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Dear Friends, The story of the Good Samaritan is a familiar one to everyone. But it had an edge for the original listeners. Samaritans were shunned by the Jews and regarded as outsiders. To make such a man the hero of the story would have surprised, even shocked the listeners. CAFOD has launched an appeal for the people of Ethiopia who are suffering a severe famine. … [Read more...] about Newsletter 10.07.16.

Dear Friends, We are hearing St Luke’s Gospel in these Sunday readings. He puts the ministry of Jesus in the context of his journey to Jerusalem, his goal. On the way he encounters those who are friendly and those who are hostile: but to all he proclaims the Good News and challenges his hearers to respond to it - as he does to us Sunday by Sunday. CAFOD has launched an … [Read more...] about Newsletter 03.07.16.

Dear Friends, To ‘assume the mantle’ of someone is a phrase which has its origin in today’s first reading. Elijah the prophet throws his cloak over Elisha who takes on the role of God’s prophet. He is able to speak God’s word and also to confront those (notably authority figures) who have fallen from the covenant. We too have assumed the mantle of those who have gone before … [Read more...] about Newsletter 26.06.16.

Dear Friends, Today’s Gospel starts by removing misunderstandings about Jesus’ identity and mission, and concludes by defining our identity in relation to Him. He asks each one of us, ‘Who do you think I am, what do I mean to you?’ For each of us there’s the temptation to cast Him, and our relationship with Him, in a mould of our own designing. It would be so much more … [Read more...] about Newsletter 19.06.16.

Dear Friends, Today we hear stories of how the power of repentance can unlock God’s forgiveness. There will be many celebrations of the Queen’s birthday this weekend. In all Catholic churches there will be a special prayer for the Queen. The Bishops of England and Wales have written a letter regarding the forthcoming referendum which you may find helpful. Copies are in the … [Read more...] about Newsletter 12.06.16.