A message from Fr John

Dear friends

Good morning - I hope you’re well

And now for something completely different ….

I was looking through my book shelves for a book of Chesterton’s poems; I couldn’t find it but I did come across my ancient yellowing copy of Scouting for Boys by Baden Powell which my parents bought me in 1964. I remember my time in scouts with great affection and I’m sure it taught me a lot about team work, self-reliance, how to tie knots - and how to eat badly charred potatoes.

However, Baden Powell is very interesting - old fashioned for sure but with strong and clear insights, which bear re-telling.

‘No man is much good unless he believes in God and obeys His laws. So every Scout should have a religion.

Religion seems a very simple thing:

First: Love and serve God. Second: Love and serve your neighbour.

'In doing your duty to God always be grateful to Him. Whenever you enjoy a pleasure or a good game, or succeed in doing a good thing, thank Him for it, if only with a word or two, just as you say grace at a meal. And it is a good thing to bless other people. For instance, if you see a train starting off, just pray for God’s blessing on all that are in that train.

In doing your duty towards man, be helpful and generous, and also always be grateful for any kindness done to you, and be careful to show that you are grateful. Remember again that a present given to you is not yours until you have thanked the giver for it.’

Simple life lessons that are worth repeating.

St Joseph, protector of our youth, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John

PS Thank you for your kindness and generosity to the Food Bank and APF/Missio