Fr. Aaron Writes 20th November 2022

Many thanks to parishioners for your kind cards and gifts on my birthday last Saturday. I must say it seems very odd for

me to be older than the Prime Minister!

Feast of Christ the King – We particularly pray for the young people of our parish on this Feast. May Christ be King of

their hearts and minds and may they be instruments of his in bringing peace and hope of the Gospel to a world that seems

hopeless at the moment.

First Holy Communion – Our Pre-Enrolment Course session 2 is this weekend on Saturday (19th) at 4pm. Parents and

carers in the Hall, children in the church.

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 forthis 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 StJohn’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