We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your generous Christmas greetings and thoughtful gifts. Your kindness has made this Christmas season even more special for us. We are grateful for your continued support and prayers, inspiring us to serve you joyfully. May God bless you and fill your hearts with the joy of Christmas throughout the coming year.
With sincere thanks and blessings,
The Friars
Can I join our Capuchin Brothers in thanking everyone for the kindness and generosity at Christmas. I am very grateful to you all. Our services at Christmas were well attended, especially our Vigil Masses, which seem increasingly the preferred choice of many.
A new year is upon us now. New challenges. Exciting challenges, too! A new generation of younger parishioners are now stepping up to ensure the marvellous commitments of their elders is continued, and built on. Let’s support each for a Peaceful and Healthy New Year.
“And so it seems certain to me that the Church is facing very hard times. The real crisis has scarcely begun. We will have to count on terrific upheavals. But I am equally certain about what will remain at the end: not the Church of the political cult, which is dead already, but the Church of faith. It may well no longer be the dominant social power to the extent that she was until recently; but it will enjoy a fresh blossoming and be seen as man's home, where he will find life and hope beyond death.”
Pope Benedict XV1
Bishop Stephen has restructured the Diocesan Vicariates into larger Deaneries, with Deans taking a more responsible role. Fr Andrew Downie will now be the area Dean with responsibility for what was the old vicariate. Our prayers and best wishes are with Fr Andy, and the rest of the Diocesan Deans. Also, rather than one Vicar General, Bishop Stephen has appointed two. Fr Mark Milward is now VG for the southern part of the Diocese, and Fr Jeff Dodds for the northern part. Again, prayers and best wishes to both.
Please note due to the bad weather Exposition scheduled for 3pm at St Godric's this afternoon has been CANCELLED.
