Dear Friends

I thought the first anniversary of our National Lockdown this week was a moment for sober reflection. There will be time in these pages to reflect on the past year, perhaps today all we can do is give thanks for those who have given so freely of their time, energy and talents to support us during this wretched year. Although I volunteered to help the local community, I have felt deeply moved to see so many, volunteering to help with the roll out of the vaccine, especially at our local health centre. To pray for those who have died, and who continue to be affected by Long-Covid and for all of those in hospital. There does seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel and for that we give thanks.

Next week is Holy Week where once again we enter into the drama at the very heart of the mystery of our salvation. There is no triumph, there is just love, utter self-giving love. Whatever private passions we have endured over the past twelve months, however vulnerable, isolated, or afraid we have felt. God has been there too and we can draw strength from that suffering. For God so loved the world….  For God so loves you and me!

From Sunday we will be welcoming you back into church. Here is a list of service times for Holy Week. I look forward to seeing you again in person.

Palm Sunday
8am  in church
9.30 am in church and online (Facebook)
11am Fr Simon’s children’s talk online.
6pm Stations of the Cross via Zoom

Monday 7pm Mass and address online (Facebook)
Tuesday 7pm Mass and address online
Wednesday 7pm Mass and address online

Maundy Thursday
7pm Mass online  
+ Watch before the Blessed Sacrament till 10pm online.

Good Friday
12 noon Stations of the Cross on Zoom
2pm Liturgy in church and online

Easter Day
8am Mass in church
9.30am  Parish Mass. In church (ticket only) and online. Click here to book tickets.
11am Children’s and family Mass in church
There will be no 6pm evening service – the vicar will be putting his feet up with a glass of something!

I expect that we will now continue to remain open for worship on Sunday mornings and we look forward to welcoming you back to church in person over the next few months.

Take care

God Bless 

Simon