Thank God we now seem to be emerging from Covid. All I’d ask is caution whilst in church. As with numerous business guidelines, I ask that you continue to wear masks and sanitise your hands on entry to either St. Joseph’s or St. Godric’s. The First Holy Communion programme began with a meeting between parents and catechists. It was great seeing so many faces again and lovely to see the genuine enthusiasm for the Sacrament. Thanks to our team. We had a special Mass for Mrs. Craig at St. Godric’s on Thursday. Catherine’s influence on the school has been enormous over the 11 years of her leadership. Our prayers and support are with her as she takes on a challenging role of leadership in the Diocese. Sadly, we saw the passing of Eric Smith this week. Eric was a very formative figure for all who knew him, especially those from Thornley, where he was a much-loved Head Teacher for so many years. But it was in this parish that he was both a great friend and support to me, and to many others. Always immaculate in dress and charm, his warmth of personality and astute counsel will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.
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- Jan 21, 2022
Sadly, Alan McNamee left us. His death was not a surprise as he had been struggling with his health for some time now. However, his contribution to our parish was great: Traidcraft, Rota lists, and he was a regular presence at all parish activities, especially the Eucharist, for which he had a deep love. May rest in peace. Our first Confirmation session was very well attended this week. It’s just great being able to return to important sacramental preparation again. I think sighs of relief are being breathed generally as we move towards a more normal way of life. Keep an eye to updates on the Synod of the Laity and year of the Eucharist.
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- Jan 14, 2022
The two main diocesan and church projects this year are The World Synod of the Laity and the Year of the Eucharist. These were planned pre-pandemic but ironically have been brought into greater focus by the virus. We have had to step up to involve new blood in the parish into many different roles. This has been important to me. The more senior members who have, and still are, giving of themselves, continue to be invaluable to the continued move forward out of Covid. The Year of the Eucharist asks how do we reaffirm our commitment to the Mass. The numbers are slowly creeping up again at weekend Masses especially. Important questions might be asked as to our own understanding of the Eucharist. It has communitarian dimension, it is devotional, it is sacrificial and it is celebratory. Perhaps we can consider how we see the Synod and Eucharist as being inseparable. The past two years have allowed expression to both. We can now build on this. Changes are afoot in both parish and schools. In the parish we are losing Fred and Helen Haywood, as they hope to move nearer their daughter Jenny and husband Craig. Sadly, that move in more imminent with the sale of their house. Both Helen and Fred have been blessings to the parish since their arrival from the South. I thank them for all their self-giving in so many areas of parish life, especially to me as PP.…. and some important news from St. Godric’s School - the winds of change are also blowing here. Congratulations to Mrs. Catherine Craig, Headteacher at St. Godric’s, who has been seconded to the Diocese for two terms acting as Deputy Head of Education. We wish you well Catherine in this new challenge
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