Fr. Aaron Writes 11th June 2023

Dear Friends,

We celebrate this weekend the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. It is a celebration that focuses on the Catholic Doctrine of the Real Presence - Jesus Christ is present, body, blood, soul and divinity, in the Eucharistic species of bread and wine. Each Mass is a miracle! Jesus gives himself to us as food for our journey.

A question we can ask ourselves is: do I truly believe that Jesus Christ is truly and fully present in the Holy Eucharist? A recent survey in the USA showed that a majority of Catholics do not believe this! This is quite shocking for us to read. Our preparation for, and approach to, the Holy Eucharist is fundamental – how have we prepared our souls for Holy Communion? How do I receive Holy Communion? How do I speak of the Mass and Holy Communion? What do I wear? How frequently do I visit the Blessed Sacrament?

On Sunday, we will make two Eucharistic processions – we will do this publicly and in part of the town. We will witness to our belief in the Real Presence of Christ; we will sing, pray, kneel and adore. It will cause intrigue and surprise, but, for us, it will be a public act of witness to the joy of our Faith.

First Holy Communion Children – We look forward to this Sunday, when our First Holy Communion children will receive their certificates and participate in our Corpus Christi procession.

Petals - Please could parishioners who have brought petals for the First Holy Communion children to use as they accompany the Blessed Sacrament in procession put them in the baskets in the Covenant Chapel.

Scouts – will be joining us at the 9:15am Mass this weekend for their parade; they will also provide refreshments in the Hall afterwards.

Sacrament of Confirmation – Congratulations to our young people who received the gift of the Holy Spirit at their Confirmation Mass on Saturday at Arundel.

Deans’ Overnight – I shall meet on Wednesday evening with Bishop Richard and fellow Deans from around the Diocese, to look at the implementation of the Bishop’s Pastoral Plan.

Saturday Evening Vigil Mass – Because of my many roles both in the Diocese and in various organisations elsewhere, I often find at times of the year that I have to be away from the Parish on Saturdays. I am grateful to the many supply priests who kindly assist me and I am grateful for your understanding. Over the next few weeks, I shall be absent on a few Saturdays. This week, I have Deanery Confirmations at the Cathedral; there will then be 150th Anniversary Celebrations at the Cathedral, Ordinations in Shrewsbury, other events with KHS (Knights of the Holy Sepulchre) and then, later in August, World Youth Day! As you can see, there is a lot going on!

With every prayer and good wish for the coming week.