Fr. Aaron Writes 30th April 2023

Fr Aaron writes…

Dear Friends,

Greetings on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, which is designated Good Shepherd Sunday. This Sunday is a day set aside by the church to reflect on the gift of the priesthood and to pray for our priests, for those in seminary and for those who are considering responding to God’s call to serve as a priest.

We have a special pastoral message from Bishop Richard this week, which can also be accessed through the diocesan website for deeper consideration.

I am always conscious of, and deeply grateful for, your kindnesses to me as your pastor; I know I am sustained by your love, support and prayers. These generous gifts of yours have carried me along the path of ministry in both good times and bad. In England & Wales there is a very special bond of closeness and availability between priest and people and I hope and pray that we will continue to love and support each other this way.

As we re-launch our day for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, we are particularly called by the Bishop to pray for vocations to the priesthood in our diocese. In my work as Vocations Promotor, I am very privileged to walk side by side with young and not-so-young men who wish to respond to the Lord’s call to “Follow Me!”.

There are some from our parish who are considering a call to priestly service – please hold them in your daily prayers. Offer a decade of the Holy Rosary, especially this May, for vocations. Pray for priests who find their ministry difficult and trying, pray for sick and retired priests and pray for the priests you have known throughout your life.

Also pray for me and for Fr Ian, for the priests of our deanery and for our bishop as we try our very best to serve you all.

Coronation of the King – We will have a special Mass for the Intentions of King Charles III’s Coronation at 12 noon on Friday 5th May.

First Holy Communion – Please keep our children in prayer as they prepare for their First Holy Communions, which will take place on Saturday 13th May and on Saturday 20th May, both at 11am.

In Memoriam - Please can you pray for two friends of mine who are priests who have recently lost one of their parents. Please pray for Ronald Gee, father of Fr Alexander Gee and for Eileen Monaghan, mother of Fr Sebastian Jones.

Also please pray for the repose of the soul of Tony Cooper; we also hold his family in prayer at this sad time.

With every prayer and good wish for the coming week.

Fr Aaron