Dear all,
On Tuesday we celebrated the Chrism Mass at the cathedral with Bishop Peter, most of the clergy of the diocese as well as representatives from many parishes throughout the diocese. A small, but perfectly formed, group took the opportunity to go from our three churches and represent us there. It was a joyful and dignified Mass with superb music which was truly uplifting. Thank you to those of you who ventured to the cathedral to pray with your clergy.
We had our own Triduum to celebrate this weekend – I know that the choir have been rehearsing incredibly hard to make this weekend a truly memorable and reflective time in our parish’s history. My thanks to all of our talented musicians and to Fr James who was singing with the choir and leading us in the exsultet at the Vigil. So many people and teams have to come together to ensure that the vigil runs smoothly and confidently; I do thank them for their time and dedication.
I pray that each one of you has a prayerful and joyful Easter as we have been into the depths of Christ’s Passion on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday and then joyfully taken part in his resurrection at the Easter Vigil and now reach Easter Sunday. It is a time of great joy for the entire Christian world as we pray for Christ’s light to enter in the heart of man and help us to seek peace. Pray for the people of the Middle East at this time – for the first time in many centuries, people are being forbidden from celebrating the Triduum in the Holy Sepulchre (our most holy shrine) and the Latin Patriarch was prohibited from entering on Palm Sunday to celebrate the Mass there with the people of God. This is a total scandal and our prayers and thoughts must move toward Jerusalem and the neighbouring countries and territories.
Father Alan
The Collection on Easter Sunday and the Easter Vigil is our personal gift to Father Alan. Please keep all general contributions to the parish until the following week.
A reminder that another important date in our calendar is the annual Diocescan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine and Basilica of our Lady at Walsingham on the 4th May this year. There will be a coach to take our parishioners and we very much hope to join others on the pilgrimage to the shrine from the village. Those who prefer to go there more comfortably will be able to go all the way to the Shrine in the coach and be dropped off there. Although refreshments are available, they are popular and you may like to bring a packed lunch with you. Bags may be left on the coach while you walk! A sheet will be out from next week for you to add your name should you wish to go.
Those who are intending to book the Parish Hall for a celebration of your own at any time, should be aware that there has been a small increase in the hire charges from this month. Parishioners’ discount will remain the same. You are very welcome to enquire. Contact details are on the front of the newsletter if you would like more information.
Faithful Flames – a reminder to parents, especially if attending Mass at the Sacred Heart, that there is a children’s liturgy group, held in the parish hall on Sundays. It runs between 10.30 and 11.30am when the group joins the congregation in church for the Eucharist. For more Information please speak to Kerry Barrett at Faithful.flames2025@gmail.com
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Celia Cooper, Margaret Larkins, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey & daughter Sandra, Pam Thornton, Mary Long, Malcolm Akers, Frances Mack, Amy Heywood & Peter, Cathie Dickson, Carolyn Rayner & her mother Mary Rayner and Alan Ganney.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Paul Humphreys, Maurice Allain, Sylvia McCready, Frank Dominikowski; Monica Furlong.
May they rest in peace.
