FR DAVID WRITES
I had a lovely break spending some time at home with my family and also on the island of Rhodes. It was a pleasure to visit the Franciscans and the small Catholic community. I prayed for you all during my visits to the church and Mass there. Thank you to Fr Tom and Fr Johnson for their work here while I was away. Fr Tom is away right now, but will return shortly. For many more of us now, I know that the summer holidays begin in earnest. For all of you travelling or going on holiday, I wish you and your family every blessing for a safe journey and a happy time!
WELCOME
Welcome to visitors to our parish, who join us for their summer break or travels.
SUMMER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Please note that during the month of August, there will be no weekday Masses at 8am. Mass will be celebrated everyday (Monday to Friday) at 10 o’clock. Masses this week, being the final week in July, are all at the usual times.
MUSIC BREAK
As many of you know, our singers, musicians and choirs take a well-deserved rest during August. Singing and church music will return to the liturgy in September. Thank you to our three choirs and their organisers who help us to pray and to praise God at Mass!
YOUTH CHOIR
For almost two years now, we have a youth choir for 8-14 year olds who sing at the 6pm Mass on Saturdays. Please speak to one of the clergy or email the parish office if your child is interested in joining from September.
PARISH SHOP - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our parish shop is in urgent need of volunteers. We are very fortunate to have a beautiful variety of religious goods available to buy, but if we cannot find volunteers to be present on Sunday mornings it will not be possible to have it open every week.
MARGARET CROWLEY RIP
The Funeral will take place on Wednesday 29 July at 10am. May she rest in peace.
FOR THE DIARY: ADOREMUS 2026
The National Eucharistic Congress is the bishops’ invitation to renew our devotion to the Eucharist, and this year will take place in London on 10 October. The itinerary includes Masses, a procession, and an all night prayer vigil in Westminster Cathedral.
TERMINALLY ILL ADULTS (END OF LIFE) BILL
What happened to the Assisted Dying Bill? The previous bill, introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP, passed through the House of Commons with a relatively narrow majority. However, it did not complete its passage through the House of Lords before the end of the session and, as a result, it did not become law. A new bill, introduced by Lauren Edwards MP, has now begun its passage through Parliament. Although it is similar, it is a new Bill and must therefore begin the process again. Its Second Reading is expected in September. The Church, with many others, continues to oppose the legalisation of assisted suicide, affirming that every human life is a sacred gift from God and possesses an inviolable dignity. We are called to accompany the dying with compassion, prayer, excellent palliative care and loving support, never abandoning them or intentionally helping to bring about death. Please pray for our legislators, for all those facing terminal illness, for their families and carers, and for wisdom, as Parliament considers this important matter, and please write once again to your MP.
PARKING INFORMATION
Parking is free for a maximum of 4 hours in total per day. Beyond this, you will receive a fine for overstaying the time limit. The car park opens at 9am and closes max. 10pm. A gentle reminder that you should note the time of your arrival carefully.
Solomon prayed for wisdom; by opening his heart to God, he came to realise how he could change and become wiser. If Solomon can achieve this through prayer, then it is within the grasp of each of us. Paul reminds us ‘that for those who love God, all things work together for good.’ We are all ‘called according to His purpose’ and we each have the ability to become like Christ. We do this by turning everything to good. We need to consider each situation from God’s perspective (what would Jesus do?) and then try to apply the love of God to our solutions. In this way, Paul assures us we can share God’s glory and let his light shine in our lives today. (David Frank)