A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Blessings on this Good Shepherd Sunday, a day on which traditionally we pray for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Let’s do so today. History tells us that when 'the going gets tough, the tough get going’ - vocations flourish during times of persecution. The memorial plaques at Mill Hill tell a wonderful story; as more and more young missionaries succumbed to malaria and other diseases in the late 19th Century, more and more came forward to offer themselves to the emerging churches of Africa and Asia. It was also true of so many of the religious and missionary orders.

Please God, as our Church emerges from this crisis, more young men and women will come forward with that same spirit of generosity - Lord knows we will need some kind of fresh injection of the Holy Spirit, along with courage and hope.

Let us pray for all those who are already giving of themselves to support the sick and dying during these days. For our community we especially remember:
Joseph, Lisa, Patrick, Chris, Catherine, Anne, Terry, Mark, Theo, Clare, Jenny, Richard, Anthony, Jane, James, Mary, Francis & Ruth

Could I please remind you that Pope Francis has set up an appeal for the Church to rally round and support those parts of the world which don’t have the resources to combat the threat of the virus. He has asked Missio (APF/Red Box) to manage the appeal. Please look on their website for instructions on how to donate - missio.org.uk
If you would prefer, I can forward any cheques made payable to Missio - simply push them through my front door.

Please remember our ongoing support for the food bank.

St Joseph, pray for us

Every Blessing

Fr John