Category: Saint George’s latest news

Bereavement Mass

Bereavement Mass:  A decision has been made to change the date of our Bereavement Mass from Sunday 4th July, a new date will be established and we will let you know as soon as possible.   We are looking forward to this taking place as it will be so helpful because for many there has been much sadness and indeed loss, so it is important to pray for one another and when we can to support each other.

Update – St Wilfrid’s & St George’s

Update: St Wilfrid’s and St George’s – Friendly lunchtime meal at the Treacle Mine, Midday Thursday 24th June.  I have been in touch with the Treacle Mine in view of the latest lockdown rules extended to 19th July. If the weather is good, then no problem we can eat outside under the awnings. If the weather is not good then it will be eating inside with up to 6 people per table (no flitting from table to table or changing seats) – that I will find difficult! Nevertheless, we will overcome these problems and have a lovely “Get Together”. We must start socialising again and meeting up with friends, something Fr Rory is very keen to do. I must have definite numbers of people going ASAP before Tuesday 22nd June. Please get in touch with Joan on 07873390944. Look forward to meeting up with you all again. I shall have my famous bell with me!

Deacon John Writes

Many of us will have been on a boat during a storm. It is often not a comfortable experience! The gospel this Sunday is the familiar one where Jesus actually sleeps while the storm is raging around their boat. The apostles get rather panicky and wake Jesus who in effect says ‘what is the problem you men of little faith’ and promptly gets the waves and wind to calm down. In times of trouble and distress we should always remember that Jesus is in the boat with us and that, with faith, all will be well eventually.

Last Thursday the gospel of Matthew introduced the Lord’s Prayer – the Prayer for ‘forgiveness’. He includes an instruction about ‘babbling’ on with lots of words. The. Instruction is saying ‘don’t do it! Use only necessary words = be short and concise. True forgiveness makes a huge difference to us and if there was more of it the world would surely be a better place!

On Saturday Matthew wrote about anxiety and worry – “why are you anxious about clothes?” Has any one of us never had thoughts which worry us? Worry about the time, have we got enough bread in, enough milk and others, many more serious to us. Whatever the problem, “trust in God” is the answer. Accept  that God loves us and he will take care of our worries – so let us all accept God’s love – he will care for us and is the perfect antidote for any worry or anxiety that is holding us back from leading a full life – He will change  everything.

There is a story told about a visitor to the Vatican who was quite impressed with the beauty and power of the place. He asked Pope John XXIII this question: “How many people do you have working here?” With a twinkle in his eye, the pope replied, “About half of them.” Humour is one antidote for worry – it really can make you forget about your worries. 

A small farming village was threatened with drought because the rains had failed to arrive. On a hot and dry Sunday, the priest told his congregation, “There isn’t anything that will save us except to pray for rain. Go home, pray, believe, and come back next Sunday ready to thank God for sending rain.” The people returned to church the following Sunday. As they sat down the Pastor gently rebuked them. “We can’t worship today because you do not yet believe,” he said. “But we prayed” they protested, “and we do believe.” “Believe?” he responded. “Then where are your umbrellas?”

CAFOD

CAFOD:  This year, the UK will host the ‘COP26’ climate talks in Glasgow in November.  Many of the world’s poorest countries are struggling to cope with the effects of climate change such as increased droughts, floods and cyclones.  We need world leaders to put the poorest people at the heart of their talks and the UK has a critical role to play as host.  Please sign our petition to the Prime Minister at cafod.org.uk/reclaim.  Groups from parishes across our diocese are also meeting their MPs locally, to let them know how strongly we feel as Catholics about protecting our earth and helping our sisters and brothers around the world. Further details can be found here:  Parliament in your Parish | CAFOD. Please consider holding a meeting with your MP too.

St Wilfrid’s & St George’s

We are organising a friendly lunch time meal with members of St Wilfrid’s and St George’s community.  Fr Rory will join us.  The venue is The Treacle Mine, midday Thursday 24th June.  If you are interested please contact Joan on 07873390944 asap please.

The last time we were able to meet together for a meal was St Patrick’s Day, 17th March 2020.  Lockdown happened very soon after.  It would be great if we could start back socialising with our friends in both parishes.  All the necessary precautions are in place of course.  Please God, we will be able to meet on that day.

Deacon John Writes

Have you ever had the thought that you don’t like your credit card? Does it make you think that you have more money than you actually do have? Does it make you feel powerful or reckless? Well if you do you will not be alone! I am sure that many have that feeling from time to time but the vast majority do not let the feeling last for more than a fleeting moment when common sense steps in, aided probably by the Holy Spirit and guides you into more appropriate avenues of action and thought. Moments like those are moments of darkness and light quickly shines through. Always remember that God said “Let light shine out of darkness”. We must let God’s light shine on everything we do, not what we do tomorrow, but on everything we do TODAY. Tomorrow will not do because as we all know – tomorrow never comes. Everything is today and it is today that really matters!  

We will do this if we remember that we are all part of the new covenant that we are called to be part of. This covenant calls us all into partnership with God. This partnership is one of love between God and ourselves. God loves each and every one of us with no conditions attached so we should all return this love today and every day. God is faithful in all and to all – so, if it is necessary, pull your socks up and get on with doing good to those around you. If you don’t wear socks then use your imagination and just do whatever is needed to go forward in a manner that is truly life-giving to yourself and to others.

Friday, June 11th, is the Feast of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and is an opportunity to remind ourselves about our duty to make it obvious that we love one another, to refrain from quarrels and bitterness, stubbornness and being stuck in a rut. We do not, of course, have to go to Mass to do this – this is important, particularly in the current pandemic, when it is not easy to bring ourselves to attend Mass. The time is coming, quite soon, I hope, when it will be possible to freely attend Mass again without any fear, but until that time comes for you, and for me, let us not forget to help anyone in need, and remember that God loves us all – there really are no exceptions!