Dear All,
The Easter Triduum and Holy Week were such a joy to celebrate and to encounter with the people of this parish. Despite my having a dreadful cold and the lack of energy associated with that affliction, I still managed to find pockets of delight in the celebrations. The biggest delight was welcoming Stephen, Fran and Sam into full communion with the Church. Congratulations and welcome.
I would like to thank everyone for their generosity of spirit over the feast-all the hidden little jobs that have to take place to make the whole celebration work and be meaningful. The many hours of choir rehearsal, the cleaning of the three churches, our sacristans and servers all pulling together, the flowers and office work, putting together the printing and newsletter, all to come together in one great celebration. Thank you! I would also like to thank people for the cards, gifts, kind thoughts and generosity over the last couple of weeks. All of your kindness has made me feel very welcome into your parish and community.
It is with a mixture of sadness, respect and gratitude I announce that, after 23 years of phenomenal service and dedication, our beloved parish secretary, Antonia Martinez, is taking retirement on the recommendation of her doctor. Antonia has served four different priests and has really ‘designed’ the role to suit a changing parish and Church over the years. Whilst I personally have not worked with Antonia for very long, I can see how respected and loved she is in the parish. Later in the summer we will arrange a ‘parish thank you’ for Antonia for all that she has done, with her lovely humour and gentle style. Thankfully, Antonia had the providence to prepare Wendy and Christine as to the complexities of the office and they have both stepped in to assist me-this was invaluable over the Easter period. Thank you Antonia! (and thanks to Wendy and Christine for stepping in).
Father Alan
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. Please add your name to the sheet at the back of the church if you would like to join the coach on the day. 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!
More details of pick up times, and the timetable for the day, will be available soon
The social committee have several events planned this year. The first of these is a Beetle Drive to be held in the Parish Hall on 8th May from 2pm to 4pm. This has been a huge success in the past and it is a great event for all the family to enjoy. Coffees and teas and other refreshments will be served. Come and join the fun!
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: Eileen Codd, Bernard Shearing, Catherine Whitwell, Mary Jones, Betty Paul, Joseph Clark, Peter Lloyd, Mario Vanzino, Dorothy Pooler, Anthony Middlecote.
May they rest in peace.
