Dear Friends, The situation in the country and in our parishes has changed dramatically since last weekend. Our bishops have given us clear directives which we will follow. There will be no public services including Sunday and weekday Mass in our churches until further notice. Priests will celebrate Mass privately. I will say Mass daily at 10am in the Sacred Heart church … [Read more...] about Newsletter 22.03.20.
Newsletter 15.03.20.
Dear Friends, Today’s Gospel is the meeting of Jesus with the Samaritan woman. It centres around the well and the water the woman has come to fetch. Water is a symbol of the fulness of life which Jesus offers to those who meet him. The people of the town come to see for themselves what is happening. They say, ’We have heard him ourselves and we know that he really is the … [Read more...] about Newsletter 15.03.20.
Newsletter 08.03.20.
Dear Friends, In today’s Gospel we hear the story of the Transfiguration. It is a moment which offers promise and hope for the disciples - and it is given to us as we, like Abraham, step out in faith, trusting in the one who calls us to follow him who triumphs over all things and invites us to share life with the Father. The diocese has issued liturgical directives in … [Read more...] about Newsletter 08.03.20.
Newsletter 01.03.20.
Dear Friends, Today’s 1st reading describes the first encounter of human beings with evil. St Paul sees Jesus as the new Adam who confronts evil and overcomes it by the sacrifice of himself on the Cross. We are already looking towards Holy Week and Easter for which Lent is preparing us. To mark the Year of the Word I will be giving the first of two talks next Saturday on … [Read more...] about Newsletter 01.03.20.
Newsletter 23.02.20.
Dear Friends, This week, on Ash Wednesday, we begin the Church’s season of Lent. Each year we set aside this period of spiritual renewal and refreshment when we prepare ourselves to renew our lives in general and our baptismal promises in particular at Easter. As a Live Simply parish we will reflect on a series of Weekly Lenten Reflections which are based on Pope … [Read more...] about Newsletter 23.02.20.