A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning

I hope you managed to do some ‘nature observation’ - let us know how it went. For myself I tried digging over a few patch in the garden and mowing a small lawn. My observation ids that cut grass smells wonderful and my back aches.

I would still encourage you to reach out to neighbours, fellow parishioners who might feel cut off from the community. We remember that the first and paramount Sacrament is Jesus himself present in his Body the Church - in each of us. We are Christ for the world.

For a change today I thought I might present a somewhat old fashioned but still important way of prayer that parents and grandparents might teach their younger family members. And so here’s the Litany of St Joseph, guardian of our parish during these times.

Litany of St Joseph

Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy

Christ have mercy, Christ have mercy

Christ hear us us, Christ graciously hear us

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us

Holy Mary, pray for us

St Joseph, pray for us

Wonderful son of David, pray for us

Splendour of the patriarchs, pray for us

Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us

Foster Father of the Son of God, pray for us

Watchful defender of Christ, pray for us

Head of the Holy Family, pray for us

Joseph most just, pray for us

Joseph most prudent, pray for us

Joseph most courageous, pray for us

Joseph most obedient, pray for us

Joseph most faithful, pray for us

Mirror of patience, pray for us

Safeguard of the poor, pray for us

Model of all who labour, pray for us

Glory of family life, pray for us

Strength of our families, pray for us

Defender of widows and orphans, pray for us

Companion of refugees and exiles, pray for us

Guardian of the homeless, pray for us

Solace of the afflicted, pray for us

Hope of the sick, pray for us

Patron of the dying, pray for us

Protector of Holy Church, pray for us

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord

Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us

Let us pray:

O God, who in your generous providence was pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be spouse of the Holy Mother of God, grant that we may deserve to have as our advocate in heaven him whom we revere as our protector on earth.

We ask this through Christ our Lord

Amen

Please endeavour to stay safe during these uncertain times

And we remember all those who are sick
Adela, Winnie, Sylvia, Joe, Susan, Irene, Paddy, Jimmy, Maureen, Steve, P.J., Declan, Alan, Jac, Kay and Anne:

St Joseph, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John