“Every word of God is Spirit and LIfe. When you receive and obey the eord of God, the power of God works in you.”
For our reflection, let us ask the questions, ‘how much importance do I give to God’s Word? When was the last time I opened and read my Bible? Today’s readings are about the transforming power of the Word of God when read, preached and lived. They also warn us not to be disappointed at the absence of immediate results. We must take a positive and optimistic view of our missionary efforts, as we keep on bearing witness to Christ’s Gospel. The parable of the Sower in today’s Gospel challenges us to listen intently to God’s Word, to be open to it, and to allow our lives to be shaped by its power. The parable reminds us that man’s reception of God’s Word is determined by the condition of his heart.
Father Peter
A date for your diary! St Helen’s will be holding a Celebration Mass on Saturday 19 August at 5.30 pm. After Mass there will be a procession round the church grounds followed by refreshments. We do hope you will be able to join us, bring some of your friends and other parishioners.
Looking further ahead to further events:
Memorial Mass at the Sacred Heart garden of remembrance on Thursday 17 August at 6 pm.
Fortieth Annual Bike Ride & Walk on Saturday 9 September 9 am – 5 pm.
Establishing Social Committees in our three churches. A meeting has been arranged for Monday 17 July at 7.30 pm in the presbytery for anyone would like to represent their church or is just interested in giving help to the project: If; at such short notice; you are unable to attend please contact Fran Ludden to let her know you are interested at Fran.ludden@btinternet.co.
We regret to announce that the Fourth Wednesday Club held monthly at St Helen’s will no longer be meeting. The club has provided a chance for fellowship and good food for many years both for members of our community and other locals. However, time has caught up with the organisers and inthe absence of any volunteers to take up the reins, it has been decided to call it a day. Many thanks go to those whohave helped over the years,particularly to Mary Rando and Mary Edmonds whose sterling efforts will be missed.
Your Catholic Legacy Free Wills Service. Legacies are a vital one-off support for the Church’s mission. They often make possible the significant projects that parishes have wanted to undertake for years. The diocese recently joined the organisation, Your Catholic Legacy which promoted bequests to the Church and has made available a free will-writing service which supports individuals and couples to make their wills. There has been a good take-up of this initiative in many parishes. If you would like to know more about how you can promote it in our parish, contact finance@rcdea.org.uk for details.
Minutes of the Parish Pastoral Council held on Tuesday 6 June are now available to read here and in hard copy in church porches.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Celia Cooper, Michael Haughton, Marie Barton, Gerry Francis, Robert Buhagiar, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Bert Pooler, Maria Halsey, Shirley Teague and Maria Wilby.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Rhoda Egan, John Scoley, Irene Harrison and Frank Diamond. May they rest in peace.
