A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Yesterday was my first day out of quarantine and sadly it was for the funeral of Anne Grant; following government and Church guidelines very few people were in attendance. This unfortunately is the pattern we must follow during this crisis. We have four more funerals next week - all at the graveside - without the consolation of a Requiem Mass.

One of the more interesting aspects of these days is the number of people out walking, many more than usual and presumably for a longer distance than normal, lots of couples too. The noise levels are much lower with far fewer cars on the road.

These times are difficult for everyone but it must be especially hard for families with young children and for those where income levels have dropped drastically. We pray that the testing programmes can be speeded up and effective treatments devised. All those on the frontline deserve our utmost respect.

We are moving into our Holy Week and we can gather for our Zoom Palm Sunday Mass tomorrow at 11.00am - unfortunately without the blessing of palms and procession. The Lord’s Day at Home which Maureen will send out contains ideas for celebrating off-camera with your family - a good way for children to be involved.
The procession of Jesus into Jerusalem marks the end of all Jesus’ journeys until his final climb to Golgotha. We too know some of those feelings from our own experience of life - joy to sadness, triumph to tragedy, companionship to isolation - but, with Jesus this week, we know that the Father is always with us.

Please continue to pray for Patricia, Evelyn, Steve, Winnie C., Mary and Matthew who are sick, and for all those who are caring for them.
And for Anne, Edward, Mary, Chris, Sharon and Stella who have died - remembering too all those who mourn them.

May the prayers of St Joseph protect and guide us

Every blessing

Fr John