A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning!

Well I forgot to light my Candle of Hope at 7pm but I was proud to share with the residents of Trinity Crescent and Barnside Avenue at 8pm as they expressed their gratitude for the NHS and all those who are supporting us during these difficult times - however, I didn’t bang a saucepan.
I’m very aware that our schools are staying open to care for the children of key workers - thanks as ever to our teachers.

The Thought for the Day on Radio 4 this morning at about 7.50am was worth listening to; it was given by a ‘traditional’ Catholic reflecting on his prayer life before the lockdown and now. He has come to realise, as we all have, just how much we need each other - that Mass is not a private devotion but a sharing in something which only makes sense in the company of others. Try it on catch-up.
It is lovely to see so many faces on screen - everyone catching up, making new friends across the three churches. And the stillness and quiet at 5.00pm Exposition is very moving.

During Exposition this evening I will read the prayers of the Stations of the Cross - our customary Lenten devotion. Tomorrow, Saturday, we will stay with our usual weekday times but on Sunday the Mass of Palm Sunday will begin at 11.00am. We will try to include as much of the liturgy as we can. If you would prefer to celebrate the feast at home on your own (with your children/family) Maureen will send out the Lord’s Day at Home sheets tomorrow. I think that will be the pattern for the other feasts too.

On behalf of everyone, thank you for staying in touch with each other - especially those living on their own.

Prayers please for those who are sick - Patricia, Evelyn, Roy, Steve, Mary and Matthew. And for Stella, Anne, Edward, Mary, Frank, Chris, Emily and Marcia who have died. May they rest in peace and may the Lord comfort and console those who mourn.
You might pray especially for Anne Grant whose funeral is at 11.00am this morning at Agecroft Crematorium.

Stay safe and stay well

Dear St Joseph hold us in your prayer

Every blessing

Fr John