Dear Friends

Now the full horror of the Manchester bombing has been revealed, there is much society needs to consider. How do we limit the ability of those who would wish us catastrophic harm influencing others? How do we come together as people of all faiths and none? How do we resource the security services in their fight against this kind of terrorism? All of these questions will have far reaching consequences for Civil Liberties, theology and for our commitment to society and our local communities. I was struck on Sunday by Fr Alan’s sermon. He quoted a saying from Martin Luther that great German reformer whose 500th anniversary we celebrate this year. ‘Darkness cannot cast out darkness, only light can cast out darkness’. It would be very easy to demand revenge ‘An eye for an eye’ and other such phrases. Revenge gets us nowhere, we need to challenge and transform this evil and show it up for what it is. The people of Manchester have shown, in their support for the victims, the healthcare professionals, the emergency services and themselves, that there is light a plenty ‘Up North’, surely this is the kind of response required. Well at least it is a start. Please continue to pray for the people of Manchester.

Following the huge success of the talents event last year we have agreed to repeat the event again. So on Trinity Sunday we will have plenty of £10 notes to distribute to anybody who wishes to participate. The rules are very simple – use your £10 to pump/prime your imagination to make as much money as you can. Crafts, baking, teaching, helping, there were so many amazing talents on display last year. Bring your profits, including your original £10 to the 10.30am Parish Mass on Advent Sunday 3rd December. We will also be holding a small craft fair after mass on Sunday 17th December where we can sell any remaining items unsold. So get your thinking caps on!

Best

Simon

Dear Friends​

After all the venomous words and caricaturing I have seen written and heard spoken about politicians during this election campaign, it was refreshing to hear Archbishop Justin Welby speaking on Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’ this morning. He is of the view that most people become involved in politics in order to try and do good for our country and communities. Archbishop Justin also reminded us that Christians are people who live in hope, however bleak the outlook might be. During this ten day period between Ascension and Pentecost many Christians of all denominations are joining in a global wave of prayer entitled ‘Thy KIngdom Come’, an initiative of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. We are invited to make a lasting difference in our nations and in our world, by responding to Jesus’ call to find a deep unity of purpose in prayer. Everyone is invited to join in.

With every blessing

Mother Eileen