And so a new term begins in schools. We welcome Leanne Dixon to St Joseph’s, as the new Head Teacher. The various catechetical programmes begin again. Baptismal programmes continue, as usual. The First Communion programmes also begin. Changes this coming term mean only children who are baptised Catholic will receive Holy Communion in June. This stands to reason. If a child is a Catholic, then that’s child receives Holy Communion for the first time in June. The First Communion Mass for all three schools of St. Josephs, St. Thomas Mores and St. Godric’s will take place in St. Joseph’s. Again, being practical  is essential when numbers coming forward for First Communions have dwindled so much over the years. We will have a review of catechesis for all three Sacraments with those involved in preparing the children-and parents-for these important stages.

Sacrament TypeGeneral Trend in the UK

Infant Baptism🛑 Steep Decline — Down roughly 30% to 50% compared to 2019 pre-pandemic baselines. Church Marriage🛑 Historic Lows — Making up roughly 10% or less of overall British marriages. First Holy Communion🛑 Steady Decline — Impacted directly by fewer children being raised in active parishes. Adult Baptism / Confirmation📈 Significant Growth — Reaching 10-to-15-year highs across both main Christian Churches. What the statistics don’t mention is that less children are being born and that both schools and parishes are being bolstered by people from outside and now resident in the UK.

My thanks to Margaret Wallace, who steps down after 18 years chairing the Bereavement Group.

Mentioning Catechists and others again reminds us of the great contribution of volunteers in our parish, for whom I cannot say enough by way of appreciation Thank you all.

Breda Gallagher is 90 this Friday the 18th. Congratulations dear Breda. I was privileged to be a part of the prayer group hosted in Breda’s home, but it was listening to the long list of people visited by Breda during our weekly SVP meetings that was so powerful. Bless Breda on this day.

We had an excellent Finance Meeting this week and it’s reassuring to know the parish finances are healthy and in good hands.  Thanks everyone for your generosity last weekend towards Bro Johns chosen charity of the Nepal Disaster.

The First away day of our Youth Group is this weekend. I look forward to celebrating Mass with you on Sunday. Let’s keep them in our prayers.

Can I also mention the Baby Bank. Such is the initiative of our parishioners that this new venture for those in need - and there are many-will begin in October. Please support.

Young Kris Bethapudi will be making a brief appeal on behalf of Cafod at both Sunday Masses this weekend. Well done Kris.