Newsletter 23 October 2021
Hello again.
The half-term school holidays have arrived, and what was seen as a far distant target for First Sacraments registration has arrived, with so far only three parents of all the children in years 3 and 4 identifying themselves as being interested.
There must be others, so please do something about it now. Life has become very complicated and unsettled for many of us, and by dealing with important issues one at a time, we can plan sensibly and continue to grow. For those families looking to get away and enjoy some recreation, we wish them luck, and pray that they will return ‘refreshed, and able to serve the Lord better’. For those hoping for a return to ‘normality’, that target remains tantalisingly distant, despite widespread inoculations and even booster jabs. This pandemic at worst can be a body-blow to people’s faith and church life; at best it can focus our minds and our prayers to deepen and strengthen our personal life in the Trinity through Jesus.
There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament here at St Winefride’s on Tuesday at 7.00pm followed by Mass at 7.30pm. There will also be Mass on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings at 9.15am. Tuesday is the feast of two of the Lindisfarne saints, the brothers Chad and Cedd, who have been revered as outstandingly holy bishops in England since the seventh century. On Thursday we revere two of the apostles, Simon and Jude. It is World Mission Sunday this weekend. Next weekend we celebrate All Saints.
The readings contain messages of joy and hope, as Jeremiah promises a happy return from exile for God’s own children, including those most vulnerable; and Jesus spectacularly helps a poor blind beggar to see. The letter to the Hebrews proclaims Jesus the eternal High Priest.
Please would parents of those young people in years 3 and 4 who are due to make their First Holy Communion find an enrolment form at the back of church, fill it in, and hand it to Fr Elder as soon as possible.
Mass intentions have been offered for Veronica Keady, the members of the Kelly and Manning families, Margaret Coffey, John Shuttleworth, and James Slater.
A reminder that on-line copies of The Universe are available by subscription; on the notice board are details of how to obtain it, price £20 for 13 copies.
We are trying to re-establish our music for the Saturday evening Mass, and would like to increase our numbers if possible. If there are any musicians (grade 4+) who would be interested in joining the music group, please contact Annette Bourke (753321).
The Bishop’s letter last week focussed on several topics, one of which was the announcement by Pope Francis of a process known as Synodality or Journeying Together. He offers this initiative as a potential means of growth and development during the next two years, ideally having everyone listening to one another talking about their own joys, hopes and disappointments in the living Church, and being guided by the Holy Spirit to where the Spirit wants us to be. There is background info to be found on the website of the bishops of England and Wales, CBCEW.org
Fr Tony
