John

Dear Friends, Today we celebrate the powerful gift of the Holy Spirit to the infant Church. The timidity of the apostles was replaced by a new confidence that enabled them to tell the world the good news of Jesus Christ. That same Spirit enables us to witness to our faith fearlessly and with confidence.  As part of the gradual easing of Covid restrictions in our … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 23.05.21

Dear Friends, As the early Church grew out of its Jewish background and spread into the pagan world it had to develop new structures and new forms of organisation. It also kept a sense of continuity. Peter is seen as the leader of the community - as is his successor today. The pagan world will prove to be an immense challeng and will try to silence the good news of the … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 16.05.21

Dear Friends, Today’s readings provide a profound reflection on love, especially ‘God’s love for us’. For Christians, God’s love for us is the foundation of all human experience of love. Our faith leads us into a ‘school for loving’ which is rooted in the inner life of the Blessed Trinity. Father James An icon of the Holy Family is circulating around our … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 09.05.21

5th Week in Eastertide. Dear Friends, Jesus describes himself as the Vine to illustrate the relationship between himself and the believer. It is essentially about being ‘in’ him, drawing life from the Vine so that the branches can bear fruit. If the branches do not draw life from the Lord they are useless and unproductive. It is a work of grace; ultimately it is the … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 02.05.21

4th Week in Eastertide. Today is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus sees himself as a true shepherd who cares for his flock, unlike the religious leaders of Israel. Sheep instinctively need a shepherd as protector and guide.We are, I hope, on the road back to normal life and returning to our usual format for the newsletter is a sign of this.God bless,Father James A … [Read more...] about NEWSLETTER 24.04.21