2nd August

Eighteenth Sunday Year A

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ our Lord,

No sooner had term ended that many of you either went straight off on holiday or are about to. The change and rest are needed in life and a good thing if you can take advantage and are in good shape to travel. We thank the Lord for the gift of rest and recreation. May all be able to enjoy and take the opportunity.

With these thoughts in mind over the next few weeks the parishes will be welcoming various supply priests while I take my summer break. Please help and make welcome Father Kevin Stokes, Father Austin Hughes and Father Michael Glover who will be covering the weekends.

This last week has been a full-on time in our little Ashley Parish of St John the Baptist. Two funerals and a wedding in the last week have meant that I have been over there practically every day of this week. Thank you for the wonderful support given to Marie Molloy’s family and for the help given with the funerals of Dee Dutton and Eileen Frost. Let us continue to pray for the repose of their souls and the comfort and consolation of their families.

Congratulations to Andrew and Georgia who, by the time you read this message, will be married in our little chapel of Our Lady and St John the Baptist. We wish them a long and happy life together.

We also over the last few weeks have welcomed into the life of the church, two new members. Please pray for them and support them in their new life in the community of St Werburgh. Their journey of faith has begun, may we be sure to help them to journey on in the love of God through Jesus, the Son!

Meanwhile take care. Pray for me as I pray for you.

God bless

Father Anton s.c.j.