Fr. Aaron Writes 13th November 2022

Fr Aaron writes…

November, Month of the Holy Souls – In this special month when we particularly remember and pray for the dead, there are a couple of special events for you to note: 

Remembrance Sunday – A Requiem Mass for the dead of all wars will take place at the 9:15am Mass this Sunday, where a two minute silence will be held.

Our Annual Bereavement Mass will take place at 12 Noon on Saturday 19th November, followed by refreshments in the hall.

Also, do sign the Remembrance Book in the Lady Chapel, putting the names of your loved ones on the page that corresponds to the date of their anniversary.

Baptism Preparation – As the parish looks towards providing lifelong formation for all parishioners, I would like to meet with our current Baptism catechists and anyone in the parish who would like to join a new team, with a view to forming a new and updated programme for parents who bring their children for this sacrament. An informal meeting will take place on Tuesday December 6th at 7pm in the Hall, with refreshments provided.

Preparing Adults for Reception into the Church and/or Baptism – We are looking to restart a programme of formation for those who wish to join the Catholic Church. I really need catechists, and parishioners who have an interest in the area of formation, to join a new team. If you feel that this may be something you’d like to be involved with, then email me, please.

International Carols – It has been suggested to me that we hold an international carol service in Advent, which would involve all the different nationalities that worship at St John’s. If you would like to be involved, for example singing in your own language or helping with refreshments, then please email the Parish Office. We hope this event will take place on Monday 19th December in the early evening.

Signing School Forms – I will be holding two afternoon sessions when I will sign school forms (SIFs – Supplementary Information Forms). These will be on Monday 5th December and Tuesday 6th December between 4pm and 5pm on both days. It will be open house, so no need to make an appointment, just turn up!

School Governorship - Both our parish schools are in need of more Foundation Governors. I would kindly ask parishioners to reflect prayerfully on whether they could take on this important role. If you feel you could help, then please contact me in the first instance.

With every prayer and good wish,

Fr Aaron