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Can you Help?

Can you Help? – as we move towards a Single Parish of many communities, good communication to all our parishioners is an essential element. A deanery newsletter was initiated last Lent and is set to help with this. It does need a team of people to prepare it in a timely way with the right mix of information within it.  Please consider can you offer a few hours of your time to every season?  To find out more please contact Sandra on 07791627368 or email             [email protected].  A small team working together from all parishes will make a big difference!
 

2nd February 2025

The Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, the local Church Leaders write: “We sincerely hope that this ceasefire marks the beginning of a new path towards reconciliation, justice and sustainable peace. May this be the first step on a path that  promotes healing and unity among all the people of the Holy Land.

We eagerly await the return of pilgrims to the Holy Places in the Holy Land. The Holy Places are meant to be places of  prayer and peace, and we long for the day when pilgrims can visit them again in safety and spiritual joy.

Despite the pain we have suffered, we continue to look to the future with unwavering hope. May this ceasefire inspire new efforts for dialog, mutual understanding and lasting peace for all. At the beginning of the Jubilee Year dedicated to hope that does not disappoint, we read in this event a sign that reminds us of God’s faithfulness.

Finally, we call on political leaders and the international community to develop a clear and just political vision for the post-war period. A future built on dignity, security and freedom for all peoples is a prerequisite for true and lasting peace. We urge all parties to implement the immediate steps and negotiate the future steps of the agreement in good faith.

May the Lord bless this land with peace and lead us all on the path of reconciliation and healing.”

Deacon John Writes: Today we are encouraged to embrace God’s call and love others deeply. It also reminds us that faith can be challenging but is worth the effort. We are called to live out our faith with courage and love, even in difficult times.  Remember that the Holy Spirit is always with us to help and guide us in our efforts to follow God’s call. Last week we were told what we are to do and the readings today encourage us in our efforts.

Exploring the vocation to teaching in our diocesan schools

If you are interested in hearing more about the vocation to teaching and what teaching in a Catholic school involves, Dave Legrand, Diocesan Secondary RE Advisor, will be running an online information event on Wednesday 12th February from 5.30-6pm.  This event would be suitable for anyone considering a career change or simply interested in finding out more about the role of teachers in our Catholic schools for any age group or for any  subject specialism. To book a place, please use the link:

Exploring the vocation to teaching in our diocesan schools (12-Feb-2025) · ChurchSuite Events

Diocesan Youth Worker P/T

Diocesan Youth Project Worker – Part time.  The St Philip     Howard Centre, 4 Southgate Drive, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 6RP:  ‍Join the diocesan Central Office Team as our new P/T Youth Project Worker. The successful applicant will be responsible for two major projects – coordination of the CYMFed Faith in Action Awards across the Diocese, and the newly developing Young Adults programme. They will also be required to assist with engaging young people from across the Diocese in theASCENT process (a three-year discipleship process for young people) and offer support to the Youth Adviser in enabling       diocesan attendance at national and international events such as Flame & World Youth Day. E: [email protected]

Closing date: Wednesday 5 February 2025, Shortlisting: Thursday 6 February 2025, Interviews: Thursday 13 February 2025, Crawley.  Here is the job url: www.abdiocese.org.uk/careers/ypw

26th January 2025

“Up, Up and away, but not my best decision”

I will be away for my after Christmas break, which is an important decision.  In our new position, when I fear it will be much more difficult to get a supply priest, this influenced my decision.  The fact that Lent and Easter is much later this year could have allowed me to delay going until the longer evenings arrive.

In future much of the responsibility for these decisions will be with Fr Kevin, which is indication of the great amount of work and responsibility that has landed on his desk; highlights how important the challenge we all now face.  This is the work that we are now engaged with.  There are early signs that we are off to a good start, but it is always the outcome that is most important.

Looking forward to this challenge when I return.