FR DAVID WRITES
On Friday we had a lovely School Mass, in which we gave thanks to God for the academic year as it draws to an end, and sent our Year 6 pupils off with our prayers and best wishes. Can I thank all our parents, grandparents, teachers, staff and school governors for everything they have done for our school and the children over the past academic year. Whichever school you are involved with, I wish you all a very happy and safe break over the summer holidays. May God bless you all for your goodness.
PARISH AFTERNOON TEA
Thank you to everyone who has signed up and paid for our Afternoon Tea event with raffle and auction today (Sunday). The event begin at 2.30pm and ends at 5pm, taking place in the church hall. Many thanks to Janet and all the helpers who are so generously organising the party.
PRIESTS
Please pray for Fr Tom Blackburn who will take up his appointment here at the end of August. Fr David will begin his summer break next weekend, after Masses on the afternoon of Sunday 28 July, and will return on Wednesday 15 August.
MASSES
There will be two Masses each day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week. Monday and Friday will be 10am only.
LOURDES
This week, pilgrims are in Lourdes with the Diocesan Pilgrimage, including from our own parish and deanery. They have assured of their prayers and will light a candle for us at the grotto. Our Lady of Lourdes: Pray for us.
PARISH CENTENARY BOOK
Parish Centenary Books are available at the back of church, price £5 each.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2025
Forms will be available from the beginning of September. The programme begins in December and will run on Saturday mornings 10am—11.15am.
BAPTISMS
The sign-up dates for the year 2023-24 have now been completed. A new schedule for sign-up meetings will be published in September for the new school year. Please look out in the newsletter and notice board for details. FYI the first opportunity will be Monday 10th September at 6.30pm in the parish centre. Thank you to Teresa Buffery and Deacon Ian who oversee this.
SECONDARY SCHOOL FORMS
Dates and details for secondary school transfer will be published at the start of September for those who need forms signing by Fr David. Please look out for these dates which will be published in the newsletter.
WEDDING
We congratulate Maureen and Anton who will be married here on Friday.
ST MONICA’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
St Monica’s School is celebrating it’s 70th Anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations there will be an Afternoon Tea open house event on Saturday, 14th September from 12— 4 pm. All families and past staff, pupils and school governors are invited. All welcome - please just turn up!
TOILET FACILITIES
Please use the parish centre toilets rather than the church toilet.
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We cannot work without rest, and the perfect way to find rest is in the Lord. We need to find a “lonely place” and, through prayer, fill our spirits with the love of God. Again, this is far from easy, when we take up a shepherd’s role it is difficult to set it back down again. As the apostles found on the lake, the crowds of unhappy people, needing help, are never far away. Shepherds need a balance in their lives between their needs and those of others. Please pray for the shepherds in your life. (David Frank)