A message from Fr John

Good morning - I hope you’re keeping well and staying safe

As it’s getting a little cooler these days, there’s a temptation to put the fire on or turn up the central heating - we have to do it to stay warm, of course.and we are blessed that we have the resources available to do so, resources which have have taken many years to understand and utilise. However we are aware that these resources are finite and their over-use is leading to global warming and climate change. It might be worth reflecting on the words of Pope Francis in Laudato Si. 

After urging governments to bring about changes in outlook and law, he says (to us):

Only by cultivating sound virtues will people be able to make a selfless ecological commitment. A person who could afford to spend and consume more but regularly uses less heating and wears warmer clothes, shows the kind of convictions and attitudes which help to protect the environment. There is a nobility in the duty to care care for creation through little daily actions, and it is wonderful how education can bring about real changes in lifestyle …. avoiding the use of plastics and paper, reducing water consumption, separating refuse, cooking only what can reasonably be consumed, showing care for other living beings, using public transport or car-pooling, planting trees, turning off unnecessary lights ….. (para. 211)

We can but try.

A slight change in programme: today’s Mass will be at 5.00pm - sorry for any inconvenience - but Christ the King church will be open for private prayer from 2-3.00pm

St Joseph, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John

PS Diocesan Holy Hour – Hope in Difficult Times 
Sunday 4th October, 3:00pm, Church Services TV 

On Sunday 4th October, the day we would usually launch the new stage of Hope in the Future, Bishop John will lead a Holy Hour from Salford Cathedral which will be livestreamed on ChurchServices.tv at 3pm (www.churchservices.tv/salfordcathedral).

The theme of the Holy Hour will be Hope in Difficult Times and we hope it will provide parishioners around our diocese with an opportunity to take stock of the last few months. The focus is not on moving to stage four but rather reflecting on the presence of the Lord all through lockdown and as we continue on our journey. The Lord has, in a very real sense, answered our prayer and stayed with us on our journey. We need to pause, draw breath, grieve where we need to grieve but also be grateful where we can be and allow ourselves to be renewed.
You can find out more on the Diocesan website (www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/holy-hour-hope-in-difficult-times/)