church is at a local level. The numerous groups that help alleviate loneliness and isolation, be it those living alone, those coping with dementia, the newly arrived student, the vibrancy of teenagers. This is life. Sadly, many who just tip the fringes at occasional encounters of Baptism, Holy Communion, marriages and funerals, don’t experience the enormous gifts of parish life. The Christmas services were very well attended and that was great, but it can be a sentimental part of a festive package that, good as it is, misses the true miracle of what the vulnerability of the God/child brings on a daily basis, and most importantly is experienced daily especially in the Eucharistic gathering ie Mass.

“People use drugs, legal and illegal, because their lives are intolerably painful or dull. They hate their work and find no rest in their leisure. They are estranged from their families and their neighbours. It should tell us something that in healthy societies drug use is celebrative, convivial, and occasional, whereas among us it is lonely, shameful, and addictive. We need drugs, apparently, because we have lost each other.”

Wendell Berry. 

This year we hope to continue extending our parish reach out beyond the confines of the familiar to the unfamiliarity of what we can do by way of supporting local projects. Great strides have been made, but so much more is possible.

The younger generation parishioners are stepping up to the challenge, especially by responding to Bishop Stephen’s last pastoral letter. A healthy productive dialogue with the bishop has already begun in response to his letter. This is our future, and we are seriously blessed with highly motivated and energetic young people who will carry the parish into the future building on the established foundations of so many loyal parishioners, both past and present.

 Sadly, we lost Canon Bob Spence this week after a long illness. Canon Bob was always the essence of kindness and good humour, which veiled a very sharp intellect. Always challenging, but never judgmental, he combined pastoral care with academic pursuit. All done in a spirit of creating open conversation with a deep love of church. May he rest in peace.

Finally a big thank you to you for your support and generosity to me at Christmas.