Fr. Aaron Writes 17th May 2021
Webmaster • May 24, 2021
Dear Friends,
Re-engage – I have been thinking about how we are, as a parish, to re-engage with the Lord, and with 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.
As we come out of restrictions, I really would ask all you 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 to my parish family?
At this stage I just want to put these questions out there. Over the next few weeks, I will begin to, with your collaboration and help, identify areas of need and concern as we re-start and re-engage our parish community of St John’s.
Perhaps in this week where we prepare for the celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we can pray for the Holy Spirit to fall up us afresh - to inspire and strengthen us and also equip us for the task ahead.
Weekday Mass & Sunday Mass –Thank you to the Augustinian Friars at Crawley who are covering Masses this week in my absence as I take a break from the Presbytery and the Parish. I will not answer any emails whilst I am away. I shall be back on Wednesday 26th May.
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 dates for applications is Friday 28th May 2021. No applications will be received after this date.
Missa Cantata – On the Feast of Pentecost next Sunday at 3pm, there will be a Sung Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite this will take place at Our Lady of Consolation, West Grinstead.
A Special Corpus Christi Mass for the Vulnerable and for those who have been shielding plus their carers – together with the help of the parish SVP, there will be a special Mass for those who might find a return to church a little daunting. The will be only a few places available in the church. Mass will be at 4pm for the vigil of the Feast of Corpus Christi on Saturday June 5th. Quite an opportune celebration for those who would not have been at Holy Mass for a long time.
Mobile Phones – over the past week or so, quite a number of mobile phones have been ringing or making noises throughout Mass. Please, in order not to disturb your neighbour or the celebrant during Mass, I would kindly ask everybody to silence or switch off their mobile devices as you come into church.
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 this week on Monday 17th May at 10am here at St John’s.
Kevin Taylor RIP – Kevin died earlier this week. We pray for his family and friends in our prayers at this sad time. Kevin’s Requiem Mass will take place here at St John’s on Monday 7th June at 12 Noon.
James Church RIP – We pray for James’ repose and for consolation for his family who mourn.
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 week.
CAFOD HARVEST FAMILY FAST DAY
Parishioners raised over £2533.85 for St Johns school
HARVEST APPEAL
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