A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning - they say it’s going to brighten up this afternoon. Fingers crossed for the Test Match

I wonder if you have had chance to look at the Live Simply ideas; have you had any thoughts about how we might respond as individuals and as a parish to the challenges which are practical ways of implementing Laudato Si.

One idea which struck me was the possibility of erecting bicycle racks outside our churches - fairly easy to do at two of the sites, not quite so easy at the third. Our parish Eco-team would welcome any practical suggestions.

And what about ..

Bird boxes - they are fairly easy to find - the Cafod website is a good place to start.

Potatoes - they are the easiest thing to grow even without a big garden.

And so on ….. Remember, little things can make a big difference.

On which note .. I was given a book recently ’The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse’ by Charlie Mackesy - probably the easiest ever book to read but it’a charming and full of little gentle sayings that even the Desert Fathers might recognise:
’The fox never really speaks,’ whispered the boy. ’No. And it’s lovely he is with us,’ said the horse.

And from the Fathers:
It was said of Abbot Agatho that for three years he carried a stone in his mouth until he learned to be silent.

Can we please remember in our prayers all our parish family, especially those who are part of the frontline, doctors, nurses, carers and essential workers of all kinds:

Joseph, Lisa, Patrick, Chris, Catherine, Anne, Terry, Mark, Theo, Clare, Richard, Anthony, Jane, James, Andrew, Mary, Francis, Ruth, Tony, Sue, Dan, Fiona, Katy. Ian & Bethany - and, of course, we pray for our teachers and school staff who are beginning a much needed break after a very testing time.

Thank you for all you are doing to support he vulnerable and isolated during these times. Please remember our support for the Food Bank - even more essential during these summer months.

Mass tomorrow is at 5.00pm

St Joseph, guardian of our parish , pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John