Latest News

Time to concentrate all our attention.

In the natural order of creation, one of the loveliest times of the year is when there is a flurry of blossoms.   It quickly gives way; but is still a most crucial time for the resulting harvest.  The blossoms give way to the emerging fruit, so a time of great importance.

In the life of the spirit, it is the same process.  From the life of Christ when His work was accomplished upon the cross, the first words then began to emerge “Christ is Risen”.  Rumours began to spread.  The stories in the scripture at this time are so revealing.  The more they develop they shed light,  but also reveal the mystery.  Why?

I always remember (an early introductions of what it means to be a priest) being awakened in the early morning by someone shouting outside the church, very shortly after Holy Week “demanding that He would come out and fight, why was He Hiding?” .  I could hear what was being said – why does He not reveal Himself clearly.

For those who were chosen to experience His Ascension into Heaven, this was an incredible grace.   The instruction that follows are of the greatest importance to all of us.  The apostles returned to Jerusalem to watch and to pray, essential now for us.

So during the coming week with our focus upon the Feast of the Ascension; there will be a vigil mass on Wednesday evening (25th) at St Wilfrid’s at 7pm, and the 10am mass will be at St George’s church for all the parish. 

Our next open meeting for our parish will be Tuesday 31st May at 6pm in St Wilfrid’s Church, beginning with May devotions and setting the ball rolling with plans for our future.   The Synod questionnaire and now our continuing response to all the questions raised, and the statements that followed are very helpful. 

“With the help of God”

Yes, with the help of God we will do better; and so let us rely more upon that help.  We had a very good get together with those who attended our first meeting in response to the issues raised by those who responded to the Synod questionnaires.

The reality of the age profile of the priests now in the church here in England and Ireland is beginning to be recognised and acknowledged.  A great concern is the number of churches closing, and being sold; with this becoming a threat for other churches.   For years our response has been too superficial, and of no help or benefit for a good outcome to the problems that are real.

With all my heart and soul I pray to God that this Synod will provide a great opportunity.  I recall the great hope with which the 2nd Vatican Council was received.  Equally there were many who were hostile to it.  Life does not change, and so I am becoming more realistic.   The first thing I can do in my response is not to set my hopes too high.  Also to become more responsible and in the best possible way to help so that we can achieve the best possible outcome.  Please God, St George’s church and St Wilfrid’s will flourish through God’s grace at work in us.

Structures have a good purpose and we made a good first response to the question raised by those in our parish to the Synod Questionnaire.

I brought to our attention some structures that worked very well in our past.  The St Vincent De Paul Society and something parallel with this for the ministers of the eucharist.  The Legion of Mary as a structure in support of the readers.  Also many others as for preparation for the sacraments; for the liturgy for ecumenism.  Beginning with core groups, identifying first points to help progress our response and in time our leaven groups will be up and running again.  “Fit for purpose”.