Fr. Aaron Writes : 31st October 2021
Dear Friends,
Fr David Irwin RIP - it is with much sadness that I share with you the news that FrDavid died last week, we believe on Tuesday. It is a great and sad loss for us all. Fr David was only with us in Horsham the week before, for the Deanery meeting, where he was in good spirits and in great form. We shall miss him greatly, we remember and thank him particularly for his ministry and guidance in reconciliation, offering the Eucharistic sacrifice for us and especially his good humour, wisdom and friendship. I have not heard details of his funeral arrangements, I will inform the parish when I do. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.
All Saints Party - This Sunday we celebrate the feast of All Saints. After the Sunday 10 o’clock Mass there will be a celebration in the hall for all. I invite children to come to any Holy Mass this weekend dressed as their favourite Saints - the more imaginative the better! I would invite parishioners to bring some cakes or other light refreshments so that we can celebrate this important feast of light, hope and life.
Holy Communion – when you approach for Holy Communion, if you are a couple or family, please come forward together to receive the Lord. This will expedite the time for Holy Communion. The gaps between the Sunday Masses are short, and so this will help increase the time between liturgies. Many thanks.
Parish email addresses – you may have noticed that we have a new Parish email address, horsham@abdiocese.org.uk. Please use this in all email correspondence with the Parish Office and remember to update our details in your contacts. We will shortly be decommissioning our previous email address, info@stjohnshorsham.com, meaning that any emails you send to us at that address will not be answered.
My email has also changed, to aaron.spinelli@abdiocese.org.uk.
Restart – Again I make an appeal for those who would like to help with certain parish activities and ministries. Perhaps you might consider using your time, talent or treasure to assist in one of the following areas of parish life. I will focus on the following to begin with:
• Children’s Liturgy.
• Refreshments after Sunday Mass.
• Adult and Children Formation Programs.
Appointment of an additional Parish Health and Safety Representative
I wish to appoint an additional Parish Safety Representative to eventually take overthe role from the current parish volunteer. The role is to assist me in the discharge of my health and safety responsibilities. Please contact me if you wish to consider this role.
People who typically fulfil this role are often able to bring professional qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience which support them in this role. Useful skills and attributes for such a role include:
• A commitment to safety, health and welfare.
• A good working knowledge of the parish, what goes on and how activities are run.
• Good communication and organisation skills.
• Basic IT skills and access to a computer or tablet.
November Month of the Holy Souls – Dates for you diary:
• All Souls Day - Holy Mass at 10am, 12 Noon and 6:30pm on Tuesday 2nd November.
• Parish Annual Mass for the Bereaved – 6:30pm on Monday 8th November.
• Deanery Deceased Clergy Mass – 12:15pm at the Friary, Crawley on Tuesday 9th November.
• Annual Mass for the Dead of All Wars – Remembrance Sunday 14th November at 10am Mass.
• Blessing of Graves at Hills Cemetery - 3pm on Sunday 14th November.
• Stational Mass with Bishop Richard for the Deceased of Our Deanery – 7pm Monday November 22nd here at St John’s.
In Memoriam – Michael Georgeson RIP – Michael sadly died recently, we pray for the repose of his soul and we pray especially for Maggie and for his family and friends at this sad time. Michael’s Requiem Mass will be on Friday 12th November at 12 Noon.
With my very best wishes and prayers for the week ahead.
Fr Aaron
