Fr. Aaron Writes 16th October 2022
Fr Aaron writes…
Visit of the Relics of St Bernadette - www.stbernadette.org.uk/the-tour. This week the relics will be in Woking from the 21st to 22nd October, at the Cathedral from 22nd to 23rd October and at Worth Abbey from the 23rd to 24th October. These days will be marked by liturgical celebrations and opportunities for private prayer, modelled on the celebrations that take place in Lourdes. Schedules for events at our two nearest venues are available at the back of the church and you will find them attached to the Newsletter mail out. I hope to venerate the relics on the Sunday evening and join in the Marian Candlelight procession at 20:00.
2023 First Holy Communion Programme – We’ve launched our Programme for 2023. It’s open to children in year 3 and above. The Programme is in three parts – Part I: Pre-Enrolment Course, Part II: Preparation for First Confession and Part III: Preparation for First Holy Communion. This year, as we are moving forward to a life-long formation for all, we’re introducing a compulsory Pre-Enrolment Course for parents/carers and children to attend. It’s designed to ensure your readiness, and that of your child, for the spiritual journey towards the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion which your child is about to make. The Pre-Enrolment Course is made up of three classes and these will take place from 4pm – 5.15pm on Saturday 5th November 2022, Saturday 19th November 2022 and Saturday 3rd December 2022. Provided you and your child have attended all three classes, and we agree your child is ready, they will be accepted onto Parts II and III of the Programme. You’ll find all the information you need, including the application form and the provisional timetable for all parts of the Programme, on our website. You can also pick up an application form from the back of the Church or from the Parish Office. The window for submitting applications closes on Sunday 30th October, so please get your completed form back to the Parish Office as soon as possible. I’m looking forward to welcoming you and your children to the Programme.
Children of Light Celebration – In anticipation of the Feast of All Saints, on Sunday 30th October I would encourage children to come dressed as their favourite saints to the 9:15am Mass. Afterwards, there will be a gathering and activities for the children, including refreshments.
Parish Pilgrimage to Walsingham - We’re arranging a Parish pilgrimage to Walsingham from 28th - 30th November 2022. You’ll find more information, including how to book your place, in the Newsletter. Please do think about joining us, on what will be our first pilgrimage as a Parish since pre-COVID days!
World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 – I would like to get together those who are going to World Youth Day, to discuss fundraising. I propose a meeting in between the Sunday Masses at 10:30am on Sunday November 6th in Rooms 2/3 of the Hall. If you would like to come, please email me this week indicating your interest and also register your interest through the Diocesan website and/or book a place.
Saturdays – The increase in workload after the summer and the various events/meetings that I need to attend, given my many roles in and out of the Diocese, mean that I am not always present for the Saturday Morning Mass and the 6pm Vigil Mass. I thank you for your patience and understanding and I thank those who are able to cover for me.
In Memoriam – Please keep in your prayers the repose of the soul of Mary Douglas, whose Requiem Mass will take place on Monday 24th October at 12 Noon here at St John’s.
Also, please hold in your prayers the repose of the soul of Baby Harry and pray for his parents and family. Harry’s Requiem Mass is at 1pm on Tuesday 25th October, again here at St John’s.
With every prayer and good wish,
Fr Aaron
