Newsletter 28 January 2021
Hello again.
The thought struck me, amid all the reporting of the sad news that 100,000 people have died in our country through Covid19, that 599 out of every 600 people have lived through the same period, and not died, even though some have had the illness. Just one death is too many if it is that of one of your relatives or friends, and our deep sympathy is with all such people. But with thoughts such as these that I try to keep a sense of proportion. May God grant us deliverance from this awful pandemic, and allow us to feel joy at the sight of daffodil shoots and fresh snowdrops in the garden.
There will be no 9.00am Mass on Sunday this week. There is enough room at the other two services. Keep phoning 752224 on Wednesday between 2.00pm and 10.00pm to book. It is good that I can maintain contact with so many of you in this way.
At Mass this weekend there is excitement expressed by the gospel writer at the reaction first experienced at Jesus’ teaching. Here is one who speaks with authority. He might even be from God, a prophet, not to be ignored. Jews knew about these who delivered messengers in God’s name. The book of Deuteronomy insisted they must be listened to. I don’t suppose St Paul got many approving listeners to his message, for married people, saying they should behave as if they were not married, but he is clear that everyone should give undivided attention to the Lord.
We did get one volunteer willing to host a series of zoomed meetings during Lent. More about this next week. Talking of Zoom, Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitality Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes will be live streamed on church services TV https;//www.churchservices.tv/svdpknutsford at 9.30am on Thursday February 11 2021. A recording will also be available to watch. That evening at 8pm there will be a zoom social evening. If you would like to join in then ask for details on email secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk or call 07451 249267.
The funeral of Mrs Teresa O’Grady of Cheshire Grange NH takes place in our church this Tuesday at 11.30am. This last week I have offered mass for Betty Kelly, Cliff Smith, Margaret Coffey, John Shuttleworth, and for M Onanda’s intentions.
The booklets so many people find helpful focussing daily scripture reading and meditations during Lent will again be available, hopefully in good time before Ash Wednesday, which is on 17 February. Unfortunately there are no plans as yet to complete the preparations for first sacraments, or any other activities in church, even baptisms. These omissions I particularly regret, but if they keep people safe they are important.
Keep warm, keep dry, keep safe.
Fr Tony Elder
