Newsletter 16 October 2020
Hello everybody.
Hello everybody. My indirect focus last week on mental health seemed to strike a chord with several parishioners. I received several messages from people, admitting they were struggling, or at least endorsing the need for everyone to keep taking steps to remaining healthy in mind. I entered my eightieth year during the week. I only mention that to take the opportunity to thank those who sent cards with birthday greetings. I thought there was an age when people stopped remembering one’s birthday but apparently not. Thank you all the same.
We said a fine farewell to Jim Comerford this morning. Scores of his fellow golfers turned out at Lymm Golf Club to salute the coffin as it was driven past the club house. It was the first funeral in our parish since February. Numbers are severely restricted and singing too, but technology provided lovely recorded music. We can thank the Lord for keeping everyone safe during those eight months.
There is a full house again this weekend at Mass. I must say thank you to all who are making the effort. There is still no ban on attending church as yet. Just phone between 2pm and 10pm on Wednesday afternoon to book a place, and again, please don’t leave a message.
Loreto ask to advertise their search for a Sixth Form Administrator with a closing date of 28 October. See their website www.loretogrammar.co.uk/812/current-vacancies.
This weekend we are asked to pray for the missions and to donate if possible – please send a cheque payable to ‘Missio’, 23 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1NU or online mission.org.uk/donate (select World Mission Sunday).
I have offered Mass during the week for the repose of the soul of John Dodd; In thanksgiving (Kelly); and for James O’Shea’s intentions. This weekend there is remembrance for Mena Winifred Wright; and for Elizabeth Ann Mather (recently dead).
In the readings for the 29 th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we hear of Jesus being baited by his enemies about his attitude to the temporal power. He gives that often misunderstood reply ‘Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God’.
Some have chosen to see these words as supporting the total separation of religion and politics. But Jesus at his trial would say to Pilate, Caesar’s representative, “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above’, and the first of our readings, from Isaiah endorses this notion by describing Cyrus, the powerful Persian emperor, as a mere tool in God’s hands. Politicians through the centuries have had to face the problem that one cannot serve two masters.
Please keep saying the rosary with me during October. There are so many things to pray about. We ask our Lady’s support.
God bless you all.
Fr Tony Elder
