Fr. Aaron Writes: 09th May 2021
Webmaster • May 7, 2021
Dear Friends,
Re-engage – This week I have been thinking about how we are, as a parish, to re-engage with the Lord, particularly through prayer and the celebration of the sacraments, as we come out of restrictions. I have also been thinking how we are to re-engage with one another as a parish community. Perhaps lockdown has caused us to think deeply about our engagement with the church; perhaps you may feel willing to do more for the Lord in service of Him and of our community? Many new parishioners have moved into Horsham in the past year who may have been engaged in their previous parishes and now want to play a part in ours.
Our Lord in this Sunday’s gospel says to His disciples: “You did not choose me: no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you will ask in my name”. As we come out of restrictions, I really would ask all of you to ponder on whether you can give more of your Time, Talent or Treasure to the parish community? What fruit can I bring to God and my parish family?
At this stage I just want to put these questions out there. Over the next few weeks, I will begin, with your collaboration and help, to identify areas of need and concern as we re-start and re-engage our parish community of St John’s.
This month, the month of Mary, we ask the Mother of God, the model disciple who says “Yes” to God, to assist us with her prayers. I hope we can perhaps say at least a decade of the Holy Rosary a day, praying together with Pope Francis and with all the Marian Shrines around the world for so many different intentions and concerns in our world.
Family Rosary - I would like to invite all parishioners, particularly families, to join with me in the prayer of the Holy Rosary on Saturday 15th May at 12 Noon. A wonderful way to introduce the family to the prayer of the Rosary, as we pray for our parish re-engagement and an end to the pandemic. The short service will end with a period of adoration and benediction.
Weekday Mass – There have to be a number of changes to weekday Mass this week, due to diocesan commitments. On Tuesday, Holy Mass will be at 6pm as there is a clergy in-service at Arundel that both Deacon Tom and I are to attend. On Wednesday, Mass will also be at 6pm, and it will be a Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Ascension. There will be an extra Mass on Thursday morning at 10am for the Ascension. Thank you for your patience and understanding with these changes.
First Confession and First Holy Communion – I have now drawn up a programme for First Holy Communion preparation. First Confession preparation will take place before the Summer break and First Holy Communion preparation will take place in the Autumn. Application Forms are now available online as well as the course outline. We hope not to have restrictions imposed again; if this were to be the case, we may have to change dates and times. The important thing is that they will be happening this year! The closing date for applications is Friday 28th May 2021. No applications will be accepted after this date.
Altar Servers – Many thanks to those who have donated. It’s very kind of you and greatly appreciated by our servers. We shall be ordering these vestments next week for the servers.
Parish Finance Committee Meeting – we will be meeting at 7pm on Monday via Zoom, if you have any questions or queries, please email me before then.
Seminarian Gary Carter – Bishop Richard has asked if we would host a seminarian for a short summer placement. I will be pleased to welcome Gary Carter from May 29th to the parish. Please pray for him as he prepares for his placement with us.
Share shop – is looking rather bare! Would parishioners kindly think of helping top up our supplies.
In Memoriam:
Paschal Radford RIP – We keep Suzanne and the family in our prayers at this difficult time.
Teresa O’Donnell RIP – We keep all the family in our prayers at this sad time. Teresa’s Requiem Mass will take place on Monday 17th May at 10am here at St John’s.
Kevin Tayler RIP – Kevin died earlier this week. We pray for his family and friends at this sad time.
May they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Social Media: Check out our parish social media pages for the latest news, last minute changes and items of interest:
@catholichorsham (Twitter)
St John the Evangelist, Horsham (Facebook page)
Catholic Horsham (Instagram)
With every prayer and good wish for the coming w
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