Fr. Aaron Writes 24th July 2022
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your prayers over the past week or so when I was suffering with tonsillitis. It really knocked me for six days and was extremely painful. I am getting back to full strength – I would like to thank the many priests who managed to come to Horsham to offer Holy Mass, and Deacon Tom for stepping in for me whilst I was sick.
Fr Ian McDole – We have been greatly blessed to have Fr Ian working here at weekends and I have found his help and friendship immensely supportive and so it is bitter sweet to announce that, at the end of August, Fr Ian will move on to pastures new, as he takes up his appointment as Catholic Chaplain to Eton College. The last weekend of August (27th/28th) will be his last with us and we hope to have a shared meal that weekend to say farewell. Please watch this space!
The Parish Fayre – Thank you to all who helped contribute to our Parish Fayre of Volunteer roles last weekend in the Hall. I hope many of you managed to pop in after Mass and sign up for a volunteer role in our parish community.
World Youth Day 2023 – Lisbon – I would like to invite anyone who is between 18 (or will be 18 in August 2023) and 35 to come to a quick meeting between Sunday Masses this weekend, in Rooms 2/3 of the Parish Hall, to discuss the World Youth Day next year. I will share with them my hopes for many young people from Horsham joining in this wonderful event.
Parish Picnic – This weekend, after the 11:15am Mass on Sunday, we will go for a parish picnic in Horsham Park. All are welcome to join us from 12:30pm. Please bring your own games and food and drink.
Contactless Card Machine – This is now fixed to the wall between the notice board and St Anthony’s statue. You may make your cashless donations/offertory there on your way in or out.
Lourdes – I shall be travelling to Lourdes on Pilgrimage with the Diocese. We will leave on Friday 29th July and return on Thursday 4th August. A number of young people will travel as Redshirts and helpers, as well as many other pilgrims. We will keep you in our prayers. If anyone would like me to offer Mass in Lourdes for a particular intention, please drop these off in the Parish Office.
Fr Ian Byrnes – Fr Ian, known to many who attend the Signed Mass for the Deaf Community, will be retiring from his parish of Newhaven and Peacehaven in East Sussex to Faygate in our parish. He hopes to join in our parish when he can. I look forward to welcoming him to our parish and we wish him a blessed and happy retirement.
Annette Wardell RIP – Fr Colin Wolczak’s sister, Annette, sadly died last week. We keep her in our prayers and pray for Fr Colin and his family. Her Requiem Mass will take place at 3pm on Tuesday 26th July at St. Gabriel’s, Billingshurst.
Summer Newsletter – This will be the last full Newsletter until September 3rd/4th. We will move to our summer edition, which contains only Mass Times and Intentions.
Be assured of my prayers and good wishes,
Fr Aaron
